Working from home offers a huge range of benefits – flexible hours, no commute, and the freedom to personalise your workspace. But let’s face it: transforming a spare room or corner into a zone of peak productivity can be a challenge. Luckily, there are some things you can do to boost your productivity at home through home décor. With a few strategic decor tweaks, you can banish distractions and craft a home office that fuels focus and accomplishment.
To help you create a sanctuary of home motivation and productivity, interior design expert Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob.co.uk has created this guide. Here’s your guide to transforming your workspace into a haven of productivity.
Embrace the Power of Natural Light
Sunlight is a great natural mood booster and can significantly enhance focus. Studies have shown that regular exposure to natural sunlight can improve alertness, cognitive function, and even sleep quality.
When positioning your desk, prioritise placing it near a window to bathe your workspace in natural light. Ideally, you want your desk to face the window, allowing you to gaze out at the world and take mental breaks throughout the day without straining your eyes on a computer screen. If you are lucky enough to have an office window with a view of nature, even better – Studies have shown that views of nature can further reduce stress and improve cognitive function.
However, natural light isn’t always a given, especially if your home office is nestled in a windowless corner or basement. If natural light is limited, don’t despair! Invest in bright, adjustable lamps that mimic natural daylight. Look for lamps with a colour temperature of around 5000 kelvin, which falls within the range of natural daylight and can help regulate your circadian rhythm, keeping you alert and focused throughout the workday.
Create a Tranquil Space With Biophilic Designs
Studies have shown that incorporating elements of nature into your environment can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and even boost creativity. Biophilic design, the practice of incorporating nature into the built environment, is your friend here. Here are a few ways to bring the outdoors in:
- Potted Plants: Potted plants not only add a touch of life and beauty to your workspace, but they also act as natural air purifiers, improving indoor air quality and promoting better focus. Studies have even shown that having plants in your office can reduce stress and anxiety. Choose low-maintenance plants that can thrive in indirect sunlight, such as snake plants, spider plants, or philodendrons.
- Calming Nature Scenes: If you’re not very good at keeping plants alive, that’s okay. Surround yourself with calming nature scenes on the wall. Opt for serene landscapes, tranquil forests, or even calming water features. These visuals can have a similar effect to having actual plants in your workspace, promoting feelings of peace and focus.
- Natural Materials: Consider incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo into your furniture or decor choices. Natural materials can help to create a sense of warmth and connection to the outdoors, further enhancing the calming and grounding effects of biophilic design.
Declutter For Clarity
A cluttered workspace translates to a cluttered mind. Minimise distractions by keeping your desk surface clear and implementing smart storage solutions. Imagine yourself sitting down to tackle a complex project – a clear desk surface allows you to spread out your materials and visually organise your thoughts.
Utilise shelves, cabinets, and organisers to keep paperwork and office supplies tucked away neatly. Label everything clearly to save time searching for lost staplers or elusive sticky notes. Consider using drawer dividers and desktop organisers to keep pens, pencils, and paperclips from becoming a chaotic jumble. A clear workspace promotes a clear mind, allowing you to focus on the task at hand without the mental strain of visual clutter.
Embrace Colour Psychology
Colours have a large impact on our mood and energy levels. Understanding colour psychology can be a very powerful tool when decorating your home office. Here are some key considerations:
- Blues and Greens: These cool colours promote feelings of calmness, peace, and focus. If you find yourself easily distracted or struggle to maintain concentration for extended periods, consider painting your office walls a calming shade of blue or green. These colours can help to quiet the mind and create a serene environment that fosters concentration.
- Yellows: If you need a boost of creativity or find yourself lagging in the afternoons, a pop of yellow can be a game-changer. Yellows are associated with creativity, alertness, and optimism. Consider painting an accent wall yellow, adding pops of yellow with throw pillows or artwork or incorporating a yellow desk lamp. Be mindful not to go overboard, however, as too much yellow can be over-stimulating and overwhelming.
- Neutrals: These shades provide a sense of balance and can be used as a base for bolder accent colours. White keeps the space feeling open and airy, ideal for smaller home offices. Grey offers a touch of sophistication and can work well in larger rooms. Beige creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Neutrals can also ground bolder accent colours, preventing them from feeling overwhelming.
Don’t underestimate the power of personal preference. Choose colours that make you feel happy, motivated, and inspired. Perhaps you associate a certain shade of green with feelings of peace and tranquillity, or a particular shade of blue reminds you of a calming beach getaway. Let your personal connection to colour guide your choices.
Comfort Is Key
You’ll be spending a significant amount of time in your home office, so ensure your seating is comfortable and supportive. Invest in an ergonomic chair with adjustable features to maintain good posture and prevent back pain. An ergonomic chair should provide proper lumbar support and allow for adjustments to the seat height, armrests, and backrest. Consider adding a comfortable footrest for additional support, especially if you tend to sit at your desk for long periods.
Surround Yourself With Inspiration
Surround yourself with visuals that inspire you and keep you motivated. Pin up inspirational quotes, photos of dream vacations, or images that represent your career goals. A vision board can be a very powerful tool to keep your focus on your long-term aspirations. Maybe it’s a picture of your dream house, a car you’ve always wanted, or a promotion you’re striving for. Seeing these visuals every day can serve as a constant reminder of your motivation and keep you focused on achieving your goals.
Minimise Distractions
Your home office should be a haven for work, not a breeding ground for distractions. If possible, position your desk away from high-traffic areas in your home, such as the kitchen or living room. Avoid placing your television or gaming console within view – the temptation to take a quick break can easily turn into a much longer procrastination session. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones while working to block out any unwanted sounds, such as traffic sounds, barking dogs, or noise from your family members or roommates.
Personalise the Space
A touch of personality goes a long way in creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace. Display photos of loved ones, artwork that reflects your taste, or a small collection of meaningful objects. Perhaps it’s a framed photo from a memorable vacation, a funny quote from a favourite movie, or a small plant gifted by a friend. Personalise your workspace in a way that makes you feel happy and motivated. A space that reflects your personality is more likely to feel inviting and inspiring.
The Final Touches
Small details can make a big difference in the overall feel and functionality of your home office. Add a cosy throw blanket for those chilly mornings or a stylish desk lamp for a touch of ambiance. A small water carafe on your desk can help you stay hydrated throughout the day, promoting better focus and reducing the urge to get up and refill your water bottle every ten minutes.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips and tailoring them to your personal preferences, you can transform your home office from a chaotic corner into a space that fuels productivity and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Remember, your home office is a reflection of you and your work style. Make it a space that inspires you to conquer your workday and achieve your goals.
