Our Tips to Transform Your Home Office blog has been one of the most popular. It's safe to say that with the year we've had, we can certainly see why it has been!
Considering how we still find ourselves working from home 12 months later, some of our working spaces are beginning to feel a little, well, unproductive. The office can be fairly low down on the list of rooms to refresh but with a bit of a tidy-up and some TLC -it’s easy to turn things around into an energising and efficient space.
Today I'm sharing some quick tips to update and freshen up a home office after 12 months of lockdown.
Welcome some houseplants
Greenery is good for the soul, so add a natural touch to a home office with some trailing houseplants or sculptural succulents. Many houseplants are also valued for their purifying properties.
If you're not green fingered, don't worry. You can still enjoy the aesthetic and relaxing properties of a plant without having to dig out the watering can. At Grandad's Shed, we have a gorgeous range of artifical plants available to purchase. From a small hanging vine to the dramatic palm plant, there's something to suit every office.
You might like: Artificial Plants
Soften the space
A workspace doesn’t have to be all hard edges and sleek lines. Opt to introduce some quick and easy home comforts with a fabric blind, cushions and throws to cosy up the space.
The aim is to make the space ‘a place you’re happy to be in’, so choose patterns and finishes that will encourage you to undertake your mini daily commute from kitchen to office in a positive frame of mind.
You might like: Soft Furnishings
Coordinate Filing
A messy office overflowing with paper isn’t going to inspire anyone to buckle down, so invest in new box files to keep everything looking smart.
Choose a bright colour if you want some fun energy. Or go for the tried-and-tested black and white combo for a classic look or you could even relive the new-term tradition of covering school exercise books and try brightening box files with stylish wallpaper or gift wrap for a purse-friendly alternative to splashing out at the stationers.
You might like: Bookcases
Pull out the furniture
There’s no rule that says your desk has to be up against the wall. If you have the space, try pulling it out a few feet and putting the chair behind rather than in front of it. Or even just turn it at an angle to give yourself a different perspective as you work.
Don't forget the Background
Always remember your backdrop for the ‘zoom calls’ and try adding a piece of art to brighten the area.
You might like: Wall Art
Brighten with a rug
All white can be calm and non-distracting – useful in a working environment – but it can also look a bit sterile and cold. By simply laying down a patterned rug, you can dramatically alter the feel of the space. I always try a rug from another room to see how it looks.
You might like: Tips for Choosing a Rug
Paint the desk
Got an unloved pine desk or boring white worktop? Get out the colour charts and choose a cheery hue to inject some creative flair into your workspace.
There are lots of specialist paints that can be used on laminated or varnished surfaces my favourite is the ‘Frenchic' range which can be purchased from us online.
You might like: Frenchic Paint
Cover with cork
Here’s a quick fix that ticks the all-important practical box, as well as tapping into the voguish seventies revival vibe: cork!
You can buy rolls of cork with an adhesive backing online, or you could even use cork tiles if you don’t mind seeing the joins. There’s hundreds of tutorials for tips on how to measure up and get the neatest finish. Then you can pin memos, swatches, lists and notes to clear space from your desk.
Update or Add in a Desk Lamp
The character and quality of lighting in a workspace can help increase productivity. Poor lighting can reduce your energy and even produce eyestrain and headaches.
Many home offices have ambient lighting overhead or recessed lights, but it's a mistake to think these will be enough. One of my best tips is to avoid working under the direct glare of overhead lights. Instead try adding a lampshade to soften and scatter the harsh light.
For computer work, filing over other focused tasks, choose an adjustable or articulated desk lamp so you can put the light exactly where you need it.
Don’t overlook the unique benefit of natural light coming from a window, skylight or another portal. Sunlight can produce warm lighting that improves the work environment. On the other hand, you may need to account for direct sunlight that creates overwhelming glare during certain times of the day.
You might like: Desk Lamps
I hope this blog has given you some renewed inspiration for freshening up your home office for a productive time working from home. Which tip are you going to start with?
If you'd like a guiding hand with your project, call Vicki Kress Interiors 01759 306777 to arrange your Home Visit - Interior Stylist for Grandads Shed Furniture and Design.