The Coronavirus crisis has made working from home unavoidable. Though technology has already proven that working is independent of the location, a few companies still had apprehensions about the productivity factor of work from home. Now that it is the only option, work from home has received some credibility.
While working from home, though, you still have to give your 100% to it, be it your time, dedication, honesty or efficiency. Even though any corner could suffice to be your ‘office,’ it would be a chore to clear the spot every time you want to work. So, it helps if you have a dedicated place to get your work done.
Converting your spare room into your home office will help you get a peaceful oasis and plenty of space to work. It will also allow you to leave your work set-up at the place and prevent the hassle of setting it up every time you wish to work.
DIY Tricks To Turn Your Spare Room Into A Home Office
You must be wondering how to convert the room into an office now that no worker is available to help you. The only option is DIY! Do not worry because, with a few simple ideas, you can get your ideal workspace.
Here is what you will need:
A plan to work on
A plan always works for the best. Make a rough sketch of the layout of the room—Mark the points for desk placement, storage, lights, equipment, chairs, accessories, etc. Detailed planning will help you create an efficient and productive workspace.
Setting up a home office without accurate planning means you may end up in a wasteland with clutter, paper, books and junk. Proper planning helps to create a designated place for everything your home office needs, from desk and chair to accessories and light. So, plan well and with care, keeping in mind functionality, accessibility, organisation, and appeal.
Clear the space for more clarity
If the room was empty, it makes your job easier. A clean and empty room will help you start preparing the place on a clean slate. It will give you much freedom and space to convert the room into an ideal and comfortable workspace.
Go for a thorough cleaning up of the place. A tidy office is a productive office! So, a tip to remember is to try keeping the area as clean and decluttered as possible.
Elegance and ergonomics for comfort
Choose a comfortable chair and desk. An ideal chair would be one which gives maximum back support. A chair with an adjustable backrest and height would be the best choice, so if you have such a chair at home, then use it for your home office. If there isn’t such a chair available, select any chair that you find comfortable. Remember to maintain a good posture all the time and not get too close to your computer monitor. Your feet should rest on the floor with ease, and there should be enough legroom for you.
Your desk could be anything, from a spare table, your dresser, a folding table or even your dining table! If there is one lesson that the Coronavirus has taught us, it is to adjust and adapt and make do with whatever we have! You may not have the best work desk as of now, but you can convert what you have into a perfect work station. Get a colourful rug or cloth to put on the table. Place your computers and other devices in such a way that it does not look crowded.
Another essential thing to note here is the placement of the desk. Place it near the plug socket so you can plug in your device comfortably. If the location is near a window, all the better, as you will get ample natural light to work and also a view for your eyes.
Since you have the entire room to yourself, you should also think of adding a sofa or a small bed in it so you can take some rest in between work.
Technology for optimum functionality
The devices you need depend on the type of work you are doing. Think of getting everything that you need to work conveniently. Your computer (desktop or laptop or both), chargers, printer, hard drive, Wi-Fi router, and other equipment are what make the space the perfect office. Speakers and webcam may also be needed, so keep all these in your home office.
These are just examples, but you should include whatever works best for you. For instance, not everyone now prefers to print documents as it is not eco-friendly, but if you prefer to read a hard copy of your presentations or documents, you should make use of your printer.
Organise to fix your focus
Clutter is confusing to eyes and mind. To be able to concentrate on work, you need an organised workspace that has a place and purpose for everything.
A cupboard or a shelf would be a good addition to the room for maximum storage for your things, be it files, books, reference notes, etc. If there are open shelves in the room, it would be just right for your home office. You can use it for keeping your files, papers, and even your décor accessories.
You can also bring in baskets for additional storage. If you are one of those who prefer the traditional way of notes and reminders, you need a place for post-its. Bring in one of your smaller rugs and hang it on one of the walls and pin your notes on it. If you have a whiteboard in your house, you can use it to jot down reminders and targets.
Ensure that your office room is not cluttered and is easy to clean. Dusty and crowded space is not conducive to a creative and productive mind.
Accessories to cheer you up
The idea behind accessories is to enhance the appeal of a place. Your home office should appeal to you and keep you happy and motivated. Include whatever cheers you up, be it, photographs, your favourite artwork, coffee mugs, DIY art, or décor pieces. Let the space reflect your personality.
You should also keep your family or pet photographs for motivation and joy. Plants are also useful additions to your home office as they lend positivity and fresh air.
Whatever works for you to make you feel happy and inspired should be a part of your home office. The only point to note here is too much of anything can be a disaster. So, while selecting your home office accessories, do an elimination process and keep only what is a must.
Bring in some colours for instant appeal
Renowned colour psychologist Angela Wright has published papers on how colour affects our mood. The concept of colour psychology is famous worldwide. Who doesn’t like a bit of colour in their life anyway?
So, it would be a good idea to incorporate different colours via artwork, rugs, upholstery, accessories and also plants to lend warmth and positivity to the place and brighten up your mood.
Here are some qualities attributed to different colours by experts. Blue is said to be an intellectual colour and may help you focus, while yellow is about creativity and confidence. Green is easy on the eyes and stands for harmony. Red represents strength, and orange is about warmth and purple with luxury. These are only a few ways in which colours are perceived. The idea is to include colours in your home office and make it an exciting place.
Lights to enhance efficiency
If your room gets natural light and is airy, then it would be your ideal office. If not, then bring in LED lights as they are energy-efficient. You will need powerful overhead lighting to enable you to work late nights, if need be, and avoid eye strain.
Inspiration to help you surge ahead
Hanging inspirational quotes helps! Do you have any favourite? At these times, such quotes are needed more than ever amidst this monotonous lockdown.
Try DIY techniques to create your own quote piece. On a piece of paper or cardboard, paint or write the quote artistically. Then hang or place it near your desk or on your shelf. Let it inspire you to put in your best!
DND diktat for boundaries
Once your home office is ready, it is time to treat it as an office and not home. Set some boundaries and make it known to everyone, especially the kids, that it is your workspace and that it is off-limit for them for at least a few hours every day. It might not be easy at first, but slowly, everyone will get used to the idea and will leave you alone so you can accomplish your career goals.
It is fantastic that you have a spare room to use as a home office, but to make it an ‘office’, you will need different elements. Give it a formal look, so it looks separate from other parts of the house, and at the same time, is a friendly and personal space that helps you work well and in peace!
Whether it is your home office or the perfect bedroom, we at Hipcouch provide a premium and passionate service. Even during this lockdown, we are proving our design services via video calling. To get in touch with our Team, call/whatsapp at +91 97698 91528 or contact us here.