Create An Inspiring Home Office During Lockdown

Interiors — 01.04.20

With life having changed in a way we would have never imagined a few months ago, most of us have to adjust to our new working from home reality. For many people this new reality is unfamiliar and trying to adapt to it can be very challenging, so it’s important to create a calm environment to aid productivity.

The choices you have to make when it comes to home office design & furniture have a huge impact on your own productivity. Home offices need to deliver ergonomic value, flexibility and help you to stay focused and motivated, comfortable & productive.

Once regarded as a luxury, a home office space is now a must-have so we are here to offer some tips for maximum productivity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

1. Choose a location that best suits your working style
The first & most important thing to consider when designing a home office is where your home office ought to be located. Consider your working style and the nature of your work, as well the needs of the people you live with. Ideally, your home office should be quiet, well lit and have good air circulation. A place near windows with a good view can be a great source of inspiration.

If your work requires quiet & privacy consider a spare bedroom but if you are running a small business from home while keeping an eye on your family then consider a workspace near the kitchen or sitting room.
If your desk is in the middle of a room, you need to plan the safest way to run cables to a power point – flexible conduit is a good option.

 

2.  Choose the right desk

Choosing the best desk for your home office should consider how much space you have available in the room. You can get desks in every size & style so its not hard to find furniture that will match your room and existing furnishings. You will need a big enough desk to accommodate your laptop or computer, while giving you space to take notes or sort files.

A practical and functional idea is having a corner desk as it will allow you to split the workstation in two: one side for your computer and the other for paperwork.
Basic Rule: When seated and while on your computer your eyes should be level with the top of the screen

Element Table by Desalto

3. Pick a great office chair

A comfortable and supportive office chair is a must for anyone sitting at a desk for any length of time. Opt for a swivel type of chair as you can adjust it to the right height and a chair with good back support.

There is a wide choice online so it’s easy to find a chair that is ergonomically designed that also suits the look of your space. Your chair should be at a height where you are able to rest your feet on the ground.

Swan Lounge Office Chair by Cult Living

4. Comprehensive storage to avoid clutter

Clutter can be very distracting in the home office area so you will want to make sure that the space is as tidy as possible with important paperwork easily accessible. Recessed, or built-in, bookshelves can provide floor-to-ceiling storage and space savings.

Elmwood Road

Freestanding bookcases are widely available in a variety of sizes & colours. You can also mount hanging shelves onto the wall or buy glass cases, which might be preferable for treasured books & ornaments.
Make sure you have room for office accessories such a printers & scanners and think about whether you want these neatly packed away, or within easy reach on a worktop.

5. Get home office lighting right

Allowing plenty of natural light in the room is important so try to position your desk close to a window to benefit from as much daylight as possible. If you are working with computers, as most of us do, make sure you allow for the angles of natural light through the day to avoid glare.

Creating the right ambience in a home office is important so clever lighting is critical in order to achieve it. Consider a soft light with a lampshade to set the mood, or a pendant light to illuminate the room without cluttering it.

Make your work space somewhere you want to spend time! A home office that inspires creativity is easy and it’s a great way to utilise quarantine time. Put up some artwork, get yourself some house plants or even colour coordinate your office supplies. A functional & comfortable workspace will make working at home easier and more enjoyable!