So here’s the deal: whether you have a home-based business, just need a secondary space to bring your work home to or a place to pay the bills, setting up an office that works for you is key in helping get your work done!

The ultimate goal of a home-based office, no matter what you do, is to create a space that inspires productivity. This can be accomplished by incorporating some simple, yet effective design principles and integrating some of the comforts of your own home to create a place you actually want to be in!

Here are some of our “must haves” that we used when creating our home-based interior design office space.

1. Drawing the Hard Line

One of the hardest lines to draw when working out of your home is the work/ life separation. When you set your office up in your living room or bedroom, the division between work and life become blurred. Even if you’re tight on space and you can’t accommodate an entire room for your office, try and keep your “working
space” separated from everything else.

This can be as simple as a visual separation, like a bookcase or curtain that creates a space you can walk away from at the end of the day. Creating a more private and designated work space will also help limit distractions so your mind can focus on the work that needs to
get done.

2. Ergonomics

Invest in the right chair. Period. No ‘ifs’, ‘ands’ or ‘buts’! You'll likely spend many hours parked in your home office, so don't cheat yourself on a chair that is uncomfortable to work in.

There are plenty of tricks and hacks to save some money when putting your office together, but when it comes to ergonomics, the investment is worth it – your back will thank you for it too!

This doesn’t mean you need to spend $3,000 on a chair, but sitting in a few to make sure it supports your posture and has enough adjustment options in the seat, arms and back will really make a huge difference in your working environment.

3. Zoning + Flow

Before you jump into furnishing your office space, think

about your workflow and what things you need at your fingertips vs. what can be tucked away for occasional use. When laying out an office space on a commercial scale, we always make sure to address the need for “zones”. These can include “supply zones” for extra office supplies, “printer zones” that can house all your equipment and paper, designated “work zones” and you can’t forget about the “social zone”!

Zoning can easily be translated from large scale to a small scale! To make it unique to your space and workflow, start with identifying what zones you need for the type of work you are doing. Then you can determine the best layout for the space you have and what furniture you need to accomplish the workflow that suits you best!

4. Get Organized

Not everyone has the luxury of swimming in extra square footage for a home office, so using space efficiently is critical in keeping your space organized. Having to work in a messy workspace is not

only inefficient, but clutter doesn’t create an atmosphere you want to be in. Make sure to consider both horizontal and vertical storage! Think about using shelves on the walls to get papers or office equipment off the desk. Setting aside some floor space to ensure you have enough file storage or storage for books and office supplies can also help keep you organized!

You can address some of your storage needs when you are planning your work “zones” and look for furniture and accessories that support an organized workspace.

5. Personal Touch

The most important factor in creating the best environment for your home office is you. This is your space and it should be a reflection of you! This can be anything from painting the walls a colour you love, to hanging artwork that speaks to you.

http://www.lustliving.co.uk/ive-gone-spotty-mad/

Even though this isn’t the space where you want to kick back and put your feet up, it needs to be a space that motivates and inspires you.

Some people would say that this workspace should be an extension of your home - so if you have a traditional home, you should have a traditional office. We say do whatever you want! Get yourself a neon sign! Create a plant wall! Bring in a funky wallcovering! This is your office oasis and it should be a space you want to work in - whatever that is to you.

6. Go Green

This isn’t just our personal preference because we think plants make a space come to life, but there are loads of benefits to having some greenery in your workspace!

Don’t believe us? Just consult ‘the Google”! If you don’t have a green thumb, not to worry! There are plenty of low maintenance options to liven up your home office space!

Pst…plants also add some colour to a space without having to commit to a paint or decorations… two birds, one stone!

https://www.enfemenino.com/disegno-arquitectura/decoracion-estilo-raw-s2533973.html

If you need some help with your space, come visit re:design studio!

Good luck,

Robyn & Emily