Home offices. Home offices can be both a blessing and a curse. If it feels too homey, you won’t work, but if it’s sterile and boring, it won’t work either. You must strike a balance between work and pleasure to maintain an inspiring work environment.

Working from home is the dream of many, and it should be an advantage. So you should not sabotage yourself by relaxing too much. That is usually when things start going downhill. If you are wondering how to keep your productivity level high while still working from home (not in PJs), we have some ideas for creative office areas.

Is The Home Office A Real Office?

Many people who are working from home need to have a separate room, literally their office, where they come to do their work. Others need a simple desk or a standing desk converter, a chair, and a laptop, and they can work anywhere. They may choose to work in the bedroom one day and the kitchen the next. If you don’t have a spare room for an office, it’s fine to roam the house until you find a good spot. But once you settle, make sure that area is reserved for working; keep it clutter-free and neat.

A Desk Is Not A Storage

Whatever you are doing, you are probably surrounded by papers, books, and notebooks. It starts as a small pile, but soon you’re surrounded by papers and can’t find anything. That is why you need drawers, binders, shelves, or organizers that will help you keep everything under control. Keep your desk surface clean and leave only the basic necessities on it.

Invest In A Good Chair

No, you can’t work in a chair that doesn’t support your back, like a kitchen bar chair. People often neglect the importance of having a proper office chair. But eventually, your back pain will let you know that it was enough. Sitting for hours on a chair that is not comfortable or supportive enough can cause back and neck pain. However, the discomfort doesn’t end there. It will diminish your motivation to work from home because you will associate it with pain and discomfort.

Give It A Dash Of You

You know how regular offices are boring; perhaps there is a calendar on the wall or a clock, and that is it. Additionally, a company’s logo is typically present. But at home, you can hang your custom metal art signs that carry empowering messages, inspiring quotes, your name, or anything that is important to you. That office has to resemble you, who you are, and what is important to you. You can add pictures of your family, your awards, plaques, or anything that motivates you to do your best.

Light It Up

Light is essential for many reasons. A bright and sunbathed space will always look more inspiring and bigger. Set your desk against the window or right next to it. The bright sunlight will help you wake up in the morning and stay focused. In case you do not have enough natural light in your home office, make sure to install your lighting carefully. You will need it, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when the day goes off. Combine white and warm light bulbs to avoid that too-bright and artificially white effect.

Plantasia

Many are following the trend of urban jungles and Plantasia-like interiors, so if you are not into a decoration, bringing in some plants will give more life to your office. You can find a few varieties that are easy to maintain and do not require daily watering. Furthermore, you can find excellent artificial plants that look pretty real. Succulents are a good choice because they look real at first glance.

Keep It Cozy, But Not Too Cozy

As mentioned before, you have to keep in mind that it is your office space, not your living room or bedroom. So a simple rug, a throw blanket on the chair, and textured curtains will do the job and make your space look comfortable enough. It should not be as cold as a regular office or as warm as a living room.

Are Home Offices Really Better?

Well, it depends. You have to try and see it for yourself. If you have small children who are running around the house, laughing, crying, and screaming, it can be a challenge. But it is not impossible if you have a separate room. The key is to make your home office become your advantage. Organizing your home office to be comfortable enough for work is one way to achieve that, ensuring that the time you spend in it is not wasted.