Designing a Cozy and Functional Home Office: Tips and Tricks
Designing a Cozy and Functional Home Office: Tips and Tricks
With more and more people working from home every year, the 2020s are poised to be the golden age of the home office. How can one design a work from home office that is comfortable and relaxing while still being highly conducive to productivity? In this article, we’ll look at how to design a cozy and functional home office that is in tune with the rest of the house, enjoyable to be in, and helps you get in the right mindset for work.
Tip #1: Natural lighting is key.
While you will definitely want to install normal lighting and especially a desk lamp for paperwork, try and design the space with a window facing where the sun will be shining during the day. This will help you wake up in the morning and feel refreshed throughout the day. Sunlight, with its plethora of energizing benefits like increased Vitamin D, helps you feel motivated and sharp when you need it the most.
Tip #2: Don’t skimp out on the furniture.
Unlike dinner table chairs, which only see an hour or so of use a day, a home office chair can be used up to 8 hours or more every workday. For this reason, it’s critical to purchase a comfortable and ergonomic chair that won’t hurt your back, helps your posture, and will leave you comfortable at the end of the day. A sore back from a cheap chair will prevent you from sleeping, which will create tiredness the next day.
In addition, it’s important to consider the rest of the furniture as well. A sit-to-stand desk is an excellent option, and you’ll want to make sure you have room for all the materials you need on it. Bookshelves should be close by, and don’t forget a filing cabinet with a lock on it for any material that will need to be stored securely.
Tip #3: Try to find a quiet space.
When you’re working from home, the last thing you need is constant distractions. Try and choose a location that is as far as possible from noisy or busy areas of the house, like the kitchen or entryway.
Preventing distractions before they happen will go a long way towards increasing your focus, relaxation, and productivity. If you live with others, consider installing a lock on the door to prevent unwanted incursions into the space while you are conducting meetings or concentrating.
Tip #4: Make the space personal.
One factor that will go a long way towards increasing the coziness of your office is bringing in a personal touch. Whether that’s a painting you enjoy, a treasured memento, or a potted plant, choose something you can focus on that will relax you. This will help you enjoy being in the space and bring you satisfaction and comfort while working.
Tip #5: Use the psychology of color to your benefit.
Colors, somewhat surprisingly, can have a large impact on people’s perceptions and psychological outlooks. Try to choose colors for the space that you find pleasing and relaxing, as an orderly and beautiful space will translate into a more relaxed and orderly psychological space as well.
Try to stick to lighter, more natural colors. Blue, green, and brown are excellent choices for a cozy office space, and avoid harsh colors like red and orange. Colors that are found largely in nature, especially when paired with a potted plant, are excellent at increasing comfort and mental relaxation.
Tip #6: Match the rest of the house.
One thing you will want to avoid is a harsh transition from “cozy house” to “sterile office”. Try and create a space that fits with the thematic elements of the rest of the house, like paintings or artwork that complements other areas, and colors that go with other highlights. If you have a traditional house, consider a traditional office, and for a modern house try and go with updated, modern office furniture that sticks with the theme.
Tip #7: Cable management is critical.
While you will certainly have a lot of technology, having lots of wires lying around everywhere can throw off your vibe and cause unnecessary stress. One of the marks of a seasoned IT professional is cable management. If your cords are hidden and organized neatly, it will go a long way toward making the space cozier.
Tip #8: Provide a comfortable meeting space.
Keep in mind that you may be bringing important guests into the space like a boss or client. Always provide a comfortable chair for them, and try to consider whether they will feel comfortable in the space while designing it.
At the end of the day, working from home is only going to increase. In fact, the number of people working from home tripled between 2019 and 2021. Home offices are certain to take on a more central role in households moving forward, so don’t neglect yours and be sure to take your time when designing it.