While what you do significantly influences who you become, where you work impacts how you work. It affects your efficiency, mood as well as long-term health.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the work culture has undergone an enormous transformation. Almost overnight, every company that could had to shift to a work-from-home culture or shut down its operations. The once wishful idea of working from home suddenly became a reality. Though out of compulsion initially, it eventually became the new standard even after the pandemic subsided. Studies revealed a staggering 47% increase in productivity from a remote working model.
A well-designed workspace can impact work immensely, yet home offices can be the most neglected space in our homes.
So how to improve that?
How can you feel inspired to work? A comfortable work environment a few steps away from your bed can have a drastic impact. Curating your workspace is essential to enhance productivity and help mentally separate your work life from your home life. To have a stimulating workspace, say goodbye to comfy beds and couches.
Here are the Top 10 ideas to make you buckle down and get to work.
You do you
Think chic and ooze the style that will inspire you
Even though most of us are guilty of working from our beds and couches, creating a space specifically for work is essential. Focus on what you need for work and incorporate it into your environment. Everyone’s needs and wants differ – due to factors like personal preferences, the nature of the profession, and the technology to be implemented. You can use these tips to suit you the best and decorate the space to reflect your style!
The Desk, the Chair & Beyond.
Separate your formal work zone with a versatile arrangement.
Use an ergonomic chair to be comfortable for the time spent working and avoid body ache issues. If your workspace is a part of a bigger room, allow it to bleed into a cosy seating area. A reading nook or a conversation zone with a couple of chairs, an ottoman & an inviting rug help create a pleasant transition to make the space less daunting. This versatile arrangement can help you host informal client meetings and cater to casual family chats.
Let the greens pop.
Reinvigorate your workspace so that you’ll want to stay longer.
One way to breathe life into your space is by incorporating houseplants. Plants are not only natural humidifiers but also great mood enhancers. The best way to make an impactful addition is by grouping three plants of different heights and textures to create a lush corner. Or pull the space together by getting in a statement plant – at least three feet tall.
·
Layer the lights.
Stay connected to the great outdoors but plan for when it’s not visible.
Natural light always makes the space feel bigger. Allow enough natural light to flow into the space to feed the plants and keep them, as well as yourself, lively. And when you feel alive, you’re always more efficient. And in case you like to burn the midnight oil, make sure to integrate recessed lighting in the ceiling for ambient light. Having ceiling lights on dimmers will help adjust the intensity and create a comfortable atmosphere.
Turn your walls into a workspace accessory.
Sneak in your needs with gorgeous solutions.
Chances are, you’ve never explored the potential of walls, so get creative with an accent wall rooted in function. You can incorporate beautiful magnetic linen wallpaper paired with a few magnets and use it to mount calendars, notes, important documents, and inspirational items on your walls. If you’d want to go a bit easy on your pocket, you can draw a chalkboard calendar or a giant pegboard for a similar effect.
·
Add that statement piece.
Warm up your space with art that speaks to you
Fill your office with vibrant art to liven up your space and motivate you. Style your wall with photography, print signs that inspire you, or lose yourself in the masterpiece of Van Gogh, whichever speaks the loudest to you. Another ingenious way to decorate your walls is to have wall decals because these are easily replaceable and can be changed frequently to give your workspace a whole new look.
·
Anchor the space with a rug
Ground your space with interesting textures and patterns for visual interest
To make your space feel complete with no effort, throwing in a stylish rug is the best way to go about it. Adding an area rug can make the space feel warmer and more comfortable. Ideally, you’ll want to incorporate practical rugs, providing cushioning and insulation while adding artistic value to the room.
·
Mix old and new
Seep in that old-world charm for the ‘lived-in’ look.
Marrying the vintage and the modern makes a home feel warm, lived-in and personal and creates a beautiful rustic character. The best way to achieve this is to let the primary antiques take the main focus amongst your modern tools and gadgets (be it a desk or a chair) and give these pieces a new lease on life.
Play with colours
Choose colours that align with you – not what’s trending.
Each colour invokes a particular mood, and when combined with another interior element, the shade you pick can influence your emotions while you work. The right paint hue could help increase productivity since some colours have positive psychological effects. There is no right or wrong when pulling together a colour palette since some will work on stimulating your brain while some can have a calming effect and lower stress levels.
·
Optimise your space.
Keeping your space organised is the key.
Use every trick in the book to optimise your space to its full potential. The empty wall behind or above your desk might be the perfect spot for your essentials. Taking advantage of the vertical space allows you to keep a clean desk space and create a more focused and productive environment.