Design Tips

WFH? Interior Design Tips For Your Home Office

The coronavirus pandemic has created a unique employment situation. With most non-essential employees sent home, there is an increasing instance of professionals working from home. While the impact of the coronavirus is unprecedented, remote work was on the rise in the U.S. long before the pandemic struck. According to data released by the U.S. Census, the share of the labor force that worked from home in 2017 was 5.2 percent—or 8 million people. That’s up from 3.3 percent in 2000 and 5 percent in 2016. If you fall into this growing number, we have some tips that will help make your designated home office work for you.

Photo via Design Within Reach

Tips For Designing Your Home Office

Choose Color Wisely

Color can stimulate your brain, increase your creativity, and even create a calming effect. For these reasons and more, the colors you choose to decorate your home office space are important. With all that said, different natures of work might require different energy levels. For instance, if you work in a creative profession, yellow will serve to liven and re-inspire your space, while green is foolproof in stimulating energy. On the other hand, if your work requires your concentration and focus, a peachy shade of pink or a fresh shade of blue can improve your focus and concentration.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Niche Interiors (@niche_interiors)

Location, Location, Location

In terms of location, your home office space should be in a quiet and private area. Location is especially important if you share your house with others. Having a space dedicated to work is crucial because it helps you get into the right mindset to focus and concentrate. Don’t forget to consider lighting when choosing your home office space. Working in an area with natural light can help reduce headaches, eyestrain, and can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily Henderson (@em_henderson)

Bring The Outdoors In 

If you don’t have access to natural light—or even if you do—the benefits of incorporating other naturally-inspired elements into your home office space are manifold. Think potted plants, textiles with leaf motifs, nature-centric artwork, and plenty of the color green. Decor with ties to nature positively impact things like creativity and stress levels. Want to add some plants to your space? Check out Vishion’s tips on how to add houseplants into your interior design. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justina Blakeney (@justinablakeney)

Repurpose A Space

Not everyone is fortunate to have an extra empty room for a home office. If you are looking for innovative ways to add a dedicated space for work, think about repurposing a table, bookshelf, or room. Some of our favorite dual-purpose areas are dining room/office combinations. While dinner parties are on a temporary hold, consider turning your formal room into the perfect WFH haven. Don’t have a dining room? Creative areas using space-saving furniture under a staircase, a nook, or tucked away in a corner, can help you create a dedicated space for your 9-5 even if you don’t have the extra room.

Zakiya Kassam

Zakiya is a freelance lifestyle journalist, reporting on interior design, creativity, and sustainability.