This Barrie 360 article is brought to you by United Lumber Home Hardware.
Let’s face it, working from home can feel like a blessing or a curse depending on how you’ve set up your space. If you’re finding it hard to get motivated, it might be time to rethink your home office.
The good news? You don’t have to go all out or break the bank to create a workspace that makes you excited to work.
Here are some easy, practical ideas to give your home office a little refresh that’ll make a big difference.
1. Make it comfortable (but not too comfortable)
The biggest mistake people make? Thinking any old chair and desk will do. But the reality is, your setup can either make or break your workday, especially if you’re sitting for hours on end.
- Invest in a chair with back support: Look, your dining room chair isn’t doing you any favors. You need something that supports your lower back and helps you sit with good posture.
- Desk height matters: Make sure your desk is at a height where your arms can rest comfortably at 90 degrees while you type. No more shoulder or wrist pain!
- Cushioning for your chair: Add a lumbar pillow or cushion to enhance support and comfort. Opt for one that’s adjustable to find your perfect fit.
- Desk mats: Use a desk mat with a soft texture to make your workspace feel warmer and more inviting. It can also provide a little padding for your wrists while typing.
Bottom line: when you’re comfortable, you’re not thinking about how much your neck or back hurts. You’re just working (or at least pretending to).
2. Add a little greenery
Plants. They do more than just sit there looking pretty.
Adding a bit of nature to your home office can help reduce stress and even boost your creativity. Plus, they’re basically like having a low-maintenance pet.
- Go for easy-to-care-for plants: If you’re not exactly blessed with a green thumb, try something like succulents or snake plants. They’re hard to kill, which is a bonus.
- Larger plants: If you want to make more of a statement, a tall plant like a fiddle-leaf fig can fill up an empty corner and make your office feel more lively.
- Small desk plants: A cute pothos or peace lily can do the trick if you’re short on space but still want that fresh, natural vibe.
- Plant wall: If you're feeling creative, install wall planters to create a vertical garden. It adds a stunning visual element and maximizes your space.
Not only will your home office look better, but studies say plants can help improve your mood and concentration. Worth a shot, right?
3. Get serious about storage
Let’s be real … clutter kills productivity. When your desk is buried in papers, it’s hard to stay focused.
The solution?
Smart storage options that keep things tidy without turning your office into a boring space.
- Shelving is your friend: Floating shelves are great for displaying books, decor, or office supplies without taking up precious floor space.
- Drawer it up: A desk with a few drawers can hide away your not-so-pretty essentials, keeping your surface clean.
- Cute storage bins: For stuff you need to keep but don’t want to look at, baskets or storage bins are a stylish fix.
- Wall-mounted organizers: Use wall-mounted file organizers or pegboards to keep frequently used items accessible yet out of the way.
- Under-desk storage: Utilize the space under your desk for storage bins or small rolling carts to keep your office organized without taking up more room.
- Multi-use items: If your home office is in a room with many purposes, opt for functional furniture with lots of hidden storage for work stuff and open storage for decor.
An organized office helps you stay on top of things. And it might just save you from having to tear the place apart looking for that important file.
4. Let there be light
Lighting can make or break the vibe of your home office. Afterall, working in a dark, gloomy space isn’t exactly inspiring and working under overpowering bright white can just be overwhelming.
The right lighting can make a huge difference.
- Get a good desk lamp: Not only does it brighten things up, but it also helps reduce eye strain. Look for one with adjustable brightness so you can control the mood.
- Natural light is the best light: If you’re lucky enough to have a window nearby, make sure you take advantage of that natural sunlight. It’ll keep you feeling more awake and alert.
- Ambient lighting: Add some personality with warm accent lights or even some string lights. It’s all about creating a space that feels inviting, not just functional.
- Smart bulbs: Consider using smart LED bulbs that allow you to adjust the brightness and color temperature based on the time of day or your mood.
- Reflective surfaces: Incorporate mirrors or glossy finishes in your decor to bounce light around the room, making the space feel larger and brighter. (Well-positioned mirrors are also a great way to make a space look bigger.)
Good lighting isn’t just about seeing what you’re doing—it’s about feeling energized and focused.
5. Make it personal (but not distracting)
Your home office should feel like your space. It’s where you’ll spend a lot of time, so why not make it a little more “you”?
- Hang some artwork: Find pieces that make you feel inspired or remind you of why you’re grinding in the first place. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something that sparks joy.
- Family photos: A few framed pictures of loved ones or memories from your favorite vacation can give you a nice mental break during stressful moments.
- Pick a color scheme you love: Whether you go for calming neutrals or something more bold and colorful, your space should reflect your style and keep you motivated.
- DIY decor: Create your own artwork or crafts to display. This not only personalizes your space but can also be a fun project.
- Vision board: Design a vision board with your goals and aspirations. It can serve as a daily reminder of what you’re working toward.
Just remember: a little personalization goes a long way. You don’t want so many distractions that you spend more time daydreaming than working.
6. Color can set the tone
Speaking of color, did you know that different colors can affect your mood and productivity? Choosing the right shades for your office could help you feel more focused, calm, or energized.
- Keep it neutral: Soft greys, whites, and beiges can keep things calm and clean, letting you focus on the work, not the walls.
- Add a pop of color: If you want to make the space more lively, try adding accents of green, blue, or even a vibrant yellow to spark creativity.
- Warm tones for coziness: If you want to create a space that feels extra welcoming, add in some warm tones like soft oranges or yellows.
- Color blocking: Experiment with painting a section of the wall in a bold color for a striking effect that draws the eye.
- Textiles: Incorporate colorful cushions, rugs, or curtains to add vibrancy without committing to painting walls.
Experiment with different colors and find what works best for your work style and the vibe you want to create.
7. Move around a little
Sitting all day isn’t good for anyone. Making your home office a space where you can move around a bit will keep you from feeling stiff or sluggish.
- Standing desks are a thing for a reason: Alternating between sitting and standing helps you stay more alert and less achy by the end of the day.
- Stretch it out: Even if you don’t have space for a full workout, making room to stretch or move for a few minutes can make a big difference.
- Try a desk bike: Feeling adventurous? Some people swear by these under-the-desk bikes that let you get some light exercise while you work. (You can also get a desk treadmill if that is more your vibe.)
- Movement breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to take short movement breaks every hour. A quick walk around your home can do wonders.
- Balance boards: Consider using a balance board while working. It helps improve core strength and balance while keeping you active.
A workspace that lets you move around helps you stay focused and feel better overall.
Ready to love your workspace?
Making your home office feel like a space you actually want to work in doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few small tweaks, whether it’s adding some plants, getting better lighting, or organizing your stuff, you can turn your home office into a place that inspires productivity and creativity.
After all, when your office looks good, you’ll feel good, too.v
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