If you’ve been working from home in a corner of your kitchen, it might be time to upgrade to a dedicated workspace. If your home has a study, you may feel it’s a little sterile. Ready to upgrade? Here are tips for creating a stylish, dedicated workspace.
You Need a Desk
Say it with us: “The kitchen island is not a desk.” While a laptop set up on the counter may have worked for the first year of the pandemic, it’s not an optimal environment. You need a desk suited both to your needs and the space you are working in. The trend for 2022 is large, comfortable desks with room for all of your electronic equipment. If you don’t have enough space, House Beautiful suggests using corner desks, small desks with hutches or bookcases and drop-leaf tables mounted to the wall. If you are working with a Balmoral builder, find out if you can add a built-in desk.
Speaking of Gadgets
Computers and printers need wall outlets. Tablets and phones need chargers. Everything has a power cord and who wants to see (or trip) over them? How do you hide the unsightly cords while still making them accessible? Wireless chargers are a start. Cable organizers can be installed on or under your desk to keep them off the floor. Some desks have openings that hide cables. If your home is being built, make sure your study has plenty of outlets so you can place your desk anywhere in the room.
Get Comfy
When you need a break, leave your desk and hang out in your personal employee lounge by installing a separate seating area. It doesn’t have to be large. A comfortable chair and a table big enough for a cup of coffee are all you really need. If you have a larger space, add a sofa you can relax on while thinking about your next project.
Embrace Nature
Interior designers predict that 2022 will be the year we get back to nature in our homes. If you can, position your desk to take advantage of natural light streaming through a window. If you have a view, so much the better. If not, you can still bring natural elements into your space by using wood furniture, painting your walls light green, nurturing indoor plants or adding a small desktop waterfall.
Work At Night? You Need Light
You might be able to work without artificial lighting during the day, but early-morning or late-night hours call for a light source. Avoid overhead lighting. Instead, install recessed lighting or choose stylish floor lamps for a soft glow. If your office needs to serve multiple purposes, a chandelier will dress up the space.
Reflect Your Personality
Sterile offices drain creativity. A home office should celebrate your personal style. Use neutrals to make your space seem larger or to avoid being distracted. If you have a favorite color, don’t be afraid to use it on one wall at least. Your furniture should be functional but that doesn’t mean it should be ugly. Retro chairs, antique desks, colorful throw rugs are great ways to show off your aesthetic.
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