It’s 2023, and if you haven’t gone back to working in a commercial office in favour of kickstarting your business idea, it’s definitely time to review your home workspace.
While working from your dining table or sofa may have sufficed during the pandemic years when staying home was thrust upon us, if you’re launching a new business from home, it’s vital to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success.
Having a dedicated workspace has many benefits, including supporting focus, mentally helping you enter work mode and creating a work-life balance boundary.
Seven tips to create a comfortable work-from-home space
The belief that Australians should love where they live underpins the entire Metricon design approach, so who better to share design best practices so you can achieve your perfect work-from-home space?
Check out their award-winning design teams’ top tips below to help you get started:
1. Choose the right location.
Location is key when working from home. The space you choose for your set-up needs to be private enough so you can focus and stay productive, but it shouldn’t be a dark corner no one wants to step foot in.
Pick an area you’ll enjoy working from — perhaps with a decent window view —- that isn’t in the middle of busy family thoroughfares (such as next to the bathroom or near the kitchen).
2. Think about natural light.
Where possible, opt for a space with plenty of natural light. Not only will this give you a significant serotonin boost during your workday, but it’ll also help to reduce eye strain from spending too much time in front of a screen.
If natural light isn’t possible, invest in a good desk lamp with a cool-tone LED bulb to keep your work space bright for long periods.
3. Invest in storage solutions.
Keep desks clutter-free with suitable storage options that meet your needs.
From a stylish filing cabinet to a functional stationary drawer — never underestimate how much a little organisation can boost your productivity and sense of calm at your desk.
4. Don’t go too heavy on tech.
It might be tempting to splurge on gadgets and technology to kit out your home office, but it’s important to spend a bit of time thinking about whether it’s really necessary.
Too much tech can be overwhelming, create a tangle of cables and simply end up collecting dust if you don’t use it. Opt for what you need to start with and add extra tech once you discover it’s something you can’t work without.
5. Add some personal touches.
Boost motivation by adding some personal touches. Whether it’s a vision board of how you see your business progressing over the next year, a favourite painting or a fun calendar.
Personalising your space helps it feel more motivating and somewhere you’ll actively want to spend time in!
6. Add the right chair.
Never underestimate the power – and comfort – of the right office chair.
Choose an ergonomic option with an 8-hour plus recommended sitting time and AFRDI certification. Don’t be afraid to venture out and test chairs in-person to get a sense of how they look and feel in terms of adjustability – height, seat slide, lumbar support, tilt and armrests — so you can get the right fit for you.
7. Focus on healthy habits.
Working from home can be challenging, especially when setting up a new business. Distractions are more readily available, and there’s no one to hold you accountable.
Create a strong morning routine that helps you kickstart your work day. Don’t forget to take regular breaks and move around to help boost your mood and focus. Drink plenty of fresh water, and don’t skip the lunch break…away from your desk!
Discover how Metricon’s contemporary and stylish designs can help you get the home office — and home design — of your dreams. Practical, innovative and offering you the ultimate flexibility — find out more online.