Working from home provides employees with the opportunity to complete their tasks in a space that they find comfortable. However, comfort is not the only factor to consider when designing your home office. A space that feels too casual may impede your productivity.
When designing your home office, it is necessary to strike a balance between comfort and drive. As your working space, it must distance you from any distractions emanating from other sections of the home. It must also provide you with enough motivation to do your best work.
Ready to start designing your home office? Here are a few tips to help you out from a reputable interior design and fit-out company in Dubai.
Ask yourself the important questions
A home office offers you ample opportunities to get creative. This is your space. You can do whatever you want with it.
Before you start designing, you need to answer these essential questions:
- What tasks will you be performing in the designated space?
- What equipment will you need?
- Will your clients, colleagues or staff visit you there?
- How much time will you be spending in the space?
Your answers to these questions will help you plan out your space. For instance, if you will only be using the space a few times each year, you may not need a separate space. You can convert an unused guest room instead.
An alternative is to use adaptable furniture or a flexible layout. You can use flexible LED strips as ambient light sources or for task lighting, depending on the need. Having the option to change the arrangement of your furniture can also work wonders for your creativity.
Choose a colour palette that fits the task
Another aspect that can help change the way your home office space looks and feels involves the combination of colours. Keep in mind that the colours used in a space can affect the way you work. When working with an interior fit-out company, designers will provide you with suggestions on a colour palette based on your needs and requirements.
If you want a space that is calm and relaxing, using a range of blues, violets and greens would help. These cooler hues are great choices for inspiring research or knowledge work. However, you need to be careful as too much of such colours may lull you to sleep.
Green is a colour that is commonly associated with nature. Other than being a cool colour, using a range of greens in a room can make the space look fresh and organic. Combining it with a tinge of yellow can give the place a bit of vitality and is recommended for getting your creative juices flowing.
Get ample amounts of light
The amount of natural light that gets into the room can affect your productivity and creativity levels. In general, the more natural light you can get, the better. This is important when picking out the space and when arranging your furniture.
Bring some company
When it comes to company, this does not necessarily mean having people around all the time while you are working. Too much noise can be a source of distraction. Some people also prefer to be alone while working.
One way of making the space look fresh and alive even while working alone is adding living elements. Look into adding plants or an aquarium with fish. These elements can help you stay calm yet enhance your productivity levels.
Use decorations that have a purpose
Filling your space with too many unnecessary pieces of furniture, accents or even accessories can become another source of distraction. Only buy and include elements that you will need and use on a regular basis.
For instance, you may not need a commercial copier if you don’t need to photocopy a lot of documents. Look for a nearby shop that has its own photocopying machine instead. This will help save your resources and prevent your space from looking small and cluttered.
Much like any other space, the design of your home office reflects your character and personality. By taking into consideration these tips, you are on your way to creating a home office that suits your needs and preferences.
AUTHOR BIO
Shane Curran
CEO at Interact Group LLC
Interact Group is a design-led interior fit out company that aims to set new standards in the UAE interiors market. Driven by their dedication to total customer experience, the company’s mission is to bring truly specialized teams to complex design and fit out challenges, utilizing their unmatched ability to deliver spaces efficiently and above expectation.