Be it an elegant home office or an informal work area in the corner of your living room, creating an efficient working environment is key to increasing productivity. Add some playful elements like inspirational quotes framed on a wall plaque, decorative mouse mats or even fragrant candles for maximum motivation!

Make it truly yours by allowing your personality to shine! Don’t be shy; show it off.

Paint

No matter if you have a separate home office or are working from your dining table due to COVID-19 pandemic, painting your workspace can have a dramatic impact on productivity. Although it might seem insignificant at first glance, wall colors have a dramatic influence over both mood and productivity levels in any space – be it an office, room or even the house itself!

If you have a separate home office, paint it a distinct shade from the rest of your house. Even if your desk sits within one room of the family home, painting its surroundings in bright hues will act as a subliminal signal that this space is being used as an office.

Dark green shades create an organic, relaxing ambiance, helping you focus and concentrate. They pair nicely with neutrals for an elegant look. A rich golden shade such as PPG’s Golden Opportunity stimulates energy and optimism while simultaneously encouraging creativity.

Lighting

Home offices need appropriate lighting, whether a separate room or just an area within your living space. Custom or smart solutions should help prevent eye strain while adding a dose of color-boosting flair that helps create a relaxing work space.

An ideal ambient lighting level should include at least 60 watts per square foot – this means a few ceiling lights or even wall sconces may suffice, especially if there’s limited wall or desk space available for you to illuminate. Reading floor lamps or desk lamps provide additional lighting layers.

Make the most of your lighting options by using smart bulbs to control the home office lighting over WiFi. That way, you can easily switch brighten or dim fixtures as needed with just the touch of a button, while changing hues to create an atmosphere conducive to daily tasks.

Ergonomics

No matter if it is in your designated home office or just an unassuming corner in the living room, a remote workspace should be comfortable and inspiring. Your remote workspace should help to connect you with whatever project is at hand that day – perhaps through stylish paperweights, plants or inspiring quotes that remind you of your mission statement.

Good ergonomics will keep employees happier and healthier, which leads to higher productivity and reduced absenteeism and chronic sickness costs. Ergonomics encompasses the fields of psychology, engineering, statistics, anatomy and physiology to create workplace designs tailored specifically to a worker’s capabilities and limitations.

Basic ergonomic principles include taking frequent breaks, avoiding sustained static posture and restricting repetitive movements to help combat fatigue, injury and stress that may reduce productivity. Taking such measures will prevent fatigue, injury and stress which could impede productivity and cause productivity to suffer as a result.

Decor

Your home office should not only serve its primary function – work! – but should also feel welcoming. Adding decorative touches can increase productivity; consider themed mouse mats, inspirational quotes framed on frames, scented candles or mood lighting as ways of adding life and comfort.

Avoid selecting materials that require extra maintenance effort in a busy work environment. Marble floors may not be appropriate as they require frequent scrubbing to remain looking their best; wood or carpet flooring would make more sense as these require easier care and cleaning.

Home offices don’t need to take over an entire room – you can create one in any unused corner or closet by outfitting it with desk, chair and storage solutions; then adding some inspiring decor.