No kids or pets! …. Just kidding. We are all at home together; spouses, kids, pets, etc. So, what can you do to make your space the very best home office it can be? Even without a pandemic to take into consideration, there are certain things that your home office should have. And if you don’t have a designated room or don’t need one, then consider what you will need to make wherever you are work for you.
First, ask yourself these questions before you begin:
What will you be doing in the space? What type of work needs to be done? Will external clients or colleagues be visiting the space via Zoom or other video conferencing platforms? What kind of materials will be referenced and/or stored? What type of equipment is required? When will you be doing the bulk of your work? Will you need privacy for conference or video calls?
The answers to these questions will help to develop the program for your home office.
Equipment: If you can spec out the equipment early on, then it makes it easier to figure out the wiring and concealing of the equipment. I always try to hide printers, etc. in built-in cabinetry or console tables.
Lighting: Overhead room lighting will probably not be enough, especially if your eyes are like mine! You will need task lighting at table level. And science says that “cool” light (white bulbs) are better than “warm” light (yellow bulbs) for clarity of mind and maintaining concentration, so even if you prefer warmer lighting, stick with cool lights for your office.
Privacy: Obviously, we want to eliminate as many distractions as possible and additionally create privacy for any necessary calls. Another subtler way to alleviate privacy issues and noise distractions, especially in open areas, is background music or sounds of nature.
Organization: I am a paper stacker and a notebook keeper. Organize your area the best way for your individual needs. Add any filing system, either built-in or on top of the desk, that helps you keep track of your work.
Ergonomics: How many of you have tight backs, necks, and shoulders right now? You probably need your screen heights adjusted, and your chairs changed out. We have specific products for desks that we recommend to help adjust for computer screen heights and some amazing ergonomic desk chairs we regularly use for our clients.
Colors: Orange is considered the color of focus, productivity, and organization, according to the principles of Feng Shui. (I just like it.) Adding plants or setting up your desk by a window to bring in the greenery from outside will also help. Green is considered to be the most relaxing color for your eyes. And while green encourages the unwinding of the mind, it is also warm enough to promote comfort.
Items that you should consider investing in now:
- Ergonomic Desk chair
- Desk
- Desk Lamp
- Printer/scanner
- Power supply surge protector
- Scanner
- Router for the internet
- Shredder
- Phone and chargers
- File system or adding built-in files to an existing drawer space
1. Pro Plus Standing Desk – Vari
2. Wall Art – Accessory Preview
3. Labyrinth Fabric – Nomi
4. Table Lamp – Powell and Bonnell
5. Sterling Leather Executive Chair
6. Turned Wood Side Table – Ironies
7. Anais Fabric – Jim Thompson Fabrics
8. Beaded Bamboo Box – Mix Furniture
9. Antique Ceramic Vases – Berbere World Imports
If you like any of the items you see in this post, or would like assistance with the design of your bedroom, contact Willetts Design & Associates:
