Working at home can be a wonderful thing, but if you don’t have a proper space carved out, it can be a challenge to be productive. When it comes to a home office, balance is key to having a space that fuels productivity. Too cozy can be distracting, too professional can feel cold…you get the idea. Believe it or not, though, it is possible to blend the two in a way that provides comfort and inspiration to get things done.

Mistakes to Avoid

Before we dive into what to do, let’s look quickly at what NOT to do. Here are 5 common mistakes that people make when designing or decorating their home office space.

1. Neglecting the walls and floor. Just because it’s work, doesn’t mean your surroundings have to be stale. A fresh coat of paint in a favorite color, window treatments to block light when necessary, eye-catching artwork, and an area rug beneath, are all great ways to create a space that feels warm and stimulating.
2. Buying the wrong seating. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a nice-looking office chair, but it could pose long-term problems if it’s uncomfortable. If you spend long hours in the space, let function take the lead. With all the designs out there, it shouldn’t be too challenging to find something that suits you.
3. Skimping on storage and workspace. Cabinets and shelves are a must in a home office otherwise you’ll be left with a cluttered mess. It doesn’t matter if the storage is big or small, just do your best to have a few pieces of furniture that allow you to store things out of sight. Additionally, remember to allow for enough workspace. If your job requires you to spread things out, do what you can to allow for it.
4. Leaving cables exposed. As much as possible, keep the clutter hidden. Be sure to take care of it early on because if you don’t, it’s unlikely you’ll get around to doing it later.
5. Choosing poor lighting. Natural light is great, but it’s not available 24/7. Make sure you incorporate ample lighting so you can work round the clock if necessary.

Now, let’s move onto some specifics that will help you design a great space for work.

Getting Your Work Space Right

Be specific in your needs.

Only you know what helps you get the job done. Think about your job and then start making a list of what your office needs to have. While some people can get by with a desk, chair, and computer, others need much more. Factor in any storage you may need as well as an area carved out for extra seating or project stations. If your space is small, opt for multi-functional pieces that will save you some square footage (i.e. oversized desks or ottomans for seating and storage). Be sure to take the time to measure your space before you rush out to make purchases. The last thing you need is to be disappointed that your office can’t accommodate everything you bought.

Create an efficient layout.

To be productive, you need to have a layout that works for you, not against you. Think about things such as lighting, storage, and positioning, and then move or add as needed. Other things to consider in your design plan are power cords, desk space, and equipment. You want to have things on hand without feeling cramped, so plan it out.

Insert your personality.

The beauty of having a workspace at home is that you can make it look however you want. If you want bold colors, go for it. If you have a pattern that you can’t live without, cover a chair in it. If you like to work barefoot, set your desk on a fluffy rug. You get the idea. Picking out fabrics for seating or window treatments is a great way to keep your personality alive in the room. Workspaces don’t have to be bland. Dull isn’t fun and dull certainly isn’t very inspiring, so don’t hesitate to make your space a bit more personal and exciting. To top off the design, be sure to add some extras like shelving, cork boards, and wall art.

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