With the increasing functionality and uptake of the internet for both business and pleasure, working from home has become more and more popular. Whether it is a full time situation or for a few hours at a time ensuring that you have an efficient workspace within the home is hugely important. For the productivity of your work and the overall functioning of your home this article takes you through some simple ways to create an aesthetic yet organised area.
Forward Thinking
Before creating your office area is it important to consider and breakdown the various requirements of your workspace. As a designer, for example, the workspace needs to include a drawing board, cutting mat, computer, sample area and an abundance of storage. For an accountant however, less physical room is likely to be required yet more filing space would be beneficial. When reviewing this do not just consider your immediate requirements; think long term. Do you need space for archiving documents? Will you need other equipment such as a scanner, photocopier or fax machine in the future? Once all these practical requirements are established you can begin considering style etc.
Box It Up
Use storage boxes and accessories to organise and add some style to your home office
To help create an organised and tidy area it is helpful to segregate the work area into different functions. For example, have one area of your desk for computer work and the other for laying out drawings, spreadsheets, maps etc. Above this hang neat shelves which can store documents and files that are readily used. Then in a corner position a large storage unit to hide away all archived or lesser used objects. Ensure the wood or material used is complementary not only to one another but also the style of the property. In traditional homes opt for a dark mahogany or oak finish perhaps including a leather topped desk. In more contemporary homes use glass, high gloss or stained wood for a sleeker finish.
To further organise and conceal the various elements of your workspace choose coordinating filing boxes, storage tubs, desk organisers and filing trays in a material or colour used within the décor. Consider clear acrylic, country twee gingham, leather bound or metal. These should help increase the level of style within the room helping to coordinate the area with the rest of the house.
Little Additions
Once all the practical elements have been met add some smaller details to ensure that this workspace is still reflective of your home not your workplace. Why not buy a contemporary world map, cityscape canvas or a simply nice piece of wall art to hang on your walls. Similarly, add a funky table lamp and chair to give your room a designer twist.
Finally ensure that, once your days work is done, the area can be quickly tidied and is a significant distance away from your living area so you can turn off and relax with your friends and family. If this divide isn’t possible your work/life balance can be tipped to the annoyance and loss of you and your loved ones.
