Create the perfect home-working space and boost your productivity
ARMAC Martin, the UK’s leading manufacturer of luxury solid brass interior hardware, has teamed up with top interior designers to put together the ultimate guide to creating a home office.
Speaking to some of the country’s most renowned interior designers, and in combination with knowledge accrued over three generations in 92 years making high-quality, hand-finished brass fittings, they have compiled an in-depth handbook detailing the best ways to plan, decorate and finish your home workspace.
Creating the perfect space in which to work from home is clearly a hot topic at the moment. Pinterest recently recorded a 425% increase in searches for ‘working from home office ideas’.
It’s about more than just the visual appeal though. It’s thought that working from home could actually improve wellbeing and productivity.
According to recent ONS statistics, of the businesses that expect their workforce to continue working from home, 80% ranked ‘improved staff wellbeing’ as the main reason while 77% of remote workers estimate that they are more productive when working from home.
Whether it’s a spare bedroom, a shed at the bottom of the garden or a cubby hole under the stairs, the environment you create in your home office can have a massive impact, not just on your output but also on how you feel before, during and after the working day.
From the colour scheme, lighting, furniture and accessories, to plants, equipment and layout, there is a lot to consider.
Armac Martin’s guide provides everything you need to make your own healthy, productive and stylish work-from-home space.
They have even considered routines and rituals to help you get in the zone. What you do after that is up to you.
“Natural light and fresh air are both important factors in a workspace. Try to position your desk as close as possible to a window, so you can take advantage of these wonderful natural energy boosters,” says Dr Ranj, Sleep & Wellness Ambassador at Furniture Village
“Creating a space that you enjoy spending time will not only make your working day more enjoyable but could boost your productivity and help to alleviate work-related anxiety.
“A tidy and organised space will enable your mind to focus on the task at hand, so ensuing that you have adequate storage is important.
“Whether that’s a set of shelves, a sideboard or simply a drawer built into your desk to reduce surface clutter, it’s worth having a think about what will work for you.”
“Finishing touches can make a world of difference when it comes to crafting a beautiful home office.
“For a cool, sophisticated look that will make you feel at the top of your game, introduce an extra layer of lighting.
“Table and desk lamps are key for creating a comforting ambience, and can be cleverly positioned behind monitors to reduce surface clutter or placed upon a near-by shelving unit to cast a glow across the room,” says Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village
“Be sure to style in a selection of house plants, whether they’re faux or the real deal, you’ll reap the benefits of having pops of greenery dotted around the space. This will help to alleviate work-related anxiety and promote clarity,” says Shelley.