Creating A Functional Home Office
Well friends... it looks like we're all going to be hunkering down and working from home much longer than any of us anticipated! For many of us, that means creating a home office. Having a designated space to work, no matter how small your home, is important for not only productivity but peace of mind (I say this as I'm writing this blog post from my bed so I am CLEARLY going to need to take some of my advice this week!). I pulled together some home office ideas for you guys to cover a wide range of small spaces (and budgets) so we can all stay productive and maintain some semblance of normalcy (and sanity!) during these unprecedented times.
I also asked my husband, Daniel, who has worked at home as a freelancer for the past 3 years what his tips are for staying productive while working from home and what he loves about his home office (you're welcome babe!)
Daniel's Productivity Tips:
Try to get up at the same time every day to maintain a routine
Listen to your natural rhythm - working from home means if 9-5 doesn't work for you, you can change up your hours to optimize for productivity and focus (if you can - realize some of us have to be "on" during working hours)
Be diligent about taking breaks
Have a designated place for work. Don't bring work into the bedroom (he yells at me for this!)
Daniel's Home Office Tips:
Create a space that is both comfortable and ergonomic for you. That could mean a comfortable chair, a monitor, desk & computer screen at optimal height, etc
Plants, art, photos from great trips and meaningful talismans are all great ways to instill a bit of creativity and inspiration into your daily work routine
Try to find a place to work with natural light - you're not in an office so take advantage!
So you've got some space...
Lucky you! Identify a room or area in your home where you can set up your own workspace. Find a desk and seating that feel ergonomic for your needs, display art that inspires you, some daily inspiration (I love these linen pin boards from Pottery Barn!), a little greenery and some good lighting. Here's a little home office eye candy to get you inspired.
The Goods
If you live in a small space, think about pieces that are multifunctional.
Extra storage is the name of the game when living in a smaller home. Pieces that incorporate a desk AND some extra storage are a win-win.
The Goods
If you're short on square footage, think about using the space beside your bed for a small desk rather than a nightstand.
The Goods
Have some vacant wall space? Try a wall mounted solution.
The Goods
If all you've got is a coffee table...
I'd suggest getting a pouf or ottoman with some dense fill so you can at least sit at your coffee table at an ergonomic height for your wrists. Better yet, stack a floor chair on top of the ottoman for back support!
Get The Look: Home Office
//THE GOODS// 1. Lulu and Georgia Stripe Break Rug starting at $98 // West Elm Leather Upholstered Swivel Desk Chair $899 (similar here) // West Elm Industrial Storage Mini Desk $499 // Target Valencia Task Lamp $32 // 5. Pottery Barn Linen Pinboard $149 // 6. Lumens Brass Pencil Cup $35 // 7. West Elm Bishop Planter $129
// THE GOODS // 1. Vintage Kilim Rug $258 // 2. West Elm Holland Dining Chair $299 // 3. West Elm Ribbed Glass Table Lamp $159 // 4. CB2 Stairway White Desk $399 // 5. Mcgee & Co Gilded Knot Object $60 // 6. Hypesheriff Matisse Geometric Print starting at $41 // West Elm Totem Vase $34