If you run a small business out of your home, it’s critical that you have a suitable space to do your work. According to ScienceDirect, research shows that an individual’s physical surroundings in the workplace directly impact factors like happiness and productivity. Creating a welcoming, concentration-enhancing space to operate your business can thus make a big difference in your professional success and personal fulfillment. This step-by-step guide explains how to design a dream home office where you can thrive.
Decide whether you want to buy, renovate, or redesign to get the space you need
First, figure out whether your current house can reasonably accommodate a home office. It may be that you have a room you can use but that renovations will be needed to make it suitable. For example, an unused attic can be a great home office. If you decide to renovate or redesign existing space, trust a general contractor for assistance. Bob Vila explains that these professionals will keep your remodeling project on time and on budget. Finally, if your existing house is simply too small for a home office, you might consider moving.
Select a distraction-free area of the home
Whether you decide to stay in your current home or buy a new one, make sure to set up your home office in an area that’s free of distractions. You don’t want clamoring kids or needy pets interrupting your workday. Interruptions at work impede productivity. After every interruption, you have to take time to regain focus, losing valuable minutes out of your busy day.
Start with the practicalities of floors and walls
Once you have the space selected, tackle the basic design elements. For example, if you’re setting up shop in an unrenovated attic, the space may need ventilation and electrical wiring. Flooring is another consideration. Materials like vinyl are durable and hold up well against stains and scratches. Alternatively, you may prefer the quiet environment of carpeting. Whatever you choose, JW Flooring has you covered. Finally, give the walls of your new office a fresh coat of paint. Decorist provides a list of hues that reduce stress.
Incorporate useful, multipurpose office furniture
Once your flooring is installed and the paint on the walls has dried, it’s time to start putting in your office furniture. Take care when selecting pieces. You want to make the most of your space, so multifunctional models are a good choice. Home Edit offers a list of more than 35 pieces of multipurpose furniture to inspire you. For example, a rolling filing cabinet can double as a chair, while a desk and shelving unit can be combined. Lockers Unlimited also offers unique and functional home office storage solutions.
Install branded elements to create a professional vibe
If you plan to welcome clients to your home office, a professional appearance is critical. Installing branded signage, mugs, and other elements can help make your home office feel more official. You can easily create your own branded materials using Vistaprint. Note that you may not want to use your personal name for your company’s activities. Entrepreneurs can register a “doing business as” name. A service like ZenBusiness helps LLCs designate their DBA names, which you can then use for branding purposes.
Add productivity-boosting design touches
Last but not least, take the time to think about how you can enhance productivity in your home office. For example, sufficient lighting will keep you alert and concentrated. You might also consider adding some plants to your workspace. The University of Exeter reveals that plants make workers more productive, increasing people’s engagement emotionally and cognitively on the job.
Creating a home office requires attention to many different details. The above guide takes you through the process from start to finish.