Designing Your Ideal Workspace
By: Hope Amor
Focus and fortitude come from a well-designed workspace. From the cubicle to the cupboard, many people are making the switch to working from home. Following are some critical elements to consider as you create your home office.
|
Greenery
Plants are the surest way to give life to your work area; quite literally, they will improve your air quality. Some of the most resilient, low-maintenance indoor plants are the air plant, cactus, philodendron, fiddle leaf fig, spider plant and calathea. Grouping the plants asymmetrically on or near your desk adds liveliness; alternatively, symmetric placement adds balance. Consider mixing types and heights of plants to spur visual interest. Walls Frame an inspiring art print, hang photos of your loved ones, or write on the walls by hanging a large dry erase board. Anything that can pin or clip important snippets is useful, including clipboards. Curtains with a bold color or pattern can beautifully flank your windows and give the finishing touch to your space. Wallpaper has the same effect. Consider peel & stick removable wallpaper to change-up styles with some frequency. Chair Whether it's sturdy or it swivels, select a chair that aligns best with your workstyle and your back. If you typically sit for more than 4-6 hours at a time, it’s best to find a piece with specialized lumbar support. A pop of velvet color is attractive; leather is seductive...both are incredibly touchable. If you have busy feet, consider a variable height desk, scheduled hourly movement breaks or a medicine ball. |
Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe
|
Photo by Alexandru Acea
|
|
Lighting
A light element can be purely functional, but the best ones exude joy. Natural light is your best bet because prolonged exposure to fluorescent light can cause migraines or sleep loss. Bulbs that mimic natural light are easier on your eyes, but nothing can replace a nearby window. |
Desk
Though central to the home office, your desk can be the star of the show or sophisticatedly understated. It can be placed to command the center of the room or within reach of critical outlets. Corner desks are useful to keep paperwork and materials separated. |
Location, Location, Location
Finally, ensure your desk location allows for private conversations and healthy boundaries. Placing your home office in your bedroom can make it hard to separate work time from sleep time. Having your desk in a high-traffic area of the house can cause limitless distractions. Think critically about where you will work best, and consider the following questions: Where will I get the most natural light? Where do I feel most happy in my home? What is the quietest part of the house? How can I find balance in my personal and professional life? |