We can’t usually control our surroundings in places such as the train but we can make the most of where we work from at home. So even if you don’t have a spare room to turn into an office or have the smallest living room known to humankind, we think you can sill create a comfortable working environment.
Don’t think big, think smart
As you are organised, you’ll be fine. It is when you don’t have a system in place that things become cluttered and areas begin to look smaller than they really are. Some basics include:
Design it rightShelves – taking up no floor space but allowing items to be stored away neatly, shelves are a must. Keep your books here too and it’ll look like a work of art.- Cable tidies – wires hanging about the place not only look messy, but can also lead to slapstick accidents. Accidentally kicking your computer off your desk is not cool. Use a desk with in-built cable storage or use tidies like these.
- Equipment – do you really need a printer on your desk, or even one at all? With smartphones and tablet computers, printing things out is a thing of the past. Ultrabooks are also incredibly powerful, so do you need a hefty desktop computer? Reconsider the bulky equipment you have and you might find yourself saving plenty of space.
A home office is going to have plenty of distractions – kids, TV, the incredibly well stocked fridge, your Xbox 360… So it is no surprise that the cheapest desk and chair combo you could find at Argos isn’t going to be the most inviting place around.
But you have to work and that means making your home office desirable and inspirational. Consider the following:
- Colour – just because it’s a work place doesn’t mean you have to throw good design out the window. Try painting one wall a different bold colour, or hang striking artwork.
- Lighting – you don’t often walk into a dimly lit office, and there is a reason why. When working you need as much light as possible. If space is limited then ditch the Anglepoise and opt for wall-mounted lights.
- Minimal accessories – it’s nice to have trinkets on the desk, but there’s a limit. Opt for one or two items – they’ll give the office some character but take up little room.
Be inspired
It’s great to know the tips and best practice, but without seeing what others are doing we may never realise just what can actually be done. Check out some of our favourite sites for more inspiration:
IKEA Hackers – using good old Swedish furniture to create practical and beautiful home solutions. Simple Desks – the best Tumblr around for office porn. The desks featured have to meet strict criteria, meaning every post is a beautiful, refreshing and inspirational workplace for you to take ideas from. Apartment Therapy – with fantastic tips and tricks for the home office, along with ideas for every other room of the house, this website is essential for those of us making the most of small spaces.
What is your home office like? How do you maximise the space you have? Share your tips in the comments below.
Fancy a change? How about experiencing our Anywhere Working mobile office on Thursday 16th August.
