CREATING A HOME OFFICE THAT WORKS
If recent months are any indication of future working styles, we’ll find that more business responsibilities are becoming more remote-based than ever before – working on portable devices. Enter: the humble home office.
While we’re getting more work done than ever before, we’re doing it in much less space and a creative fashion. From a simple study nook built into a wall in a bedroom or hallway, just having a dedicated space or zone can help some with productivity and concentration levels. It’s really about creating somewhere you know you can work and limit the distractions.
Resene Just Dance (above left) turned a somewhat under-utilised alcove into a cosy office, with its sweetly delicious apricot and mango blend. Resene Smoulder offsets the darker wall with a deeply intense red. Paired with a compact desk, an easily repurposed standard lamp, and some handy organisers – it is business time.
Picture courtesy of The Lighting Judge
The walls in the office nook, left, look restful in Resene Mother Nature. A floor finished in Resene Colorwood Mid Greywash teamed with accessories painted in complementary Resene hues continues on with the serene vibes; the overall look encourages a restful workspace. Not keen on a desk facing the wall? Position your desk diagonally, sitting with your back to the corner of the room. Add a bookcase or shelves behind you to make the most of the space.
The art-deco console table (top right) teamed with the wonderfully retro wall treatment works well as a ‘sometimes office’. With a main wall colour in Resene Wishing Well, the wall effect (Resene Influential, Resene Time After Time) has been painted over two coats of Resene Magnetic Magic; this creates a clever note board for when you need it. Everything else can be easily stashed away when company comes over. Sorted!
Surrounding yourself with the right colours can aid your concentration and stimulate creativity while you work. Whichever way you decide to orientate your space, be sure to invest in key quality pieces.
If you’re uncomfortable, you’re unlikely to be at your most productive, and the wrong ergonomics could result in repetitive stress injuries.
Where space is a luxury, consider using multi-functional items like vertical shelving units that can double as a room divider or a desk big enough to support a flip-down mattress at night.
Ask your employer to see if there is an allowance for purchasing furniture for your home office, or if you can claim some of what you spend on your taxes.
