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Your home is meant to be a sanctuary for putting the woes of the day far behind you. How do you do that if you also work from home? Here are a few simple tips from The Roost At York Harbour to help you create a space for work at home without sacrificing a relaxing atmosphere.
Create a Separate Workspace
Even with minimal space, you can create a place to conduct work. Choose a small bedroom or even a corner of the bedroom or laundry room to dedicate as your workspace. The most important thing is to avoid high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen or living room. Minimising distractions maximises productivity.
Just as other people can be distracting, so can clutter. A better-organized workspacewill help you stay focused on your work. Whether you spend the day behind a computer or an easel, you can organise your items with simple shelving and bins. Keep everything nonessential off your desk but within reach using file cabinets or baskets under the desk.
In your workspace, be sure to have the right lighting for your work. Ideally, you want to keep the area well-lit and uniform when in use. This can help minimise distractions as well as reduce eye strain. Also be sure to have ergonomic furniture that facilitates comfort throughout your work day.
Incorporate Nature
One study showed that having indoor plants promotes a better diet, more physical activity, and relieves stress. If you want the plant look but don't have a green thumb, you can even incorporate pictures of plant life to boost your mood. But if you have even a slightly green thumb, try out the airy, light texture of an asparagus fern to bring calm to a room and create a cozy aesthetic. Or the big, bold leaves of the monstera plant can create a dramatic look, but note that they also need plenty of natural light.
Think Textures and Colours
Textures in the home have a strong effect on mood. You can include natural elements beyond just houseplants. Use natural wood in the furniture and soft, fuzzy fabrics for the pillows and throws on the couch. Even a light rug can change the entire feel of a room.
Consider repainting your walls to reflect a more comfortable atmosphere. For example, neutral colours create more warmth in the room. Light browns and off-whites give an earthy feel that is secure and content. Green is a natural colour that makes a space feel calmer. You can add more vibrant colours as accents rather than using them all over.
Thoughtful Lighting Makes a Difference
Bring in more natural light to boost your mood and keep your houseplants happy during the day; but at night, consider low lighting. The stark, bright lighting you get from overhead room lights is not ideal for relaxation. Consider table lamps with low-wattage bulbs in a soft white. You can spread them out to create the illusion of a bigger space as well.
Design a Bedroom Meant for Sleeping
Create a quality sleep space by investing in a good mattress. Bring in calming candles and switch to soft sheets. Get a bigger bed and more pillows to enhance the cosy feeling, and get rid of clutter everywhere else. The bedroom is not a place for excess natural lighting. Dark curtains create a sleepy atmosphere, and the light of candles is really all you need apart from a few lamps.
Dedicate a Space to Wellness
Find a space you can dedicate to wellness. This might be a small in-home gym or just an area with a yoga mat. Incorporate the sound of running water and the scent of eucalyptus for ultimate relaxation. You can even create this zen space in the bedroom.
Keep It Pet Friendly
If you're a pet owner, you know that your furry friend is part of the family. And just like any other family member, you want to make sure your pet is safe and comfortable in your home.
When choosing furniture, look for pieces that have smooth, rounded edges. Avoid sharp corners and pointy legs, which can be both dangerous and uncomfortable for your pet. And when it comes to fabrics, steer clear of anything loose or frayed that could be easily swallowed or gotten tangled in. Instead, opt for durable, washable materials like leather or microfiber.
As for flooring, hard surfaces like wood or tile are ideal for easy cleanup in case of any accidents. If you do have carpeting, be sure to vacuum regularly to remove any dust or dander that could cause allergies or respiratory problems for your pet.
Finally, pay attention to anything you bring into the house from outside. Plants can be poisonous if ingested, so stick with pet-safe options like catnip or grasses specially designed for indoor use. And beware of insecticides and other chemicals that could be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Keep them out of reach, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions when in use.
Design for Work/Life Balance
People are becoming increasingly aware of the need to create a healthy work/life balance. This balance may also be reflected in your home space, especially if you work from home. As you consider the redesign and decoration of your home, remember the importance of colour and natural light. Create a space that feels like you, but that also accommodates relaxation at night and productivity during the day. Whether you live in a large house or a tiny house, use your space wisely. And be sure to shop The Roost At York Harbour for attractive home decor.
A big Thank you to Alyssa Strickland who is the guest author of this blog:
Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! Millennial-Parents is that village. Today’s parents can be more connected than ever and she hopes her site will enrich those connections. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas -- Education, Relationships, and Community.
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