Easy home office upgrades
The rise of remote work has elevated the home office from a convenience to an essential space. Lucinda Bosch, Interior Designer at B-Sense Interior Architects -a sub-division of BPAS Architects – emphasizes the importance of people-centred design. This approach involves creating spaces tailored to the needs and preferences of those who will use it. It significantly boosts productivity comfort, and even your property’s value. Whether you’re setting up your workspace, planning an upgrade, or including an office area in your holiday rental, thoughtful designs make all the difference.
Bosch shares these top tips:
Start with the layout. Positioning your desk near a window allows you to enjoy natural light, creating a welcoming environment. Optimising your workspace in a workflow triangle and strategically positioning your desk, storage, and equipment will streamline movement and enhance productivity. Clear boundaries between your home office and the rest of your living space can also enhance focus. Rugs, bookshelves, or partition screens work well as physical dividers, while creative use of paint or wallpaper can visually define the space.
Use space efficiently. For smaller spaces, a little creativity goes a long way. Vertical storage solutions, wall-mounted desks, and light-coloured decor can make a compact office feel much larger. Adding mirrors further enhances this sense of openness.
Don’t forget the lighting. Lighting plays a pivotal role in reducing eye strain and maintaining productivity. A combination of natural light and artificial lighting is ideal. Adjustable desk lamps paired with ambient overhead lights create the perfect balance, and daylight-mimicking bulbs can combat fatigue when working late. To optimise light placement, position your workstation beside or behind your window to avoid screen glare and use adjustable fixtures for consistent illumination throughout the day.
Consider comfort. Comfort is just as important as functionality. A chair with adjustable height and lumbar support is essential, and, ergonomically, the desk should be at a height that allows your arms to rest at a 90-degree angle. Screens should be positioned at eye level to avoid strain. Noise distractions can be minimised by using rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to absorb sound. For a consistent and calming backdrop, consider a white noise machine.
Keep clutter at bay. Keeping your space organised and clutter-free can improve focus and make your office more inviting. Built-in storage, such as under-desk drawers or modular cabinets, helps maintain order, and labelled storage boxes can make finding essentials easier. Messy cables can disrupt the clean aesthetic of a workspace, but cable sleeves, clips, or built-in desk channels can keep cords neatly tucked away. Wireless devices are another great option for reducing clutter. Multi-functional furniture, such as convertible desks, fold-out wall units, or ottomans with hidden storage, adds flexibility and practicality.
Remember to breathe. Fans, air purifiers, or even plants can improve air quality naturally, which creates a healthier working environment.