Whether you work from home or have a special place dedicated for reading or writing, a home office is a place of your own which should inspire creativity and let you focus on what you need to do.
However, this often is not the case. Home offices can be one of the most neglected spaces in the home, quickly turning into messy and unfriendly spaces that are far from ideal when generating inspiration and may well leave you retreating to other spaces in the house, such as the couch and kitchen. If you are looking to create your own office space or update the one you currently have, then here are 10 ideas that are sure to motivate you to work.
Think “Chic”
Your office space should be a place which inspires you and also reflects your personality. If you spend the majority of your day in your office, then you’re likely to want a space which is both fashionable and functional.
Look for something which highlights your personality, such as an accent wall for added depth and drama, or small finishing touches such as a chandelier for a touch of glitz and glamour.
Add Splashes Of Green
Breathe some life and freshness into your office space with a few plants and flowers. Having a space which is not only welcoming but calming will make you want to spend more time there.
Try to make a space which is not only balanced but practical, comfortable and clean – if these elements aren’t in place, then you’ll likely find yourself sat at the kitchen table. Plants are a great way to keep you feeling calm and focused, plus they also clean the air and look pretty.
Infuse The Space With Inspiration
Color has the wonderful power of being able to get your creative juices flowing and have a positive impact on your mood – which is needed when work is involved. Even if you work with numbers all day or have to focus on minute details, then vibrant art will energize your space and make you feel more motivated.
Make A Statement
If your office is traditional and neutral, then why not add a few statement splashes throughout the room to brighten things up? You don’t need to redecorate – a few select pieces and items will make all the difference. All it takes is a bold armchair or bright rug to transform the room.
Let The Light In
Natural light will directly make the space feel bigger, which is always a bonus when you are working with a small space. If you want your privacy, then add some fogged window film to the windows so that you can always have your curtains or blinds open without having to give up your retreat. If you have ever worked in a space that is lit only with fluorescent lighting, then you may have found that you suffered headaches or felt low during the day. Having access to natural light could make you feel better and work more efficiently.
Keep Your Backdrop White
If you are someone whose style and design tastes change more often than your computer screensaver, then it is worth keeping your space all white. This way, you can switch the space around with new pillows, patterns, or accessories as much as you desire without having to redecorate.
Make Your Walls Work Harder
If you do not have a room that is dedicated solely to your work, then that does not mean you cannot have an efficient office space. Invest in a minimalist desk space or make your own using storage shelves – they could take up hardly any space in the corner of a room.
Create A Gallery Wall
It is your space, so fill it with things that you love! If you have a neutral wall, then adding a gallery wall to it could improve the space and make it feel more positive. The best way to organize it is to arrange them on the floor first, moving the prints and pictures around until you create the look that you want.
If you like the flexibility of being able to change the prints around, then use removable wall strips. Whether you choose motivational quotes, photos of family and friends, or small art pieces, fill the space with things you love looking at.
Mix The Old With The New
Just because you like to create a space that feels “new” doesn’t mean that you should be scared of using decor from other rooms in your home. A mix of both modern and vintage pieces makes a room feel warm and personal, rather than a clinical showroom. A beautiful antique rug paired with some new chairs will create that sense of style and means that the room is not overwhelming.
Optimise The Space Available
The organization is the key to a happy space – make sure that you use every trick in the book. No one works well within a messy home office, so do not waste the space you have. Hide printers away into cabinets or move your filing into the corner of the room. Make the most of vertical space, too, with tall storage units or cupboards.