4 Tips To Help Enliven or Redesign Your Dull Home Office

A Room of Your Own: Creating The Perfect Home Office

Juggling motherhood with self-employment isn’t easy, but it is something most women are doing. Success varies though and a lot has to do with setting things up the right way at the start.

Studies indicate that the number of working mothers is on the rise. Thanks to advancements in technology and the increase of work from home opportunities, it has never been easier for moms to make a little extra income from the comfort of their own home. 

In her extended essay, A Room Of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf talks about the importance of having a private and designated space from which to work if a woman wants to be successful. For working mothers, this couldn’t be truer. In order to fully engage with their work, a woman needs to switch off from the chaos around her and concentrate in a space that is free from distractions. But what should your working space entail and how can you style and furnish it in order to make it the ideal place in which to be productive?

Tips to help you enliven a dull office and create the perfect home office 

Color

The Color in your office (think walls, furniture, and accessories) matters. In fact, studies indicate that the color of your office can have a direct impact on productivity, so bear this in mind before you pick up a paintbrush. If you want to brighten up your office space, then cheerful yellows can be an inspiring option, in contrast to low wavelength shades such as pale blue which promote calmness. Beware of dark, dramatic colors such as red which can be stressful and oppressive in a small space. 

Lighting

Good quality lighting is important in any office space. Without good lighting, you risk becoming fatigued, uninspired and potentially developing eye strain. Ideally, your office should have a window to allow plenty of natural light and air to circulate. If this isn’t possible, then opt for full-spectrum lighting instead of fluorescent bulbs as it is a more balanced form of lighting that is closer to natural sunlight. 

Updated Equipment

If you plan to spend a lot of time in your office, then it pays to invest in high quality, ergonomic chair that will improve posture and avoid any muscle strain. Your computer should be set to a high resolution to avoid the need for squinting and your desk space should be tidy and free from clutter. Studies show that a cluttered workspace can result in a cluttered mind. 

Another essential piece of equipment that can make or break you is your router. Some people are trying to work on outdated routers. It’s a good idea to update your router and test your wifi speed periodically.

Finally, I couldn’t work like I do without my headset. I happen to love my Jabra Bluetooth headset. It works for both my phone and any webinars hosted on my computer. The sound quality is so much better, and a headset cuts out noise.

Green Plants

Green plants won’t just brighten up your office, they may also enhance your creativity. Plants are known to be natural air purifiers as they are able to increase the amount of oxygen in a small space, while simultaneously absorbing toxins. This can help improve mood, alertness, and cognitive function. 

Which one of these tips are inspiring you to create your ideal, productive space? Do you have any ideas to add to create the ideal home office? Please share your ideas below.

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Special thanks for the contribution from freelance writer Jess Walter. Contact Jess at jesswalterwriter@gmail.com.