The demand for remote work has significantly increased over the last decade. According to a 2018 article on remote.co, “More than 50% of people who telecommute part-time said they wanted to increase their remote hours … and 60% of remote workers in the survey said that if they could, they would leave their current job for a full-time remote position at the same pay rate.” Additionally, the article states that many young professionals in both the United States and Europe have “leveraged the use of technology to work remotely and live a nomadic lifestyle.” With these statistics in mind, it would be no shock to me that a number of you who are reading this work from home in some capacity, whether it be full-time, part-time or even one day a week.
Studies have shown that the ability to work from home increases productivity and creativity. But, just as sitting at a desk in a dimly-lit office isn’t inspiring, setting up at your kitchen counter may not be the best place for those wanting a long-term, remote career. It is important to have a space that is both organized and creative. You don’t want a space that is too reminiscent of the office walls from which you are trying to escape. However, you do want a space you can call your own; a place that will allow you to focus on the day of work ahead.
I reached out to local photographer and content creator, Harmony Lynn Goodson, to ask for her tips in creating a beautiful, yet functional, space. She shared with us a variety of ways in which you can create a space that is perfect for work, as well as comfortable and personal. So, get to reading and then get to work! Your home office isn’t going to create itself.
1. The look
Consider the overall flow of your home. Is the space visible from other rooms? Design your space with an overall style and color theme and stick to it, from the wall color to the accessories, for a well put together aesthetic.
2. Functionality
Build and arrange your office furniture with the whole family in mind. Who will be using this space? Do you need more than one chair? Do you want it to be more of a social atmosphere or a private working area? Allow for ample storage by adding large shelves or built-ins for every member of the house.
3. Keep it contained
Ditch the stuff you don’t use and keep the office clutter from spilling into other spaces of your home.
4. Buy furniture for your home, not your office
Opt for a nontraditional table and desk chair like this small dining table and velvet side chairs.
5. Conceal unattractive items
Hide printers and cables in closed, backless cabinets and attach wires to the backs of table legs. Organize supplies, papers, and bills in decorative boxes, baskets and totes.
6. The kid stuff
Keep adult items on higher shelves and kid-friendly supplies in easy-to-transport buckets on the lower shelves. Display kid art by hanging a few current pieces on a pin board and storing the rest in a kid designated cabinet space.
7. The finishing touch
Bring life to any space with house plants appropriate to your lighting conditions. Don’t go overboard on the desk accessories.
