{"id":11625,"date":"2018-02-15T14:35:00","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T14:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/focusme.com\/?p=11625"},"modified":"2025-02-13T09:12:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T09:12:19","slug":"how-to-create-an-ideal-home-office-to-boost-productivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/focusme.com\/blog\/how-to-create-an-ideal-home-office-to-boost-productivity\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create an Ideal Home Office You\u2019ll Want to Work In"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home office ideas and tips that will keep you focused<\/h2>\n

On the surface, working from home as a freelancer sounds like a dream: noise and disruptions associated with the office environment are eliminated, commute time is whittled to the time it takes to walk from bedroom to desk, and you can spend less time in the morning getting ready for the public\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

However, it hasn\u2019t been scientifically proven yet that working from home always leads to more productivity than working on site. In some cases, you\u2019re trading office distractions for household ones, especially if you\u2019re working in a space that isn\u2019t conducive to your best performance.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re working from home, whether full time or part time, it\u2019s important you create a workspace that\u2019s separate from your home life. Fortunately, since you work from home, you have total authority as to how your office space looks and functions.<\/p>\n

This guide offers home office setup and design inspiration to help you become a more productive freelancer.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Home Office Ideas to Maximize Your Productivity<\/h2>\n

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A poor home office environment could be damaging your success as a freelancer. Things like bad lighting, clutter, bare walls, color schemes, and spatial layout can impact your work speed, accuracy, and quality.<\/p>\n

Start by creating your ideal ambiance:<\/p>\n

<\/a>Color<\/h3>\n

How do you want to feel in your home office? There\u2019s an entire psychology behind how color affects the brain, and having the right colors in your space can determine how well you work.<\/p>\n

In this case, color goes beyond personal preference. Blues and greens might not be your first choices, but they\u2019ve been proven to increase productivity<\/a> and energy levels.<\/p>\n

Make sure you include plenty of contrast in your color scheme and stay away from overly bland colors, like brown or beige.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Decor<\/h3>\n

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You need something in your office to inspire you, such as wall art, a tabletop fountain, or a household plant. However, you don\u2019t want too many things that take up valuable office space and make the room feel cluttered.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Lighting<\/h3>\n

Natural light is energizing, so you\u2019ll want to position your workspace in a room with a window. If changing a light fixture in your home office is a possibility, look for one that\u2019s specifically made for office productivity that offers cool light<\/a> and reduces glare.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Furniture<\/h3>\n

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The furniture in your space can affect your attitude toward work. Bland, boring pieces are uninspiring and could make you feel less motivated to work.<\/p>\n

Having a comfortable chair is essential in helping you maintain a steady work pace. Chairs that are uncomfortable can cause back and neck pain when used for hours at a time, which can lead to a drop in your work output.<\/p>\n

Standing desks<\/a> have been proven to increase productivity by keeping energy levels high. They also help you avoid the health hazards of sitting for hours at a time. If you can\u2019t stand for a solid eight hour work day, opt for an adjustable desk that allows you to sit or stand as you please. In either case, you\u2019ll want to choose a desk that\u2019s large enough for your essentials, but not so large that it becomes a catch-all for intruding items that aren\u2019t part of your daily workflow.<\/p>\n

Whatever pieces you choose, keep it to a minimum<\/a> to reduce clutter and give you plenty of creative space.<\/p>\n

What products can boost your productivity? Get the product list here!<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Mistakes to Avoid in Your Home Office Design<\/h2>\n

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One of the biggest mistakes you can make when determining where to place your home office is opting for convenience over function. Many people default to the only spare room they have because it makes sense \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s the best option. If that spare room space has, say, a noisy air vent or is right next to your children\u2019s playroom, you might be better off using it for something else and stationing your workspace elsewhere.<\/p>\n

You should also avoid placing your office in a central activity hub, such as the kitchen or family room. This makes it difficult to blur the line between home and work life, plus it makes it hard for you to minimize distractions while other people are flowing in and out of your space.<\/p>\n

Your home office space should be just that \u2013 a home office. Don\u2019t combine your desk and work areas with Christmas storage, toy boxes, and school papers. The less clutter you have in your space, the more conducive it is to concentration and productivity.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Tips for Achieving Home Office Feng Shui<\/h2>\n

Feng shui is the ancient Chinese practice of designing a room layout to maximize the flow of energy. Feng shui principles can be applied to your home office to increase its potential as a workspace.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when exploring home office feng shui:<\/p>\n