Photo courtesy of Katie Darval.
For many employees, working from home has become routine. The traditional 9-to-5 office setup has evolved beyond cubicle walls, allowing remote and hybrid staff to enjoy personalized work areas within the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re interested in setting up your dream office or updating your current remote workspace, these tips from a local design professional and an experienced remote worker will help you create an inspiring environment where you can thrive.
Functionality: empower yourself with office essentials
“When setting up your home office, start by considering the environment that will maximize your productivity,” says Katie Darval, owner and contractor of Beyond Kitchens. “While using your kitchen table might be convenient, having a dedicated office space is ideal.”
Darval suggests focusing on key elements to create an area that is both effective and visually appealing. For example, take advantage of natural light and enhance it with overhead and task lighting. You’ll also need to determine whether your desk should accommodate sitting or standing positions; if you prefer a stand-up desk, you might want to include a treadmill for added health benefit. For smaller office spaces, Darval recommends choosing furniture that is not too bulky to maximize the available area.
Lacey Roth, a remote worker for 10 years as well as a busy wife, mom and pet owner, understands firsthand the importance of having the right equipment. “A comfortable chair is essential for me, along with two large monitors, which are more efficient than just using a laptop screen,” she says. “I also invested in a desk that allows me to raise my workstation to a standing position.”
Aesthetics: think outside the box
Have fun adding your personal style to your workspace through aesthetic elements, such as art, photos and decor. Soft blue and neutral hues promote calm and focus, while vibrant accent colors will bring energy and interest to your room. “By thoughtfully integrating functional and aesthetic elements, you can create a home office that is not only efficient and conducive to productivity but also a pleasant and inspiring place to work,” says Darval.
Be sure to incorporate sufficient storage for files and paperwork to maintain a clutter-free desk. For example, installing shelving can enhance functionality, and floating shelves conserve space, offering storage for pens, papers, files and personal items. Keeping essential tools and gadgets within easy reach helps maintain efficiency.
Include a plant to bring life to your space or strategically place a lamp to enhance both style and functionality. “If you’re in a meeting with me, you’ll see a picture of my kids, along with an accent chair, side table and lamp in the background,” says Roth. While rugs and curtains help absorb household sounds and provide warmth and comfort, an office door offers privacy. “With two dogs eager to greet (and bark at) the delivery man, having space with a door that can be closed is a lifesaver when I need to take a work call or participate in a meeting,”
Photos courtesy of Lacey Roth
Well-being: maximize your impact
In addition to a thoughtfully designed office environment, your well-being is equally important to maintain job effectiveness and satisfaction. Establish a routine with clear boundaries and specific office hours to help prevent burnout and ensure work-life balance. Share your schedule with your family members and keep your work in your workspace. And don’t forget to take time for yourself.
“It’s important to step away from your desk throughout the day,” says Roth, who takes allotted work breaks and gets a quick walk in whenever she can. “Sometimes I schedule a break on my calendar if the rest of the day is consumed by meetings. It’s also important to ‘leave work’ at the end of the day, and with a designated office space, I can more easily do that.”
Remember to stretch and rest your eyes from screen time. In addition, participating in virtual conversations and coffee breaks with colleagues outside of scheduled meetings will help maintain positive mental health, along with a stronger sense of collegiality and support.
Celebrate your success
A functional and healthy environment is crucial to successfully work from home. By incorporating the right mix of home office essentials, aesthetics and practices, you can boost your productivity, maintain your well-being and more fully enjoy the benefits of telecommuting. “I’ve learned through the years that an effective workspace—quiet, comfortable and free of distractions—can be a recipe for success for any remote worker,“ concludes Roth.
