Workspaces come in all different shapes and sizes.
Not all of us are lucky enough to have a separate office at home, or a spare bedroom that we can transform. Therefore, we have to make the most of the workspace available to us.
When faced with the dilemma of choosing the best place to set up a home office, the internet can shed some light on innovative ideas. Some people have chosen to make us of closets and spaces underneath the stairs to create a cosy and somewhat compact home office space. Other people have utilised alcoves or have created organised home offices in lounges, kitchens and dining rooms.
Before you make a start on designing your home office we have a few pieces of advice we would like to share. By following these simple steps you will be on your way to creating an efficient workspace which has character and will look part of your home.
- De-clutter
Before you start to complain your workspace is impractical and is the thing preventing you from functioning effectively, take some time to de-clutter. You may be surprised by how much of your workspace is being overcrowded with things that you just don’t need any more. The first rule to make a small workspace work is being organised and not a hoarder.
- Be Bold and Creative
Don’t follow the crowd. With a small space you can be bold and creative using colour and clever storage solutions to maximise your workspace. Remember every inch counts. When you think small most people think paint it white – but a blank space can be uninspiring to work in – you need to inject personality. Add character to your workspace and make it part of your home – not an unloved workspace.
- Invest in the best lighting
Bad lighting can have an effect on the way your work and the strain on your eyes. It’s important to invest in the best lighting which is bright enough to see without causing glares on your computer screen. If you aren’t able to have any ceiling lights then choose a simple desk lamp which won’t take up too much room. Perhaps investing in one you can reposition when you need different lighting.
- Organise your workspace
The actual footprint of your workspace may be small, so you have to utilise all the space available to you. Crafty organisation can help. You could put shelves up above your desk to keep folders and paperwork. If you don’t want these to be on show then invest in stylish boxes and files which will keep all your work hidden. Also, make the use of the space below your desk. A simple set of drawers will help you to keep organised and prevent things piling up on your desk. This is particularly important if your desk is in your living space – as no one wants to be reminded of the work they have got to do when they’re trying to relax.
- Keep those cables hidden
Cables can be ugly and take up a lot of room. There are a number of cable solutions available to solve this problem. Hidden cable management systems that fit neatly below your desk are essential. Or if you have wires trailing to the ground cables cases (pictured below left) can be a safer way of directing your cables, making sure no one trips over the wires (a must have if children are present).
