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Establish a Work-From-Home Comprehensive Plan.
Since the early 2000’s working as a backpacker, mobile worker, or nomad, as they are often described, has surged as a trend for work/life balance. Right now, however, due to our world pandemic, working remotely is a reality imposed on many companies. For you, that reality may be saddled with many distractions because your workspace lacks design elements that impede your work-from-home productivity.
Begin by preparing a workplace strategy that can improve your dedicated home workspace. The best strategy begins by removing distractions such as laundry, family activities, television, and snacks. (Yes, I said snacks.) With the pantry and refrigerator at our fingertips, wandering into the kitchen for something to give our minds a break and soothe our need for some kind of entertainment, is all too easy. Establishing your workspace away from these common diversions and putting thought into how your workday flows will allow you to plan your space accordingly.
Apply Basic Interior Design Strategies to Home Workspaces
Yes, we’re an architecture firm, so of course, we think about interior design all the time. But you should, too! Consider what you want to be surrounded by all day – what type of decorative inclusions keep you feeling strong and productive? What colors motivate you? What “extras” do you have lying around that could be repurposed in your new workspace?. Leverage what you’ve got! Here are two simple interior design strategies you can implement quickly and get back to work.
Furniture
When we think about office furniture, we tend to first think about our desk. Your work-from-home environment might be a bespoke workspace – meaning, you’re finding something that fits the space you’ve selected. If you do not have an office or desk already, use a small table perched by the window, a corner of a relatively quiet room, or at a bar-height counter.
Rethink your workspace options and create a clutter-free space that fits your style and inspires your productive side. Keep it clean and simple, the dining room table presents a large workspace option to spread out when paired with a comfortable chair. Nearby bookshelves or hutches can be repurposed to store office supplies or hide those items when you shut down work for the day.
Lighting
Expert room lighting has the power to inspire, the ability to create warmth, and even breathe relaxation into your space. Consider these bright ideas to improve your home workspace lighting.
The best lighting options for your workspace bring function and illuminate the job ahead, so make sure the lighting is good. Natural light is a smart consideration if you have it, but an incandescent lamp borrowed from elsewhere can deliver a similar effect. Position it off to the left or right of your work zone to minimize distracting shadows and computer screen reflections.
Task lighting should make you productive. Poor lighting can lead to headaches from the bright computer screen contrast. If you’re likely to work in pajamas, low lighting might send you back to sleep. Adding brighter lampshades can help scatter light in a more ambient way to create a comfortable work setting.
Institute a Physically Sustainable Design
We’re not really talking about that eco-type of sustainable design, but we would like to talk about the sustainability of your physical health. Your own personal comfort is important to keep in mind as you think about planning and designing your new home workspaces. The flexibility to stand while working gives your body a break, particularly if your work chair is missing quality ergonomics.
Improving your work seating is as simple as propping a small pillow behind your lower back for added support. Elevate your monitor on a book or two to align it slightly below or at eye level. Good posture is important to help you maintain focus so remind yourself to sit up straight and uncross your legs. Take breaks with a walk to the faucet for water and a loop around the family room. Be careful not to spend too much time in bed with your laptop or on that soft couch as they can keep you relaxed and less attentive resulting in less productivity.
Custom Design Planning and Resources
Reach out to our team at Imprint Architects if you would like help planning for and designing your office. During these times, we can help with creating custom home designs to keep you going!
Work hard, stay healthy, and Leave Your Mark.
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