How to curate your home office for optimal productivity

• When it’s time to focus and center yourself, it’s not uncommon to get distracted by anything and everything in your space. If you work from home, use a home office, or have a room designated to a specific hobby or purpose, you might want to consider the design of the space and how it affects your habits.

Whatever kind of workspace you have, consider redesigning it so that it better serves its purpose. The good news is, you don’t have to overhaul your current setup. All you need to do is rearrange your belongings to cultivate a more productive space. Here are a few expert tips to reassess the space you work in so you can get the most out of it.

Much of productivity comes down to the elimination of distractions, which makes it much easier to focus on task at hand. Your space should be free of distractions, so it shouldn’t house any major pieces outside of the necessities. In a home office, there’s no need for things like a television or a closet or a bar cart. Instead, whittle your pieces down to necessities and supplementary objects, like a desk, comfortable chair, bookcase, or whatever is necessary to fulfill the purpose of this room. Minimalism is in, too, so it’s a win-win.

You’ll also want to eliminate distractions in other ways. Just because you don’t have a television in your home office doesn’t mean it’s the perfect working environment. Décor Aid designers suggest choosing a space that won’t be affected by any outside noise, whether it’s a television in the next room, or a window that allows you to hear all the happenings on the street outside. Choose a quiet space away from any tempting hustle and bustle, and streamline your space to be more about functionality.

If you want to be motivated to get your work done, you’ll want an environment that inspires productivity—but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate touches of personality in your pared-down space. Whether you opt for soothing colors, a bright printed area rug, or expressive wall decor, you’ll find getting work done is easier when you enjoy where you’re working. A bland and uninteresting space only inspires stagnation, so you’ll also want to consider pieces that you know you won’t tire of.

Proper lighting is an important component of a well-designed, productive space. As light is a proven motivator, we suggest situating yourself in an area that receives ample sunlight, and is near a window. Darkness biologically makes us drowsier and more sluggish, so for the nights you decide to double down and work late, you’ll want to use plenty of light fixtures to provide enough light in the space after dark. Adequate light will also eliminate the burden of headaches or strained eyes, and providing proper light is likely necessary for whatever task you have at hand.

Productivity is made or broken by desk organization. Don’t underestimate the importance of a clean, well organized work station, which for many, is limited to a desk. You should have everything necessary within reach, so you’re not constantly getting up and searching. Store important documents, commonly used materials, and essential tech close to where you work.

Lastly, don’t forget one of the most important elements in a home office: a comfortable chair. As you may be spending a lot of time in your chair, it should be comfortable (but not recliner status). Choose a sturdy, well-upholstered chair that promotes good posture—because when you choose a good, upright chair, you’re subconsciously adjusting your work habits to match.

 

AUTHOR BIO: DECOR AID TEAM

International interior design firm Décor Aid provides clients with premium decorating services centered around their lifestyles and vision while providing a transparent fee structure, a dedicated product manager, and vetted professional contractors, renovation specialists, and paint services.