Remote and hybrid work have been on the rise for a while, thanks to the pandemic. People have been reevaluating their careers, work/life balance, and what they truly value from work. Many desire the flexibility to work from home to be close to kids or grandkids or to avoid a long traffic-filled commute. No matter the reason, remote/hybrid work is here to stay. So it's time to set up your modern home office.
If you plan on working from home, whether a couple of times a week or forever, setting your home office up for success is a good idea. With the best working space, you can ensure that your productivity levels don't decline while also making sure you are as comfy as possible while filling out spreadsheets or emails.
Create a Modern Home Office for You
1. Assess Your Space
The first step to getting your home office to be just how you want is to assess your space. Take note of which rooms could be used as an office space year-round. Having to constantly set up and take down your workspace can be demoralizing, so have a dedicated space that is yours to work in whenever. When picking what room would be best, if you have many to choose from, consider the natural light situation. It's always best to have a window that faces either east or west. Eastern light will make it easier for you to concentrate on your tasks in the morning.
Next, even though you'll be getting sunlight, you'll want to ensure your window does not face a busy street or noisy neighbors. Noise can raise stress levels without you realizing it, and work is already stressful enough as it is. Finally, make sure your space is big enough for a desk, office chair, organizational boxes or shelves, and maybe a comfy chair/couch to sit in occasionally.
2. Choose a Functional Desk and Comfy Chair
Investing in the perfect desk and chair combo is the most important thing you can do with your modern home office, especially if your job is a 9-5 desk job. Your back and hips will either love you or hate you, depending on what you choose. Going for the more inexpensive option is tempting, but your body will pay the price down the road. If you can afford it, look up reviews for ergonomic chairs that work with your body rather than against it.
When choosing your desk, look for an adjustable-height desk that allows you to switch between sitting down and standing up. And if you do get a standing desk or convertible desk, buy a squishy floor mat to comfort your feet and lessen the stress on your knees. Next, decide how much storage you will need for your job. With more computer-based roles, you don't need to worry about filing paperwork or stapling forms together. But you may need room for a notepad, sticky notes, pens/pencils, a mouse, and a keyboard. Even if you end up with a big desk, keeping all the extra tools out of sight is good practice. A clear desk is a clear mind.
3. Add Gentle Lighting
You've assessed your space and met the basic desk and chair needs. Now, you need to figure out the lighting situation. If you can't secure a spot in your home with a window, or you have a north-facing window, it's time to get some lamps. Light up the space with lamps that will not only have functionality but will also create a space that is unique to you. Lamp light can be fun to work with because the warmth of the light has a calming effect, unlike bright overhead fluorescent lights. Make sure you have enough light in your space to keep yourself awake.
4. Personalize Your Space
In a modern home office, form is as important as function. Don't make your office space feel like a cage. This is your space, in your own home. Make it YOURS. Add plants if you've got a green thumb, cute decor to liven the space, and storage spaces or shelves to make your space clean and unique. There is no reason your space needs to be dull. Liven the space up with art and pictures. It'll help you be more motivated to work.
5. Use Storage Space and Manage Cables
Depending on the size of your office, you will need to think strategically about where things can be stored. A smaller space has to have enough room for you to work comfortably. A big room may feel like the answer, but it can quickly become messy without proper organization. Consider installing floating shelves to place decor or important books when setting up your space. Multifunctional furniture is a must-have. Get a couch or chair with hidden storage or a lamp with platforms to store things on. Keep the clutter contained as best as you can for the best working space. If you have tons of cords for your electronics, consider getting cable management tools to keep cords untangled and out of the way.
6. Create a Cozy, Productive Atmosphere
The final piece to this puzzle is to make your space productive. Eliminate clutter where you can to keep yourself from distractions. Put things out of sight, out of mind. Keep a cleaning routine to ensure you aren't causing allergies at home with dust and dander.
With this room setup, it's important to remind yourself why you made it in the first place. A modern home office can be an excellent setup for anyone who wants to work fully remote or hybrid because it allows you to separate your work from your regular life. Having a door to close and work to separate from at the end of the day is very important for peace of mind and reduced stress.
Making a home office is essential in building a home for yourself, especially if you're a remote worker. It can help you create a space with good vibes and productive times. If you haven't set up a space yet, get to it! A home office is a necessity in this day and age. Let us know in the comments if you have a home office space. Do you have any more tips you didn't see on this list? Share them with us.
WFH is Made Easy in the Mountains
If you want to switch to a remote job and be close to nature, consider living in Western North Carolina. The views are breathtaking, the traffic is manageable, and the peaceful environment is perfect for working comfortably. If you want to build a home with a modern home office space, we can help. We have many years of experience in custom home construction and can help you build the home you've always wanted.
You can reach us by contacting us anytime here or calling us at (866) 519-2400.
