Like A Boss: How To Set Up An Efficient Home Office

There are two types of people in this world.

One who works better in a remote, office environment, and one who thinks clearer in the comforts of home.

If you belong to the latter - listen up! While not everyone has the chance to work from home (or be their own boss), you can still make the most out of your time working at home - with an ultra-efficient personal office! And trust us - it should look nothing like the stifling, business-like office space you clock your hours at. In this Qanvast guide, we reveal 7 decor tips that will help you work like a CEO in your very own study space.

1. Pick The Right Room For Your Home Office

Interior Designer: Think Studio

Where possible, choose a room as far away from noise distractions such as a TV lounge or communal spaces like your kitchen or living room.

Interior Designer: Wayke Interior

Also, if there is an option between choosing a room with a large window or a closed off space, choose the windowed one. Natural sunlight and winds blowing in should help make it easier to spend more time in the room without feeling stuffy or confined.

2. Wall Hues For Maximum Productivity

Interior Designer: Lazern Sdn Bhd

Choose colours that are calming but not sleepy. Warm-toned hues in green or blue can do wonders for your productivity. If you are looking for a great base colour that will go most décor styles, white is the way to go. To keep natural tones from being plain or boring though, work in exciting energetic colours such as yellow or orange to keep your creative juices flowing.

3. Settle On The Right Décor For Your Personality

Interior Designer: Latitude Design

You can keep your home office décor similar to the style of the rest of your home, especially if it has an open-concept and is visible. However, for ’hidden’ home offices (i.e. when you can shut the door) you can opt for just about any décor style.

Interior Designer: Pocket Square

So how do you decide? Well, smaller rooms would benefit from clean Scandinavian or minimalist décor. Asian-inspired and eclectic themes are best for creatives working at home while modern or contemporary decors work best for those looking for a formal-cum-homely style. Whatever you decide, choose one that really draws you in, so you’ll be motivated to spend more time in there.

4. Get Some Furniture - And Loads of Storage

Interior Designer: X Two Concept

Basic study room must-haves will include a comfortable chair, sufficient-sized desk and most importantly - storage cabinets. Where else will you be able to put all that paperwork? Incorporate enough storage options - think wall-mounted shelves, cabinets or small, movable trolleys alongside built-in desks flushed to the wall; all of which help to maximise your floor space.

Interior Designer: Zeng Interior Design Space

As for choosing furniture, avoid going with actual “office” pieces (e.g. cubicle dividers, grey tables); there's a reason why you can't focus in your workplace! Select furniture in colour schemes that you would use for the rest of your home. However, do make it a point to get quality finishes and ergonomic designs; counter those long hours by the desk with well made, comfy furniture.

5. Add A Separate Work Zone

Interior Designer: Yong Studio

Sometimes, you don't want to sit upright by the desk. Maybe you just need a change of pace; that's why it's always a good idea to incorporate an alternate working corner in the room i.e. a spot other than where your computer table and chair is positioned. Create a chill zone from which you can work, like a comfy sofa and ottoman or lounge chair. This way you can switch between spaces and put in more time without feeling overwhelmed or stuck in one place.

6. Roll Out A Carpet

Interior Designer: Spazio Design

Place a small carpet under your desk or in the middle of the room to warm up the vibe and to bring a little comfort to your work space. Spending many hours with your bare feet on cold, tile floors is not conducive to your productivity. Moreover, a carpet can also help segregate the layout of the room and pull the structure of the décor together.

Interior Designer: Yong Studio

Patterned or graphic carpets add movement and vigour to a space. So if the energy in your home office needs a little kick, try fitting in an accent or area rug, perhaps even wall-to-wall carpeting.

7. Light It Right

Interior Designer: Matt Interior Design

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times; get as much natural light as possible! And it makes even more sense in a home office because bright, warm sunlight can enhance your mood and give you the lift you need to keep working hard.

Interior Designer: ID Industries

For workspaces that are unable to accommodate more natural light or to simply keep illuminated at night, choose warm white, overhead lighting as well as petite desk lamps. This should help even out the level of brightness in the room.

Do you want to do even more with your home office – a remodel, perhaps? Then it’s time to see what expert designers can do for you! Request for free quotes here, and we’ll match you with 5 interior firms based on your style and budget!

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