7 steps to a home office

EXPERT TIPS: WORRY ABOUT LIGHTING, CHAIRS, PLANTS AND EVEN COLOURS

Try to create a combination of open and closed storage solutions.

Your reasons for setting up a home office could be varied – maybe you need a designated space to catch up on what you didn’t finish at work during the day or perhaps you’ve decided to take the big, brave leap into the freelancing world, or to build your own business.

Whatever your reasons, your focus needs to be on creating a space that’s going to boost your productivity and there are various design elements you need to keep in mind, says workplace design and fit out firm, Tower Bridge.

“Your working area need not be a separate room – it could be a section of a room that you demarcate using furniture elements, or even a screen,” says Lauren Appleson, design specialist at Tower Bridge. “Regardless of where your home office is, it needs to be comfortable, functional and welcoming, because chances are you’re going to be spending a lot of time there.”

Splash out on a good ergonomically designed office chair. Being uncomfortable, at the wrong height or unable to sit properly will negatively impact your productivity. Just as you would buy the best computer (or other tools) to do your job, you should buy the best possible chair.

If you’re using technology,

Your working area need not be a separate room – it could be a section of a room that you demarcate using furniture elements, or even a screen.

Lauren Appleson

Design specialist at Tower Bridge

Splash out on a good ergonomically designed office chair

make sure that you’ve got a wire reticulation solution – cables lying all over your desk and floor are unsightly and could cause you to trip.

Choose a space with abundant natural light, as light quality also impacts your productivity. Enhance natural light with task lighting to avoid eye strain.

Having plants in your workis place has been shown to improve air quality, innovation, and creative thinking. Colour choice is important, as different colours impact your mood and productivity. Purple, for example, is very creative, but too much will tire you out (as will too much red). Blues and greens are tranquil and calming, while yellow energising. Your best bet is to work with a neutral palette, and then introduce splashes of colour.

You’re going to need storage space, so try to create a combination of open and closed storage solutions. This way, you’ll have easy access to the items you need regularly, while the unsightly ones will be within reach, but won’t distract you.

You’ll need a sturdy desk, but apart from this, try to work with softer materials as these will absorb distracting noise.

If your home office has a wooden or tiled floor, you could reduce noise with a soft rug, or by introducing a sofa into the space. You could also fit acoustic wall paper, or if the noise from outdoors is excessive, double glazing is also a good idea.

“Perhaps the most important part of setting up your home office is discussing your reasons for doing so with members of your family,” says Lauren. “The people you share your home with need to understand that while an occasional cup of coffee or tea is welcome, you’re in your office to work – and that you’re likely to be done with your work to spend time with them sooner if you’re left undisturbed.”

Tower Bridge design and fit out workplaces that work. The firm’s turnkey service combines science, art and artisanship to deliver unique work space solutions that drive human effectiveness up, costs down and brand image apart from the competition.