Working from home is a science.
There’s more to working remotely than just using the laptop, work phone, and dining chair that your employer has given.
You must create the ideal atmosphere for yourself in order to work efficiently and give your all in your distant job.
Fortunately, you don’t even require a large room to create the ideal home office. Some of the following ideas can be implemented in a small space. The things you’ll need to keep focused and productive while preserving your health and wellness don’t have to break the bank either.
During an interview, multiple professionals offered their best advice on how to set up your home office and the considerations you should make when working remotely.
The creator of Cupid PR, Mark Mcshane, has significant experience managing both start-ups and large corporations. He currently leads a completely remote workforce, which has provided him with insights into designing productive work environments for remote workers.
How about features, color palettes, must-haves, and home office considerations? “A useful and inspiring workspace should be the goal when creating a work-from-home office. To start, I would use a simple color palette centered on beiges, whites, and soft grays to assist create a serene and businesslike atmosphere,” he says. “Enunciate this neutrality with pops of color in deep blues or greens for the commanding effect, which puts energy and interest into a room without being too much to distract.”
Additionally, Mcshane advises incorporating ornamental elements that let users customize the area. These might be elegant storage, plants, and prints of excellent art. Lighting is similarly crucial, so make sure you have enough natural light coming in and add adjustable desk lamps with LED bulbs to assist in preventing eye strain, he suggests.
- Ergonomic chair
“Comfort is everything, as an ergonomic chair will help in supporting your posture and gives you lesser instances of back pain,” says Mcshane. His personal favorite is the Hbada Office Task Desk Chair, which is now selling for $99 on Amazon and is an affordable option.
- Desk
“A solid workstation is what you’ll need. Check out the SHW Home Office 48-Inch Computer Desk on Amazon; it offers enough of space without going over budget,” Mcshane advises.
- LightingÂ
Ryan Norman, the creator of Norman Builders, a New Hampshire home remodeling company, advises investing in high-quality lighting, such as LED task lights and overhead fixtures. Proper illumination helps you focus better and lessens eye strain. Placing your workplace next to a window will provide free natural light for people on a budget.
- Notebook stand with keyboard/mouse combination
“For keeping your screen at eye-level, preventing strained necks, a laptop stand is quite a worthy investment,” Mcshane states, adding: “Like the Amazon Basics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Stand.”
Additionally useful in preventing laptop failures due to overheating is the use of laptop stands.
Keyboard and mouse sets, like the Logitech set that Mcshane suggests, can improve your comfort and productivity when typing.
- Storage options
Finally, storage plays a crucial role in clearing your mind and maintaining attention. Mcshane suggests the Keter Modular Drawer System as a simple and affordable storage solution. Along with Amazon, stores like Staples, IKEA, Target, Office Depot, and Walmart frequently have storage solutions in reasonably priced, generally high-quality selections, as well as chairs and desks.
6. Personal touches, artwork, and plants
If you have more cash to spare, you may personalize your home by adding inexpensive—or pricey, depending on your preference—touches to these elements to give it personality. As Mentalyc’s CEO, Maria Szandrach, puts it: “Prioritize essentials first and gradually add more items as your budget allows.”
Co-owner Kristin Kintlian of Bonsai Builders, a Massachusetts-based builder of opulent homes, suggests adding unique elements to give the area a unique feel. “Live plants, photographs, and artwork can inspire and stimulate the mind.”
Szandrach reveals that she even has a snake plant and a few succulents in her home office.
Things to take into account when configuring a home office for work
What factors should you take into account before making purchases for your home office space?
- Your daily schedule
Kintlian says: “Think about how you’ll use the space and set it up for your needs.” Make a floor layout, measure the space, and consider your daily schedule. Working from home will be easy with the correct office setup.”
Kintlian’s home office is equipped with cupboards to keep things organized, a bookcase for reference materials, and a desk facing away from the window to prevent glare on her monitor.
2. Color scheme
Since July 2023, Ashley Southworth, the founder and creative director of Southworth Interior Design in Bakersfield, California, has worked remotely.
She advises her clients to select a color palette that appeals to them inherently. “Considering the psychology of color is also a beneficial approach as studies have shown that colors such as blue, yellow, or green can boost efficiency and creativity while red and orange can promote higher activity levels,” Southworth explains.
“When it comes to design, I personally love a dark and moody room but I would try to steer a client away from using this approach in a home office as it may prevent productivity and instead encourage a few too many siestas.”
Who’s got midafternoon slumps or naptime?
3. Fashion
If you want to go more upscale, World Market has a great selection of elegant and comfortable desk chairs at affordable prices, says Southworth. “The Paige Charcoal Gray Linen Square Back Office Chair is a great classic option while the Rifle Paper Co. x Cloth & Company Oxford Office Chair comes in a variety of colors with whimsical designs.”
“Target consistently carries stylish desk accessories that don’t break the bank,” she claims. She usually uses digital art downloads from Etsy, though. “There are dozens of printable art possibilities available, many of which cost less than $10.
“For my personal home office, I bought this Vintage Southwestern Gallery Wall Set from Arte Serene Co. and I’m in love! I suggest printing your digital art on giclee for a more upscale appearance, but it’s probably not going to be noticed if you print it at your neighborhood one-hour printing shop.”
4. Level of noise
“Select a peaceful location, if feasible, or install soundproofing if required,” suggests Alina Samchenko, COO of the tech startup HireDevelopersBiz.
5. Illumination
Architect Pam Hutter, of California, reiterates what Mcshane and Norman said earlier: “Put your desk next to a window to maximize natural light. For various uses, including overhead, ambient, and task lighting.”
Hutter advises that you design your office with efficiency and purpose in mind as well. “Working from home may be productive and pleasurable when you have the correct equipment and setup. Invest in the necessities and, to inspire yourself, add unique touches.” You should be inspired to begin and end each workday by your home office, according to her.
6. Harmony between work and life
Finally, Norman says: “If at all possible, use a room divider or partition to keep your business and living areas apart. Work-life boundaries are established in part by the physical barrier.
Professionals are reminded by Samchenko that the secret to a successful home office is to create or discover a setting that allows you to be both productive and comfortable. Put differently, it is worthwhile to allocate some time for planning and investing in your workspace, as it has the potential to significantly impact both your well-being and productivity.
(Tashia Bernardus)