FIVE ESSENTIALS
FOR A PRODUCTIVE HOME STUDY
If you’re one of the many who are able to work from home, here are a few key tips on how you can create an effective work space
If you are setting up a home work space for the first time, you’ll be looking for ways to create a productive area, where you can get organised, be efficient and remain focused. Not knowing how long we’ll be working from home for makes creating a productive office area a key priority.
So, if you’re setting up your work zone from scratch, or just considering it’s high time for a revamp, here are a few essentials:
A quiet and clutter-free location
This might sound difficult, given you may be trying to keep an eye on the kids as well. But consider an area where you can create a work-life separation just by closing the door – out of sight, out of mind. Not many of us will have an ideal spot waiting to be speedily transformed into an office, so consider an upstairs landing which could be converted into a temporary study. A space where you need to climb an extra flight of stairs is handy if you don’t have to supervise children – away from busy family life and distractions.
Even in a secluded spot, you might find yourself distracted. So, pick the area that’s the least likely to get messy. You can even take some Feng Shui tips to ensure it remains clutter-free, and boosts energy and productivity in turn – it’s not just useful for improving your bedroom!
You’ll want to make sure you can still have all your essentials though. A place where you can be both minimalist, while using the likes of plug sockets and other work-related items.
A spacious desk
For smaller offices, corner desks are an ideal solution that allow you to maximise available space. Your desk should be just the right height to slot an office chair underneath and position your laptop or PC at eye level.
An ergonomic design is important if you’re to spend hours comfortably at your desk. The last thing you want to do is end the day with back pain and an aching neck.
If you lack the space for a study, you may find it useful to create a multi-purpose area, for instance a foldaway desk which can be seamlessly shut away as part of a wall cabinet when not in use.
Organiser drawers
From spare paper for the printer, to pens, paperclips and highlighters, keeping those office basics close to hand is crucial if you want to enhance productivity at home. Drawers are an important feature in any office, so try and ensure your units have plenty of storage to prevent clutter from accumulating on your desk.
Want to organise your stationery? Choose drawers that have organiser trays.
A filing system and accessible shelving
If there’s one thing that should always be kept in order, it’s paperwork.
However, many of us feel reluctant to take filing seriously when it means facing our old, overflowing filing cabinets. When creating your home office, start afresh with a filing system that’s easy and pain-free to manage.
Integrating your folders into a filing drawer will keep key documents out of sight but within reach.
If you constantly need to refer to guidelines and handbooks, shelving will ensure that your trusty books are close to hand. With a few framed photos, your home office will soon start to feel like… well, home.
Get your lighting right
Natural lighting itself has a part to play in boosting physical and mental well-being, as well as improving sleep and productivity, not to mention reducing your electricity bill! If possible, your home office space will have a window and, if possible, a scenic view to keep you motivated.
Creating an ambience may be a priority when fitting out your lounge or bedroom, but a study requires lighting that’s appropriate for long days at the desk. If the lighting in your room is lacking, choose a quality desk lamp that has different settings for day and night.
At Hartleys we’ve been designing, crafting and fitting bespoke home studies for 40 years, so if you have any questions for us, we have the know-how. Contact us via our website and we’ll be happy to help as soon as we can.
If you would like to make an appointment to visit our showroom or request a design visit, please call us on 01756 700471 or email us at: info@hartleysbedrooms.co.uk
