Whether you work from home, or have set a goal to up your side hustle, spend more time on your hobbies, or just keep your life more organized, it may be time to take a closer look at your work space. If you either have already dedicated space that needs a facelift, or haven’t gotten around to sectioning off an area for work, here are a few things to keep in mind when creating the perfect place for you to create.
It all starts with building a foundation for your home office, which means finding the right desk. There are a few important things to consider. First and foremost, the space you have available to you. Measure out roughly where you’ll want to place an office desk, and if it’s particularly small or requires a specific size, make sure to keep that size in mind.
You’ll also need to consider exactly what you need to do in this office space. If you’re planning on making it work double duty, say as a craft area or vanity, or if you’re the kind of person who needs extra space, look for something with a lot of storage. Office desks come with a multitude of storage solutions that you can customize to fit your needs. You can even purchase separate storage, like a filing cabinet or bookshelves. Floating shelves about a desk can be a great way to utilize empty space while also having everything you need at your fingertips. If you’re a minimalist, have no fear. You can find a variety of streamlined, simple desks that play nicely with your clean aesthetic. If you need utility, try a desk that transforms between sitting and standing. This allows for a change of pace and posture to keep you focused and keep your back happy.
You will be spending a lot of time sitting at your office chair, so make sure it’s something comfortable for you. You can opt for the more traditional black executive chair, something maybe a bit more ergonomic, or something with a bit more of a design element. It will end up depending on your work style and what you want your space to look like.
A well-lit desk is a key to success, or at least a key to keep eye-strain at bay. Add a desk lamp to your set up to help light your way. This is a great opportunity to continue adding your design. Don’t have the space on your desk? Utilize a floor lamp or built in lighting to brighten up your home office in order to gain precious desk space back.
The organization of your office is almost as important as the construction. Whether you’re impeccably tidy or living in organized chaos, start developing a system now. One option is to create distinct stations or areas on your desk that are designated for tasks. Set one tray up for mail and another area up for to-do. This can help you visually understand your workspace. Opt for cute or styled organizational tools, such as boxes and filing trays that are the same color and style. The small bit that goes into making your desk interesting can help you love your space more in the long run.
On that note, a finishing step to setting up the perfect home office is to add things that make you happy. You want to make your space some where you’ll want to sit at and do work. Set up an inspiration board above your computer or workspace to help you when you need a burst of creativity. You could hang a chalkboard to write notes and keep yourself on task. Arrange your favorite tchotchkes for a personal touch. Plants have actually been proven to increase happiness when placed at desks, so find one or two (or more!) that could fill your space with green and joy (check out our blog on using plants as decor). Whimsical bookends could also make an appearance and are a good way to contribute to the aforementioned organization. Make this space one of your favorite places in your house and you’re sure to be successful.