A home office is a great feature to have in your house.
Not only is it good for pumping out a valuable workload, but it is also a great idea to get away from all the distractions while providing a place for you to relax in a well-established atmosphere that you have created and that you can be proud of for years to come.
Designing your own home office isn’t just about grabbing a desk, a laptop and some pens and saying you have completed your first home office.
There is a lot more to it than that, and fortunately for you, I have compiled a list of what I think is the most crucial steps to follow when you create your new home office.
The Importance Of A Home Office
Your office is that little feature in your life that is going to get you ahead of everyone else in the world.
It is your office to help you complete valuable work with few distractions whatsoever.
Sometimes you can’t concentrate with all the kids running around, or when they are arguing and bickering with each other, your office will help you concentrate and ultimately make your life easier.
However, you should also remember that it’s not just a matter of slapping in a desk and a laptop and then saying you have a working home office that’s giving you the best possible chance of getting work completed.
For example, you have to consider your lighting, does the color flow throughout your office?
Are you getting frequent headaches or eye strain?
Read more below to find out how you can get a working home office that’s NOT going to give you extreme migraines and eye strain and help you increase your chances of getting work finished the less stressful way.
Consider The Correct Lighting
The room’s lighting should be your first approach when you design your home office. I would recommend you choose natural lighting first, if possible, of course.
Natural lighting has been proven to increase your mood and improve work productivity, so it is only necessary to consider something as important as natural lighting.
This one is entirely optional, although I would only recommend it if you are willing to make your home office a fully-fledged functioning machine 😛
That is accent lighting.
This is what is going to give you that relaxing atmosphere that every home office should have.
If you can, please avoid using fluorescent lighting for your new office.
If you are exposed to this light source hours before bed, they tend to keep you up at night.
And finally, task lighting is a must-have if you want to add that final touch to your office.
Flooring…What’s The Best Choice?
This is entirely up to you; it all comes down to personal preference.
Do you enjoy the style of hardwood flooring, or do you prefer a pattern of colored tiles? You might like an office full of white lino or white tiles.
Why not be 100% different and choose tiles for your working space, then a nice cozy carpet for your sitting area, because a great home office always has a place to sit and relax while you enjoy your morning coffee.
Finish it with a big, fluffy rug to make it even more stylish!
There are so many combinations you can choose from, and I recommend you take your time before making a final decision.
Wallpaper or Paint?
Again, something that comes down to personal preference. Although I do enjoy being different. I usually go for a 2-and-2 approach.
For example, two walls will be the same plain color, while the other two will be patterned wallpaper.
I also enjoy the powerful technique of going vertical with shelves. And I find it works perfectly with bright, lime-colored wallpaper.
However, any bright color will do the trick.
You also want to consider the amount of work that is needed as well as your budget. Do what your wallet will allow, even if it means going the cheapest route.
Computer Or Laptop
I usually go for a laptop as my preferred choice, due to it being completely portable and good for taking to your workplace or colleagues’ house to share some important work.
If you don’t like using the standard laptop keyboard and mouse pad, then consider investing in a cheap keyboard and mouse.
I only find that a PC is better for gaming, though your home office shouldn’t be for gaming should it?
It is there for personal work and maybe a little bit of gaming at the end of the day after you have finished.
However, it is completely your decision, but I prefer a laptop.
Desk Size And Color
There’s not much to consider when purchasing a desk, though there are some little tips that I usually follow when I get a new one.
Make sure it matches the color of your office or at least doesn’t look completely out of place. The material is your choice. I do find that hardwood is good for an old-styled office, while a glass top is better for a more modernized home office.
So it depends on what office style you want to have and making sure the color at least matches the rest of your office, even by a little bit.
Final Thoughts
I really love home offices.
They are one of my most important rooms in the house and definitely one of the first ones I look for before moving into a new house.
I typically ensure it has enough natural lighting, as I hate dark and dim rooms. This only causes eye strain and, after a while, headaches.
It is also better to have your office positioned to get the least amount of sun. This might sound counterintuitive, but the added shade in my office annoys me, as I would rather the lighting be completely even throughout the room.
If you can’t have an office positioned away from the sun, I recommend having some curtains to dim the sunlight that comes through.
What are some things you consider important in your home office? Let’s hear it!
– John
Home Office Builds
Leave a Reply