8 Tips for Designing the Perfect Home Office

Working from home gives you far greater freedom over your environment. Even if you don't have many suitable spaces to choose from, you can decide key factors such as the desk's orientation, the layout of the workstation, the type of chair you use, how to decorate the area, and anything else that makes you feel comfortable, motivated and in control.

Choose the right room

It may be that only one room in particular can be used as a home office or perhaps you have multiple options.

If it's the latter, try a few different spots around the house and write down their pros and cons.

It may be that one room isn't quite as spacious but offers much quieter surroundings, which will help you to focus on your tasks.

Likewise, a window overlooking a garden could be distracting for one person and have a motivational effect on another, so it really is a case of designing the workspace around your individual needs and preferences.

Get the lighting right

Natural daylight is hugely beneficial in a working environment.

The ideal setup is to have as much natural daylight as possible without it blinding you whilst you're working, so think about where the sunlight will land throughout the day, especially in the early afternoon when it's particularly hot and bright.

Aside from natural light being great for physical health thanks to the vitamin D it contains, it also helps to keep us alert, focused and in a good mood.

This is because daylight encourages the release of serotonin and endorphins, which keep us positive and happy.

As an added bonus, a home office that's filled with natural light makes video meetings run more smoothly, plus your electricity bills will benefit because you won't need to turn the lights on during the day.

Deciding the best layout

Don't simply place your desk anywhere it fits, as this is where you'll be spending your working days and location makes a huge difference.

Many people put their desk against or in front of a radiator, which can result in the workspace becoming far too warm and stuffy even when the heating is on low.

Others find a lovely spot in the corner and then realise that there are no plug sockets nearby.

The same goes for being right next to a window if you live in a noisy neighbourhood - little factors like these can make a big difference to how well you work.

Treat the design of your home office as you would any other room, in that achieving the optimum layout from the start will mean that you use it to maximum effect.

Think about storage

Thanks to modern systems such as hosted desktops and cloud storage, offices use far less paper than they did just a few years ago.

However, chances are you'll still print off some documents and use things like pads and post-it notes, plus you'll need other types of office equipment and stationery for all of those commonplace admin tasks.

This is where storage solutions transform the way you work, as simple solutions the likes of a set of drawers and a desk tidy will prevent your workspace from getting cluttered.

Make sure to have the right waste disposal systems in place too, such as a shredder, a paper or recycling bin, a waste bin and a place for used ink cartridges.

Incorporate ergonomics

Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you don't have to think about health and safety.

Your continued welfare is critical to ongoing workflow, so make sure that your home office is equipped for comfort as much as it is for productivity.

Investing a little extra into the right kind of desk and chair can work wonders for posture, which as a direct result will prevent aches, pains, spasms, cramps and other health problems.

Ergonomic furniture will also mean greater concentration, fewer errors and a higher quality of work.

This is due to physical strain and discomfort being minimised, leading to increased engagement, focus and precision.

Add some greenery

It's amazing what a few plants can do for a workspace.

Aside from it oxygenating the air, greenery also requires a little TLC to keep it alive and well, which in itself makes us feel needed and valued.

Add a plant or two to your office and we guarantee that you'll feel more energised throughout the day.

Make it your own

The beauty of a home office is that you can design it around any aesthetic you like.

Maybe you work best with white walls, sleek layouts and minimal decoration, or perhaps warm colours, multiple textures and lots of trinkets inspire you no end.

Whatever your style, this is an unmissable opportunity to create surroundings that make you want to go to work each day and smash your to-do list!

Switch to a hosted desktop

Whether you're working from home every now and then or making it a core part of your working week, GoCloud has the solution. Get in touch on 01482 751133 or email hello@gocloud.co.uk to discover how our hosted desktops make remote working a smooth and productive experience.