Office designs impact productivity and creativity, which is why many innovative businesses are rethinking their workplace designs. If you’re spending most of your day in a home office, you need a zen space that stimulates ideas while reflecting your personality.
You don’t have to compromise your sense of aesthetics for functionality. To create a workspace that is both stylish and practical, think outside the box for ways to incorporate modern home office furniture into your design.
1. Start with a Chic Desk
A traditional desk may be the first idea that comes to mind for your main workspace, but modern home office furniture has evolved to a more fashionable aesthetic. From a chic floating desk and an industrial-style writing table to a minimalist writing desk or a sit-stand adjustable desk, you can find an option that best fits your workflow and work style.
Consider how much work surface you really need. Do you need room to spread out files and add equipment like a printer or scanner? Or do you only need a small desk for a laptop? Regardless of the amount of workspace required, your desk should encourage productivity and provide comfort.
2. Choose an Ergonomic Chair
Sitting for a prolonged period in a poorly designed chair can cause strain on the musculoskeletal system, which can result in back and neck pain and productivity loss. For long and productive sessions, it’s worth every penny to invest in an attractive and ergonomically correct chair, whether it’s a curved, midcentury modern chair or a sleek mesh design.
3. Be Generous with Lighting
Lighting and daylighting are some of the eight features that make an office healthier, according to the World Green Building Council. You can’t always rely on daylight, so make sure you have plenty of other light sources, including task lighting. And don’t limit yourself to a staid desk lamp — choose a couple of lamps that add pizzazz to your space.
4. Opt for Open Shelving
Built-in cabinets provide ample storage possibilities, but open shelving offers a minimalist look and allows for more flexibility in a furniture arrangement. The walls are often overlooked, yet are a versatile way to maximize space.
Floating shelves are trendy in home design so why not add them to your home office? Place some above your desk so you can have basic supplies at hand.
5. Go Vertical with Organization
For a clean, uncluttered workspace, tuck papers into vertical wall files and keep other essentials in fashionable storage cubes. Vertical files help eliminate desk clutter along with the need for an oversized desk. Place at least one set of vertical files above your desk so you don‘t have to interrupt your workflow to access your important paperwork.
6. Designate a “Breakout” Space
In the traditional workplace, breakout spaces are used for collaboration and quiet work. A secondary work area in your home office can give your brain a jolt when you’re feeling stuck on a project and need a creativity boost. Some ideas for a breakout space in your home office include:
A comfy chair or sofa with a side table or coffee table where you can read or brainstorm
A TV armoire that can be converted into a small work surface and built-in storage, which can be easily tucked away
A small, bar-height desk where you can take your laptop or files when you need a break from sitting at your desk
7. Add Snazzy Décor
Your office isn’t complete without some personal touches. It’s important to strike a balance that works for you and isn’t too distracting. Some ideas include:
Plants, which make your space healthier and help improve the aesthetics
Wall art — whether paintings or creatively arranged family photos — to make your office feel more inviting
A vision board to provide daily inspiration when you’ve fallen into a slump
For more tips and tricks like these, feel free to keep exploring the Homestyle Suites blog!
