Our Top 5 Tips to Create and Maintain the Perfect Home Office

The daily routine has taken an abrupt turn for many of us during the coronovirus pandemic.  No more catching up on your favourite podcast on your morning commute, no more essential first coffee from the cafe round the corner from work, no banter with your work-mates round the water-cooler.  Times are shifting and with that comes change and challenges.  Around the globe home offices are becoming the central space we’re spending of our lives.

Consider these tips to create a productive and healthy work space at home to keep you sane during these interesting times.

1. Create an office nook

Where possible, choose a separate space as dedicated workplace, away from the kitchen, laundry room, and distracting noises.  The worst place you can be doing is working from bed or your couch, motivations levels are certain to plummet.  When you don’t have enough room for a dedicated office space, an office den can turn an unused area into a pleasant productive space.

Set up this space with all the equipment that you’ll need so you’re ready to hit the ground running each morning – chargers, pens, notepads, efficient lighting, quick snacks, water.  Make this space comfortable and inviting – add family photos, an inspiring quote, your favourite piece of art.

Image: The Site Foreman // Kingsford Project – New Dwelling

2. Keep your workspace organised

Home is full of distractions.  Feed the dog, put a load of washing on, time for a cup of tea.  Play with the dog, check Facebook, hang out the washing.   Staying focused takes will power and practice.  It will take some time to get used to working from home, but keeping your work-space clean and tidy will help.  Spend the final 15 minutes of  of each day clearing cups, glasses, papers and giving your desk a wipe over fresh for the next morning.

Image: The Site Foreman // Turramurra Project – Major Alteration & Addition

3. Clever storage

Many of us are working from homes when we haven’t had to before, so creating quick and simple storage solutions will help keep you organised. Floating shelves are a great solution to remove items off your desk, and are visually appealing.  Repurpose an old set of drawers to put a printer in, use boxes to store papers and files, keep things stacked on top of each other to safe space on your work surfaces.

 

Image: The Site Foreman // Strathfield New Dwelling

 

 

4. Keep it green

Breathe some life into your space, so you’ll want to stay longer.  There are many benefits to incorporating plants into your work space.  Plants have phytoncides and other airborne chemicals that help to reduce stress, which directly improves mental health.  Its proven that inviting spaces are more productive, adding plants will remind you of why you’re working and the goals you have in life.

Image: www.bhg.com.au

5. Let light in

Stay connected to the great outdoors. Natural light keeps us alert and refreshed. Studies show that when exposed to natural light we get a better night sleep and sleep for longer sleep longer and better.  This transpires to increased productivity the next day.

Image: The Site Foreman // Gladesville Project – Major Alteration & Addition