Whether you run a small business from the comfort of your home or have had to quickly embrace the new work from home culture we have compiled some top tips to help you plan for or set up a peaceful, productive and streamlined home office.
Whether you are lucky to have designated space or a temporary nook, it’s important to note that lighting, accessories and real greenery can been used to great effect and may even provide subtle inspiration, for moments when you’re struggling for ideas.
We sat down with Fete/Life Magazine Owner and Interior Designer Annabelle Kerslake to discuss her top design tips to bring the perfect home office space to life.
“Creating the ideal office space is a little like searching for the Holy Grail, with an array of products, organisers, calendars and filing systems that often just add another job on the to-do list’ said Annabelle owner of Fete/Life magazine, “there are clear benefits to creating an organised system that works, less clutter in the home office means less distractions, less stress and great self control, all of which lead to greater efficiency”.
To start the home office refresh here are some of the simple changes you can implement to make your office a happy and stress free working environment.
Position for Natural Light
Natural light is perfect for bringing a space to life “find a space in the home where natural light is in abundance and access to fresh air will also help your mindset and mood while working”. If this is not possible the next best spot is an unused space, a spare bedroom or a quiet place with an calming outlook.
Good sized computer screen
Be sure to also have a large, well-lit screen “whilst working on a laptop has its place, for long term productivity, working off a large screen can make all the difference” said Annabelle, “reducing eye strain and improving concentration levels”.
It is also super easy to link your laptop to a second screen to give yourself dual monitors to work off and it has been proven to boost productivity and efficiency by 20-30 percent.
A pop of Colour
A turquoise blue wall might add a punchy note, but also help you focus. To help you pick the best colors for your home office, check out this guide from shutterfly.com that lists everything you should consider when putting together your perfect space.
Scented candles
Candles are an inexpensive and beautiful way to liven up the office or any space within the home. “A beautiful inclusion to a home office or any room is also a scented candle or room spray – use a naturally scented candle to invigorate your work mood,” continued Annabelle.
House Plants
There is no such thing as too many plants and the office is the perfect place to show off your collection. “A beautiful pot plant or sprig of fresh garden foliage helps to lift your spirit when work keeps you inside at your workstation and away from the outdoors,” Annabelle concluded.
Not only will they make your office space look fantastic, plants also improve air quality, reduce stress and increase productivity by keeping us in touch with nature. You can read more about the top 10 indoor plants for your office here.
Home design for your best future
Home offices are here to stay and the allowance for a more permanent and private space is never been more important with most of us now working in temporary work stations from home. If you are just starting your search for your custom home, it could be a good idea to include a multi-function space that can transition between a home office, guest room or student study space. Allow for a built in desk and shelving with some creative lighting and if it is positioned at the front of your home it will allow for colleagues, guests or even clients to come and go without impeding on your personal privacy.
For some inspiration on how to transform your home office visit ‘Home Office Inspiration’.
The other thing about working from home is you no longer need to be close to your office – if you’re only going in to work a couple of days a week, then you can afford to move to a semi rural address and take advantage of the beautiful natural environment just waiting to be explored. And there is no better address than Newenham if you’re looking to enjoy the simple things … family, friends and a community to call your own.
Come and experience this beautiful pocket of the Adelaide Hills for yourself and see why our residents love living at Newenham.
The Sales and Information Centre is located at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker. Check the website for open hours or book by appointment for a personal tour at a time that suits you by calling our Sales Team on 0429 107 497.
