Working from home successfully takes dedication and creativity - and not everyone is suited for the WFH lifestyle. It requires discipline to be at your desk by 9 am sharp, even if it’s only steps away from your bed and you’re still in pajamas. Or perhaps you find yourself “working just a little longer,” and suddenly it’s after midnight. Establishing a healthy work-life balance will keep you sane and enable you to be more productive.
Building healthy work habits start with a stress-free, dedicated home office. Whether you’re a remote pro looking to update your space or a complete WFH newbie, these clever decor ideas will help you design an inspiring area where you can take care of business.
- Utilize vertical space with a standing desk
- Plants boost mood and air quality
- Take over a window
- Bring in a bold pop of color and vibrant accessories
- On-trend minimalism
- Wallpaper is back
Create a home office that grows along with your career. A cramped, dim workstation isn’t fun for anyone, and you might be giving yourself issues like muscle and eye strain. It’s time to upgrade your life and your job now!
Don’t Waste Vertical Space
It’s important to make the most of the space you have available. If you need a lot of storage for books, documents, or office supplies, then don’t be afraid of using your walls from floor to ceiling to add a variety of organizational options. You may also want to consider installing tall cabinets - with open areas to display art or mementos, and secure doors to keep other items safe and dust-free.
Investing in a standing desk can also help you make the best use of your home office. Adjustable-height furniture is all the rage right now and lets you be a bit more active while working. You could also mount a table against the wall at your standing work height, then pick up a comfy bar or cabaret stool as your new office chair. A higher work surface means you can install useful storage below your desk as well as above it.
Go Green
According to Psychology Today, spending time in the company of plants is amazingly good for you. The benefits include lowered blood pressure and reduced anxiety. They’re also an inexpensive yet eye-catching way to decorate your workspace. Here are some plants that are easy to take care of and will add visual appeal to your new home office:
- Cacti - nearly impossible to kill, they only need water once a week max
- Aloe - a gorgeous plant with healing properties
- Bamboo - this lucky beauty can thrive in low lighting
- Red Aglaonema - the lush, reddish-pink leaves add a burst of color
- Succulents - these small waxy plants come in a huge variety
- Snake Plants - featuring tall green leaves, they are incredibly hardy
You can decorate with plants in a myriad of ways, and they are all suitable for any size space. Floor stands and plant racks can display your favorite greenery at varying eye levels. You can also repurpose a bookcase to show off your garden, or utilize tall plants like snake, ficus, or mature indoor bamboo to curtain off your home workstation for additional privacy.
Window Shopping
If there’s an under-appreciated window in your house, grab it now and convert it into a unique, remote office. Even if you don’t have a lot of room to spread out, establishing a workstation with a view will definitely elevate your mood and bathe you in healthy natural light, which can be crucial for those with seasonal depression disorders.
One solution is situating your desk at right angles to the window to reduce distraction and avoid glare. Many people also prefer not to work with their back to a door, which is definitely still applicable in a home office, especially if you are also keeping an eye on children.
True Colors
The last thing you want is for your home office to be boring. It’s a place where you’ll spend a lot of time, so make sure it’s a space that also makes you happy. Neutral shades are very hip in interior design right now, but adding a bold dash of color lets your personality shine through.
A fantastic way to bring in some eye-catching hues without a lot of commitment is with colorful accessories like throw pillows, storage bins, and art. Patterned rugs are also a popular and affordable way to make your home office look more interesting. Feeling comfortable in your workspace is vital for productivity, so go ahead and showcase your favorite colors.
Minimal and Mellow
Don’t go overboard with your decor - kitschy office signs, knickknacks, books, and desk toys will attract dust and make your office look cluttered. Instead, go with a minimalist style that’s classically beautiful.
Interior designers interviewed by Forbes noted that keeping clutter to a minimum will help keep you organized and productive. They also recommend strongly curating the items you allow to take up residence on your desk - select items that are meaningful and bring you a sense of calm.
Yes, Wallpaper
It’s come a long way since the old days - wallpaper is now available in an endless variety of shades, patterns, and even textures. You can do an accent wall, the interior of a closet, the whole room, or even the ceiling. Most wallpaper these days just comes in peel and stick sheets, so they’re easy to install and easy to remove. Get your creativity flowing and put up a fun print that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance while working from home. Some people thrive and drastically increase their productivity, and some find it incredibly challenging to stay focused on work instead of watching TV or playing with the kids. But with these six simple decor ideas, you can create a dedicated and gorgeous space that truly inspires you to do your best work.
