Now more than ever, people are needing to convert their homes into an office space. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a necessity. Sure, a couch and a laptop might do, but how productive can you really be when it feels like another lazy Sunday? Taking the time to organize a space for a home office can make all the difference when it comes to productivity and efficiency.
At Le Rivage Luxury Apartments, we provide luxurious office amenities for you in our executive business center and conference rooms. However, we want you to really be able to make your office space your own. For that, we’ve put together 6 tips to help you organize your home office.
How to organize your home office
You know you want your home office to flow with the rest of your home, but also have a special, creative touch. So where to start? First, decide what your taste is. Do you prefer minimalism? Or do you want something fun and attention-grabbing? Traditional or modern?
Whatever you have in mind, we’ll provide some more inspiration so you can really take your office to the next level. Here are 6 design tips to consider when curating your home office:
1. Location Is Key
Everybody’s home is different. Some people have an entire room dedicated to an office space, while others have to get more creative. Location truly is key when it comes to a home office. Consider the surroundings. If you have roommates, in the middle of the living room might not be a great idea. If you can, find a quiet, relatively closed off space to convert into your workspace.
On the other hand, some people tend to work better in the hustle of things. If being around other people helps your productivity levels, maybe a corner in a shared space would work best for you.
2. Spatial Awareness
Space can be an issue if you don’t have much room to work with. However, try your best to move things around to create an area that has a comfortable amount of space. Cluttered, tight spaces tend to leave people feeling stressed or overwhelmed. A lighter, open feel might be just what you need to get those creative juices flowing.
When you find a suitable area, ask yourself: Can I move from side to side easily? Do I feel constricted in this space? Am I able to stand up and move away from the desk easily?
If you’re not sure whether or not you have enough space, use the professional designers’ rule of thumb. According to designers, the ideal workstation is at least 60 inches wide and 84 inches in depth.
3. The Necessities
When designing a home office, some things are simply essential. This includes a desk, a chair, and room for a computer and/or paperwork. Choosing the right desk and chair for your office is vital. You want something that provides enough space for you to comfortably do your work.
Think about what all you will likely be using at this desk. Your computer, in-trays, reference materials, books, art supplies, and a printer are all possibilities to consider. You’ll want a desk that provides ample space for these things, or at least enough storage to hold equipment you aren’t using at the moment. Ideally, your desk should be at least 48 inches wide.
As for the chair, it might be worth it to invest in something that is good quality and comfortable to you. Comfort is key. If you plan on sitting here for hours at a time, the odds are you won’t be able to produce your best work if you’re in pain. Your neck and back will surely thank you for making a good investment.
4. Storage & Shelving
As we mentioned before, storage is important. This is especially true if you use multiple materials on a daily basis. If your desk doesn’t provide much storage, you might want to purchase shelving, filing cabinets, or cupboard to place near your desk.
Consider what your workflow looks like. What will you need, how often will you use it, and where will it go when it’s complete? We recommend keeping any current work within arms reach. Having the necessary items close at hand can save you time and energy.
5. Lighting & View
Having good lighting is essential for any home office space. If you’re able to, curate your office around a window and position your desk to be facing it. That way, you’ll have natural light pouring in as well as a view. It might open the space up a bit more and make it feel a bit less stuffy. Besides, how refreshing and energizing is it to open the window and let the natural breeze flow in?
You do want to be careful when doing this, though. If the sun hits your computer at the right spot, it could produce a glare. If you can’t avoid positioning it in a way that deflects the light, consider adding translucent window shades or blinds. This can reduce any glares without darkening the rest of the room.
For late nights or rainy days when natural light isn’t an option, you’ll also want to have some artificial light in there. An overhead ceiling light should be enough to do the trick, as would an open-top floor lamp. You might also want to get a desk light for shadow-free task lighting. It can go a long way when you need a little extra light in the evenings.
If a view and natural light just isn’t a possibility, consider adding artwork to the walls around you. Don’t underestimate what a pleasing view can do for your creativity.
6. Add Some Personality
Finally, make it your own! The best part about creating a home office is that it is completely up to you how it looks and feels. You can match the office to go with the flow of the rest of your home, or make it a completely unique space. Think about things that inspire you when decorating your home office. Artwork, pictures of your pets, potted plants, or your favorite little knick-knacks. Whatever it may be, these personal touches can really brighten up your day and increase your productivity.
Happy Decorating!
At Le Rivage Luxury Apartments in Bossier City, we care about your comfort. As all of us remain cooped up in our homes, we want to make sure that you’re able to remain happy and productive. Taking these steps to spice up your workspace from home can really make a difference.
If adding a home office in your Le Rivage apartment doesn’t sound appealing, that’s okay! We have several amenities that are accessible to you, too. From our executive business center to our coffee bar, or our outdoor cabana (with a fireplace!) to our luxury clubhouse. If you aren’t already living with us, what are you waiting for? Give us a call at 318-252-8482 or visit our website to schedule a tour today.
