Home Office Ideas

CREATE THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE

During these strange times we find ourselves in, if we are lucky enough to still be working, most of us are working from home. This may be a new "adventure" for you or this may be your usual "MO". In this weeks blog I will go over several tip to set up your home office and help you get the most out of your space.

Before we dive into examples, for those considering creating a space within their home to work remotely or take video conference calls from home, let's go through the essentials for any home office.

1. Get the right equipment.

Here are the basics of what you'll need to work from home in a professional way:

• Desk
• Ergonomic desk chair
• Strong WiFi connection
• Adequate lighting (natural if you can)
• Notepad & pens for jotting down quick thoughts
• Noise-canceling headphones
• Calendar
• Coffee maker, fridge, or snacks
• Whiteboard/chalkboard
• Filing cabinet/organization system
• Printer
• Plants, art, or other inspiring and calming elements

Making the adjustment to working from home if you've previously worked in an office environment can be a big change. It takes self-control, motivation, and strategy to succeed in working independently and creating your own schedule. Environment plays a major role in those who are able to easily make the transition to telecommuting.

2. Create a routine.

Have a space you go just to work, it could be a certain table, chair or corner that you consistently set up as your "work space". This will help get you into the right frame of mind.

Creating a routine and having a home office can be a good way to enter work mode when you need to and go back to your personal life when you leave that space. When you're setting up your home office, make sure you're choosing a room or part of your house that's quiet, free of distractions, and distinct enough from the rest of your home so you can truly feel like you're off the clock when you stop working for the day.

3. Keep your work in the cloud so you can work from anywhere.

 Many companies suggest using virtual desktops and cloud-based document storage so that you can work from anywhere, anytime. Tools like Google Business Suite and Dropbox help to keep files organized and allow for team collaboration from any location if you're not in your home office.

4. Don't avoid meetings just because you're working from home.

Working remotely doesn't have to mean sacrificing face to face interactions.  Use video conferencing platforms to interact with teammates throughout the day. Video meetings rather than phone conference calls can make a big difference in including remote teammates in the conversation.

Let's explore some innovative and attainable home offices to help you get inspired to revamp your space at home.

1. Home Office Under the Stairs

This home office efficiently uses a small amount of space beneath a staircase to incorporate a storage area, desk and workspace, and even plants. By adding built-in shelves and a small desk chair, this creative area includes everything needed to work from home in about 18 square feet of space.

 

2. For the Sleek Executive

The population of executives working from is growing. Home offices can reflect prestige and exude leadership, providing a stately backdrop for video conferencing calls and meetings. The home office featured here subtly incorporates ample storage in cabinets, boxes and shelving.

 

 

3. Power Couple Status

Many couples or roommates are choosing to take advantage of the "gig economy" and freelance trend. This shared work space at home is like a co-working space in the confines of a study or den. With clearly defined areas, both individuals can focus and stay organized while maintaining remote work-life balance.

 

4. Collaborate with Others While Working from Home

This cozy, shared, co-working space is perfect for those who collaborate or host meetings from their home office. With a beautifully decorated space, a creative freelancer or small business could hold client meetings right from their home.

 

5. Convert an Old Wardrobe or Closet Into a Home Office

These home offices' re-purpose a closet into a clever home office space. In homes with less space that may need to close up shop when not active, a "hideaway" office is a great choice. When the workday is done, you can close up the closet and go back to home or family mode. This can also help to physically separate work and life.

 

 

6. Giant Wall Calendar for Visual Learners

Visual learners are more likely to work from home for increased productivity and better focus. What better way to work how you want than to set up a space that lets you be creative from home? Try a giant wall calendar or chalkboard wall to get the creative juices flowing.

 

7. Built-In Desks Create Space for Your Side Hustle

For the minimalist digital nomad, try a hideaway desk that allows you to quickly jump from work mode to home mode in no time at all. This convenient desk area will never gather clutter and help you take video calls or be productive in a distraction-free environment.

 

8. Guest Bedroom and Home Office Combo

If you have the luxury of having an extra room in your home, try a combination guest bedroom home office. The shared space works perfectly as they will likely not overlap very often. Use a daybed or pull out couch for an office that truly feels like one when guests aren't over.

 

9. Chalkboard Walls for Creative Remote Workers

Chalkboard walls are as easy as a new coat of paint. Try decking out your home office space for working from home with chalkboard paint or spaces for visual projects and inspiration.

 

10. For the Plant Loving Work from Home Warrior

Did you know that plants can improve productivity and job satisfaction by 15% and increase happiness? They also help to add oxygen to the air in your home! Try starting with plants that don't require much light or water, like succulents, peace lilies.

 

11. The Outdoor Home Office

For those lucky enough to live in temperate environments, a home office can be indoors or outdoors. If you are considering an outdoor home office like front porch,  make sure you have WiFi that extends outdoors, or a router that can stretch your signal.

 

 

12. Attic Home Office Space

Try finding an unused space and thinking outside the box to re-purpose it into a personal, inspirational area for you to work from home, take a break from the usual coffee shop you work from, or get into a deep focus away from the office. This home office uses a loft/attic area and incorporates a desk, chair, and bookshelves... you may want to add some are supplies too!

 

13. The Tiny House Office for the Digital Nomad

Today's work-from-anywhere culture allows for some creative solutions for those that want to live on the move. Hitch a Tiny House right onto your method of transportation, and you'll have dedicated office space anywhere you want! Build a "She Shed" Office right in your own back yard! Short Commute.... Yet separate space!

 

  

14. A Standing Desk Setup

When building your dedicated home office space, it's essential to build a space that supports your health. Standing desks are a good way to reduce the time you spend sitting. You'll keep yourself more alert for work with this desk. Studies have shown that standing while working burns more calories than sitting, keeping your health on track.... better yet! how about one of these exercise bikes with a sit/stand option!

Keep your desk clutter free

With the perfect office setup decided, you're going to need to know how to organize it all. The right combination of tools will help your workspace shine!

Wrap up your cables

Here's the common scenario - you only have two outlets and a lot of devices to charge. Your laptop, desktop monitor, phone, and desk clock all need space to charge. You end up cycling through outlets and have to sacrifice power for one item to charge another. Cut the hassle and improve your effectiveness at work by organizing your cables.

Invest in a power strip to plug into your outlet for maximum coverage. Cable organizing boxes and clips will keep your cords locked in so you won't end up rolling over them in your chair. Your room will also look extra chic, with no messy cords spilling out from behind your desk.

Home offices come in many setups, sizes, and budgets. Creating any kind of dedicated environment for remote work will help you to achieve remote work-life balance and a distraction-free environment when working from home.

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