Right now, it is 10 pm and I am dressed in casually, loose fitting clothes. Yet, I am working in my office…home office that is. I’m happy that I don’t have to leave an office building to go home. As I write this article, I’m feeling comfortable, safe, and relaxed. I’m not concerned about being alone in an office building or wondering what is happening with my family at home.
Because I enjoy my work, there is no stress, and I am not concerned about the time or my surroundings. I carefully selected everything in my surroundings to be sure that I could function easily…more focused and productive. I paid attention to how the space is laid out, the colors, the comfort of the chairs, style of the furniture and accessories. When I talk on the phone, I can look out my window or at something that I have chosen and makes me happy.
Many people today have home offices. Even if it isn’t a complete working office, zoom meetings with professionals and certain computer accessories may require the need for a separate room. Of course, laptops and cell phones make it easy to work in any room of the house. It just depends on your need for privacy and how you want to present your image and brand when you teleconference.
One of the best things about a home office is you don’t have to play by the rules. No one is dictating to you about the decor in your workspace or how it must be furnished or what can or cannot be displayed.
What I enjoy most about my home office is the sense the well-being it provides. I can personalize my space. I can have candles on my desk, a small water fountain flowing beside me, my favorite music playing, surround myself with my plants, my favorite knick-knacks that make me smile or practice aromatherapy.
Whether your home office is only for telecommuting or for a full-time business, it is an opportunity for you to support your needs and express your personality. The more you tailor your space for you, the more likely you will enjoy being there and be less tired when you leave “work”.
When your office is designed for your comfort and function it will impact your performance and productivity. Don’t skimp on bringing in the best tools for you since this is an investment in you.
The best location for your office is as far away from your bedroom and living space as possible. It’s best not to have a view of your office as you go about your daily life at home. You don’t need a reminder to work.
Hopefully, you have a separate room, rather than having to share a space in a room that is also used for another purpose.
Providing some sort of designated area is really important, especially if you can close a door to it. You can use a closet or space under a staircase. Just mirror the wall in front of you to give it the reflection of the larger space behind you. Choosing the right location in your home can be as important as the space itself.
In a home office you can choose the lighting you want. Let in, as much daylight and fresh air as you can. Be aware that the average bedroom lighting is a fixture in the center of the room, which will do you no good for lighting work areas. Consider task lighting such as desk lamps, floor lamps and over-head lighting directed on the work area.
You can also create some ambient lighting to create a feeling of relaxation. It is ideal to have a mix of lighting all switched separately to illuminate and support your different need.
Very important, watch your posture and comfort as you work. Be sure your flat-panel monitor is positioned at the right height and distance for you and wear blue light lenses to reduce eye stress and strain.
Your home office is all about you and how you want to feel working. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
I am available to come to your home for a two-hour interior design consultation to personalize your home for you. barbara@barbaraKaplan.com
Published in Stroll March 2023