Building a Home Office for Successful Productivity

Last Updated on October 21, 2011

Whether you’re working at home or furthering your career with online courses, your workspace is as important as the task at hand. With so many employees telecommuting, at home businesses starting up and students taking advantage of the convenience of online studies, the home office you once knew is a thing of the past. Today more emphasis is placed on proper and modern office design that promotes productivity. If you find yourself spending countless hours working or studying at home, consider your home office and decide if it is time for a modern makeover. Here are the latest home office trends that will offer style and productivity.

Lighting:

Before deciding on your home office remodel, you should first decide on the type of lighting you work better in. If natural light brings you to life, you will want to consider large modern windows giving you plenty of light to read and write in. Bay windows are a popular option as it also offers extra seating or work surfaces.

If you prefer artificial lights, you will want to consider your office layout. Recessed lighting is extremely popular and can light up various sections of the office. It is not suggested to work in softer light as it may cause fatigue and you will find yourself falling asleep and falling behind. If you are planning to use lighting and lamps but don’t want to give up the option of natural light, you may want to consider small windows with blinds or thick window dressing. This will allow you to use natural light when the feeling arises.

Storage:

There never seems to be enough space, so when you remodel, be sure to take storage into consideration. It is important to stay organized when you are working or studying. Utilizing free wall space with built in shelves or modern storage cabinets will give you plenty of storage while keeping your new style. Office furniture with tucked away storage space is also a good way to get a few extra square feet to hold your books or files.

Noise:

There is nothing more distracting than noise. When you decide to remodel you may want to reduce outside noise in order to allow for concentration. Using absorbent materials inside the office and thick wall materials outside the office will reduce echo inside and noise outside. This will create a quiet environment with less interruptions and more productivity.

Color:

To some, correct color choices escape them. Many people choose colors they like rather than learning the science behind colors. Just like there is a reason why fast food restaurants use red in their advertising, certain colors spark certain feelings. If you are creating a space that will be used to work or study, you want to use a color that will spark creativity and energy. Bright and vibrant colors will help increase productivity as well as keep you energized to put in long hours.

Style:

We all have our own individual styles. Modern lines and cuts however, can help your productivity. Sharp corners and thin lines offer a professional and stylish feel that can keep your mind on work and studies. If you are more traditional you might find that the soft tones and curvy lines of antique style furniture will remind you more of a relaxing study rather than the productive office you need. With modern designs you can still find a style that meets your taste without compromising productivity.

There is a convenience to working and earning your degree at home. With no commute to the office or campus, you have more time in the day to be productive. However, without proper office design you may find that it is harder to get the results you hope for. Take into consideration the science behind home office design and you will find a space that is full of energy and creativity.

Terry Southerland is a career counselor and content contributor for thebestdegrees.org, a site providing lists of top degrees as well as rankings of colleges with the best accounting degree programs.