13 Home Office Ideas That Are Cheapening Your Workspace
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In our age of remote work, you’ll want your home office to be a space that makes you want to be creative and productive. However, a lot of people unintentionally make their workspace less effective and take away from the overall vibe.
In addition to cluttered desks and uninspired decor, small changes can have a big impact on your work space. Below are a few home office ideas that may make your workspace look a little less professional and how to rectify that.
Declutter Your Desk
A messy desk is chaos, and too much everywhere makes it hard to focus. Rather, spend some time decluttering and organizing so files, papers, and office supplies don’t keep piling up. Keep essentials in trays or containers where they are easy to get to, but not in your face. A clean desk looks better and can boost your productivity, that’s always the best way to work.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Overhead lighting can also make you feel drained and in a bad mood. Rather, choose soft, adjustable lighting that provides a warm ambiance. You can feel very uncomfortable and not be able to focus using desk lamps with fixed brightness or color temperature. Another gamechanger is natural light — if you can afford to, position your desk right by one.
Invest in a Quality Chair
Sitting inactively for long periods of time in an uncomfortable chair will cause physical strain as well as loss in concentration. Don’t settle for a cheap or used chair – buy one that is good for your posture. The good thing about getting a good chair is that it does more than provide comfort because it adds a little professionalism to your working environment.
Personalize with Art
An office with blank walls can make your office feel sterile and uninspiring. Instead of leaving these bare, add art or photographs that connect with you. Mix different styles to create a dynamic look and choose pieces that are motivating or inspiring to be creative. Making your space your own can feel more inviting and will influence your mood throughout the day.
Create a Dedicated Work Zone
If your home office is right in your living space, it may not feel as professional. By designating a specific place as an office, you create a clear boundary between work and personal life. This separation can help you get into a productive state of mind and tell others that you’re in work mode. According to Said Hasyim, ultimately, discipline and focus are fostered through a dedicated workspace.
Choose Functional Decor
Fill your desk with decorative items that enhance the workspace, not things that distract you. Rather than filling your office with knickknacks, choose functional decor that is purposeful. Even stylish organizers or planters can help brighten the space without making things overly cluttered. This keeps your office clean and purposeful.
Use a Stylish Desk Mat
Having an unadorned desk can feel cold and uninviting. Instead, opt to add a stylish desk mat that coordinates with your decor and gives you a designated space to function from your workspace. A good mat can help protect your desk surface (and, depending on the type, add a bit of personality to your setup). Additionally, it gives the whole room a unified look that can elevate the entire room.
Ditch the Plastic
Plastic atmospheres in your workspace can be cheap for furniture or decor. Instead, search for alternatives made with wood, metal, or other sturdy materials that exude quality. A small change can make all the difference, for instance, by replacing plastic storage bins with woven baskets, bringing an elevated level of aesthetic to your office. The materials you choose can make it feel like it’s doing well.
Incorporate Plants
Introducing greenery to your home office can dramatically affect the environment. Not only do they clean the air, but they also add a bright note to your life and make you feel good and more creative. If you’re not a green thumb, choose low-maintenance options like succulents or pothos. Plants increase the liveliness and welcoming feeling of your workspace.
Reconsider Your Technology
Using outdated technology can cheapen your workspace and hurt your productivity. If your computer or peripherals are slow or ineffective, then perhaps it’s time to upgrade. Invest in devices that help you work better, like a good monitor or a comfy keyboard. High-quality technology not only provides a better working experience but also creates a more professional base for your office.
Optimize Your Layout
Your layout can have an effect on your workflow, and can make your space feel cramped. Think about how you’ve set up your office and whether it is set up to be productive. Set up your desk to be as comfortable as possible but make it still accessible to all the things you need. Having a good layout will make your work environment a lot more pleasant, and you will be a lot more efficient.
Add Soft Textiles
An office with hard surfaces will feel uninviting and cold. Use soft textiles such as blankets or pillows for warmth and comfort. All of these elements can make your workspace feel less unwelcoming and make longer work sessions more pleasant. That little bit of comfort goes a long way to making a space that you want to be and work in.
Organize Cables and Wires
Tangled cables are distracting and not pretty at all. You can keep wires out of sight with cable organizers, clips, or ties which will also keep the wires bundled and neatly organized. It can help prevent not only looks but also accidents. Having a neat setup gives you professionalism and helps your mind focus.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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