8 Ways to Boost Productivity in Your Home Office With Interior Design

Thinking of adding a home office to your small space? Or maybe you’ve got one and are looking for ways to make it more productive? Regardless of your current set up, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to productivity in your awesome office. Working from home can be extremely beneficial, but it can also lead to a fair bit of procrastination and distractions. You won’t see much productivity out of a home office unless you design it with that in mind. If you’re considering adding a home office to your small space or simply want to find ways to increase productivity in the one you have, keep reading for some great tips on interior design that will help improve the way you work...

Add natural light

Lighting is a key aspect of any interior design project, and for good reason. Natural light can have a significant impact on productivity both psychologically and physiologically. Physiologically, light increases serotonin levels, which is the neurotransmitter that is largely responsible for feelings of happiness, as well as melatonin levels, which is the hormone that regulates sleep cycles. For productivity purposes, increased serotonin levels can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and improve mood, while increased melatonin levels can help to improve sleep quality, which is crucial for sustained focus and productivity during the work day. Physiologically, increased light can also have an impact on productivity psychologically by creating a more positive mood through an increase in “brightness”. This can be done through the use of natural light coming through windows, as well as the use of lamps, which should be directed away from the user in order to avoid glare and provide a more even light distribution. You can add LED lighting for desks and a desk ring light to elevate the vibe in your working space.

Conceal cables

We live in a wireless world, but unfortunately, many office accessories still rely on cables. This can be a major pain point in a small space, where you may not have the luxury of a separate room to house a big mess of cables. With this in mind, it’s important to find ways to conceal cables as much as possible in your home office. In terms of power cords, one of the most common issues in interior design, you’ll want to look for furniture that has built-in cord management systems. This should make it possible to run cords through the furniture to keep them hidden from view. In terms of data cables, such as those for printers and computers, the best way to conceal these is by routing them behind walls where possible. You can also use specialized grommets to protect cables from damage and keep them out of sight.

Make the most of storage

As with many aspects of interior design, the key to making the most of storage in your home office is determined largely by the space you have available for it. Your office will likely not have the same amount of storage as a commercial space, but this does not mean that you cannot make the most out of what you have. For example, an easy way to make the most out of small closet space in your home office is to store your computer and printer, as well as any other bulky equipment, in the closet. For smaller items, you can use open shelving to make them easier to see and access. This can be especially valuable if you have a limited amount of closet space. You can also add in a black storage cart if you're going for a simple and neat look.

Brighten up with color

Again, while commercial spaces can be bold and dramatic in their interior design, a small home office may not be able to take advantage of this to the same degree. With this in mind, one of the best ways to brighten up a small home office is through the use of color. For example, if you have a small home office that is predominantly grey and white, painting the walls a bold color, such as a fiery red, can help to brighten up the space, making it seem larger and more modern. For smaller items, such as computer accessories, adding color with accents can also help to brighten up a small space.

Install a treadmill desk

While the idea of a treadmill desk may seem like a waste of space in a commercial setting, the same is not necessarily true for a small home office. If you have the space, it may be worth considering adding one. Treadmill desks are especially useful for those who work from home, as they help to combat many of the issues associated with working from home. First, they help to avoid the issues with “sitting all day” that many people worry about, such as the increased risk of heart disease and other health issues related to sitting for long periods of time. They also provide a more vigorous form of exercise than normal, which can be a positive thing for many people, as it may not occur to them to exercise while working.

Provide ergonomic seating

While it’s true that, working from home, you’ll likely be able to spend more time on your feet than you would in a traditional office setting, you should still be aware of the potential risks associated with this. Namely, putting too much stress on the feet and ankles. For this reason, you should take steps to make sure that you’re using ergonomic seating when sitting in your home office. This will help to reduce the risk of injury and keep you comfortable while working. For example, while you may have a desk in your home office, if that is where you spend all of your time, you may want to consider investing in a more ergonomic chair. This can help to reduce pressure on the ankles, as well as improve posture and overall health.

Add a whiteboard wall

A whiteboard wall is one of the most common features of modern offices, but it may not occur to many people to include one in their home office. If you have a large enough space, adding a whiteboard wall can be a great way to enhance your home office. This can be especially beneficial if you work in a team setting. For example, if you work remotely, you can use the whiteboard wall to facilitate meetings. This can be especially helpful if you work as part of a distributed team. For those working on their own, a whiteboard wall can be used to track your progress, plan out tasks, and even make notes or create to-do lists.

Conclusion

Working from home is a great way to boost productivity, but only if you have a well-designed home office. Managing distractions, taking advantage of natural light, and making the most of storage are just a few ways to keep your home office productive. Fortunately, many of these things are also helpful for increasing energy and improving overall wellness.