With more people working from home than ever before, having a dedicated workspace is becoming increasingly important. If you have a spare room in your home, transforming it into an at-home office can be a great way to increase productivity and motivation.
A well-designed home office can help promote a healthy work-life balance, making it easier to disconnect from work and enjoy downtime at home.
Here are some tips to create the ultimate sanctuary into a functional and comfortable workspace for productivity and inspiration.
1. Clear out the space To start with your spare room transformation we begin with clearing out the space.
This can be a daunting task, but it's a necessary first step if you want to turn it into an at-home office or other functional space.
The first step is to set aside some time to go through all of the items in the room and decide what you want to keep, donate, or throw away.
It's important to be ruthless during this process and get rid of anything that you don't need or use. Once you've cleared out the room, you can then assess the space and start thinking about how you want to use it. A cleared-out space provides a blank canvas to create the functional and inspiring space you desire and deserve!
2. Decide on the layout
Before you start planning the layout, consider what your office space needs to have.
Do you need storage for books, files, or supplies? Do you need a desk and chair, a printer, or other equipment? Consider your needs carefully to ensure your new office space will meet your requirements, like electrical outlets and other features.
Natural light can boost your mood and increase productivity, so consider the position of windows, as good lighting is important for any workspace.
Try to place your desk near a window or other source of natural light.
If that's not possible, invest in a good desk lamp that ensures that you can see what you're working on and won't strain your eyes, such as a desk lamp.
Our 3 tips on desk lamps are:
Darci lamp by Nordlux
Snoopy lamp by Flos
Omari lamp by Nordlux
Make sure to leave enough space to move around comfortably and allow for any storage needs you have.
3. Choose the right color scheme
Color can have a big impact on your mood and productivity.
When selecting a color, it's important to consider the overall style of your home and the type of work you will be doing in the space. Cooler colors like blues and greens can promote focus and calmness, and neutrals like gray and beige can provide a clean and modern look.
Warmer colors like yellows and oranges can inspire creativity and energy.
It's also important to consider the amount of natural light the room receives, as this can affect how colors appear in the space. Be sure to test samples of your top color choices in the room before committing to a certain color to ensure it looks just right.
4. Choose a desk Choose a desk that fits your needs and the space. A comfortable and functional workspace is essential for productivity. A standing desk allows you to adjust the height of the desk to suit your needs, which can be especially beneficial for those who spend long hours sitting at a desk. By standing and changing positions, you can improve blood flow, reduce strain on your back and neck, and boost your energy levels.
Additionally, the flexibility of the desk allows you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, which can lead to increased productivity and focus.
5. Invest in a comfortable chair Since you'll be spending a lot of time in your new office, investing in a comfortable, ergonomic chair is a must. Look for a chair with adjustable features to ensure a proper fit. While comfort and ergonomics are certainly of paramount importance, it is entirely feasible to discover a high-quality office chair that also possesses aesthetic appeal.
Our top 3 favorite desk chairs are:
6. Incorporate inspiration
Surround yourself with things that inspire you. It's important to create a space that feels unique to you and reflects your personal style, as this can help you stay engaged and inspired while working from home. You might consider adding a vision board or a quote board to remind you of your goals and inspire you to work hard.
7. Add storage
Whether it's a bookcase, filing cabinet, or shelves, make sure to incorporate some storage options to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. Create a designated space for all of your work materials and include drawers for office supplies or a filing cabinet for important papers and documents.
You can also create a system for organizing your digital files and email inbox. Taking breaks throughout the day to tidy up and put things away can also prevent clutter from building up.
Folding crates by Søstrene Grene
8. Make it your own Add some personal touches to the space, such as artwork or plants, to make it feel inviting and inspiring. A stylish and comfortable rug can also add to the overall aesthetic of the room. Find out more decor tips on how to make your space unique
9. Eliminate distractions
Eliminate distractions by choosing a location for your desk that's away from noise and traffic. If necessary, add sound-absorbing materials to the walls to reduce outside noise. This also goes for any visual distractions that may be competing for your attention. Clear your desk of any unnecessary items. Keep only what you need to complete your work within easy reach, and create a system for organizing your paperwork, such as a filing cabinet, file folders, or desktop trays. This will help you keep your paperwork organized and reduce the clutter on your desk.
10. Keep it organized
Clutter can be distracting and hinder productivity. Keep the space organized and clutter-free by incorporating storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers to keep your office supplies and materials organized. Our favorite storage solutions are from Muuto and Muji.
This will help keep your workspace neat and tidy and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
With these simple steps, you can turn your spare room into a functional and inspiring at-home office. Creating a dedicated workspace can help you stay focused, productive, and comfortable throughout the workday!
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