HOME OFFICE TIPS AND INSPIRATION

In any home, a place to sit down and work is an absolute must. Whether it is a place for email, kids to do homework, pay bills, or even to sit down and read, a home office (or at least a desk) is necessary. 

Here at The Design Atelier, we are working on a home office for a client and while working with them, we have compiled a short list of characteristics that each home office needs. We thought we would share them with you, so please enjoy! If you are building a new home or just need to update your space, we hope these tips will be helpful.

The Design Atelier's key essentials to any home office:

Free from distraction: With so many things requiring our attention, we all get easily distracted. Your office should be clean, organized, and (if possible) quiet. Time spent in your office should be uninterrupted, so that whatever that needs to be accomplished can be done in minimal time so you can get onto the next task that needs your attention. Therefore, your office should be in a part of the home that is not often frequented by children or at least be in an area where the kids know to be quiet.  

Even though this workspace is most likely a part of the living room, it's secluded enough to
be recognized as an "office." As a perk, you can keep an eye on the kids and still get work done!

Free from clutter: Some people work well with piles of papers on the desk. However, most people associate messy stacks of paper to be quite stressful. Your home office should be organized, at least enough so that most everything has a place. Receipts should have a bin. Tax documents, bills, the kids' homework, report cards, art work, and any other important documents should have their own respective folders/bins. 

This desk is relatively clean with the exception of a container of pens, a task lamp,
and a jar of flowers. Everything else is filed away in organizational heaven.

Plenty of storage: In order to keep maintain a clutter-free office, multiple storage options are necessary. Shelving, drawers, bins, filing systems, are all great ways to keep your things organized and stowed away. 

Shelving helps keep books and other necessary items off of the desk but makes them
easy to find.

Plenty of light: Whether natural, artificial, or both, any working space needs to be well-lit. Make sure your work surface is adequately lit with overhead lights, table or task lamps, or a combination thereof. Windows are always pleasant and offer both sunlight and a view to the outside. Studies show that those who worked with some sort of connection to nature tend to be more productive than those who didn't have any sort of natural connection. So if your space is window-less, be sure to incorporate plants or a picture of a gorgeous landscape to mimic the results. 

The desk placed in front of the window offers a look outside and plenty of sunlight. The
pendant and desk lamp add light when needed. And doesn't that chair look über comfy?!

Visual Interest: It's your office, you should have at least one thing that serves no other purpose than it being pretty. Whether it's artwork, a neat sculpture, or a bouquet of flowers, give your space something that catches your eye.

Artwork and a sculpture give the eye a place to rest. The light color palette also helps draw attention to the art,
while also creating a serene work environment.

With these tips, your home office is bound to be your favorite room or area of the house!