No matter where you get most of your work done — your company’s office, the library, a co-working space, the car — it’s always amazing to have a quiet, private space to work at home. Besides the easy commute, it can boost your productivity to work in a space that you’ve cultivated just for you.
But how exactly will you create that perfect home office workspace?
Working in a separate space from everyone else can lead to a lack of stimulation. While your home office should should be a dedicated workspace, that doesn’t mean that it has to be dry or unpleasant. Keep it interesting, and you will be more encouraged to pop in and use it. Aesthetics do matter in a workspace — that’s why so many businesses try to make their spaces attractive and comfortable. It’s the reason Google has a slide as well as a staircase, why Pixar’s offices in California have oversized sculptures and lap pools, and why Quicken Loans in Detroit has a pool table that looks like a Ford Mustang.
There’s no need to go overboard with your home office space, but think about giving the space a new coat of paint, or some other decor to add some personality. Frame some photos, prints, maps or even album covers. Anything that makes the space feel engaging is a plus. Think about your furniture as well as the decoration. If you can’t stand the sight of your ugly, hulking home office desk, then why would you want to sit at it day after day?
Technology is a wonderful thing, but it has a frustrating byproduct: wires. Your home office is likely criss-crossed with all sorts of cabling, power bars, and power adapters. This might also be the case for your bedside table, your kitchen table or your living room couch, but your home office is a perfect place to take control of the wire jungle.
Cable management involves a bit of work at the beginning, but has a huge pay off for the perfect work space down the line. First, identify every cable in the room (it is better at this point to disconnect them if possible, as it makes it easier to feed them through small gaps), and tag each one. A red ribbon for your computer charger, for instance, or a bread tag for your desk lamp wire. Next, start to organize according to length and importance. Any cable that is often removed or moved around can go into a ‘floating’ area, whereas more permanent cables such as one for a desktop have their own space. Whether you organize with the help of out-of-the-box cable management options or you make your own out of binder clips, you can make your tech work for the space you have and improve your home office immensely.
Always think of your home office as an evolving ecosystem. You might decide to repaint the whole area and bring in new furniture, or you might just swap out some potted plants and change the color of your binders. Big or small, these changes can make a huge difference to making your home office your perfect work space. They say change is as good as a rest, and that is just as important in life as it is in your home office. It will be a great incentive to address any frustrating problems — such as errant cables or bad lighting — and boost your excitement about working in there on a regular basis.
You wouldn’t put up with an uncomfortable couch or armchair for very long, so why do the same with your home office furniture? There is no better way to get distracted, unmotivated, and eager to leave than a terrible seating situation. It doesn’t matter if it is a cheap reclaimed desk chair, an expensive ergonomic machine, or even an old stool from another part of the house. Whatever piece of furniture allows you to sit comfortably for long periods and does not damage your neck or back is perfect to make your home office space the ideal place to be productive.
According to numerous scientific and psychological studies, color has a direct impact on our mood. The amazing thing about color is that it is different for every person. Although there is evidence to indicate that purple produces thoughts of luxury and creativity, or that red is intense and stimulating for energy levels, it all comes down to personal preference. If you find your work is best done in a sunny, well-lit environment, then think about painting in yellow or white. If it is a calming environment you need to get work done, then try green.
Lighting is also a great way to improve your home office space when painting is not an option. Natural light exposure has been proven to have a wide range of health benefits, including increased productivity. If you are a night owl then having great lighting in your home office eliminates painful squinting. Full spectrum bulbs can do the trick, and emulate natural light even when the sun is long gone.
However you design it, remember that your home office is going to become a very personal space, just as much as a productive one.
Looking to upgrade your living situation, to include space a home office? Give Danielle Lazier + Associates a call today, and let our San Francisco real estate experts find you the perfect space to call your own.
