Home Office Essentials

Home office with plenty of natural light

Since Covid, more people than ever are embracing the flexibility and convenience of working from home. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker like me or just starting to develop a home office space instead of sitting at the kitchen table, designing a functional workspace is essential. In this blog I'll share some home office design ideas that have worked in my home office for over five years.

Home office design with plenty of storage

Ergonomic Home Office Furniture

One of the most important aspects of any home office design is ergonomic furniture that supports comfort and productivity. Invest in a quality ergonomic chair at least, to promote good posture and provide adequate support for long hours of work. Look for adjustable features such as height and lumbar support to customise your setup to your unique needs. Your desk should support your tech equipment in the correct position too and you should consider adding ergonomic accessories like a footrest, wrist rest or monitor stand to further enhance your comfort and reduce strain on your body. 

Functional Home Office Layout

When designing your home office, consider the layout and flow of the space to optimise efficiency and productivity. Arrange your furniture in a way that allows for easy movement and access to essential tools and supplies. Position your desk near a window to maximise natural light and create a pleasant working environment. Keep frequently used items within arm's reach and designate specific zones for different tasks, such as a quiet corner for focused work and a cosy area, like a sofa or cosy chair, for brainstorming and creative thinking.

Home office with break out area

Tech-Savvy Home Office Setup

In today's digital age, a well-equipped tech setup is essential for staying connected and productive while working from home. Most companies will supply a lap top but it’s also a good idea to invest in other items such as an ergonomic keyboard, second monitor and mouse and high-quality head set for virtual meetings. Organise your cables and cords to minimise clutter and create a clean and tidy workspace.  I’ve used plastic stick on hooks on the back of my monitor to hang headphones on and tidy cables.

Accessories can be purchased to make your existing home office equipment more ergonomic

Home Office Decor

Make your home office feel like your own with personalised decor that reflects your personality and inspires creativity. Choose a colour scheme that energises and motivates you, whether it's calming blues and greens or vibrant pops of colour. Hang artwork, photos and inspirational quotes that bring joy to your workspace. Incorporate plants and natural elements to add warmth and texture to your environment, while also improving air quality and boosting your mood. Consider adding personal touches such as your favourite books, travel souvenirs, or family photos.

Home Office with plenty of personality

Home Office Organisational Solutions

Maintaining a clutter-free and organised workspace is essential for staying focused and productive throughout the day. Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets and drawers to keep your supplies, files and paperwork neatly organised and easily accessible. Use desktop organisers, filing systems and storage bins to corral smaller items and prevent them from taking over your workspace.

My home office design

Conclusion

Designing the perfect home office can greatly enhance your productivity, creativity and overall well-being. By incorporating ergonomic furniture, functional layout, tech-savvy setup, personalised decor and organisational solutions into your design, you can create a workspace that inspires and enables you to do your best work every day.