Working Remotely: How to Create a Comfortable and Inspiring Workspace at Home!

With remote work becoming more common, lots of us are spending more time working from home. While this Hybrid work-life arrangement offers plenty of benefits, such as increased flexibility and reduced commute time, it can also come with its own set of challenges. One of the most important aspects of working from home is creating a comfortable and inspiring workspace that supports productivity and well-being.

Keep reading to explore some tips for designing a workspace that meets your needs and enhances your work-from-home experience...

1. Choose the Right Location

The first step in creating a comfortable workspace is choosing the right location. Ideally, your workspace should reside in a quiet area of your home, away from distractions and noise.

If you don't have a spare room to convert into an office, consider creating a designated area in a corner of a larger room. Make sure you have enough space for your desk, chair, and any other equipment you might need.

Creating a dedicated workspace can also help you maintain a work-life balance. Setting up a designated area for work, away from distractions like your bed or TV will help you establish boundaries and stay focused during work hours.

2. Let in Natural Light

Natural light can have a significant impact on your mood and productivity, so make sure your workspace has plenty of it. Positioning your desk near a window is a great way to bring in some natural light.

If that's not an option, invest in some high-quality lighting to create a bright and inviting workspace. But be careful not to go overboard with stark, fluorescent lighting that can be harsh and unpleasant.

Instead, consider more moodier lighting options that can help create a calming and relaxed atmosphere in your workspace.

3. Invest in Comfortable Furniture

Your workspace should be comfortable and ergonomic to support your health and well-being. Invest in a good-quality chair that supports your posture and helps prevent back pain.

Your desk should be at the correct height for your body, and you should have enough space to move around freely.

Investing in new ergonomic office furniture can come at a cost but it's definitely worth it in the long run, especially if your working remotely full time, It aids mental and physical health, and will be a worthy long-term investment. Temple & Webster is a great place to start when looking for equally functional and stylish office furniture

If you're on a budget, consider buying second-hand furniture or repurposing existing furniture.

6. Consider Alternative Office Setups

Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods can take a toll on your body. To mitigate this, it's worth exploring some alternative office setups that will help keep your body more active.

A standing desk is an option that allows you to extend or lower the desk to stand or sit, respectively. If you prefer to keep your existing desk, a laptop stand that is adjustable can also provide similar benefits. Keep in mind it is recommended to integrate a mix of sitting and standing into your routine.

Another setup which is becoming more and more popular with help from TikTok is a walking pad situated beneath your desk that enables you to walk and stay active while working. Additionally, ergonomic chairs offer excellent support, and even more unconventionally sitting on an exercise ball can encourage good posture and keep you alert. If you're someone who fidgets, sitting on an exercise ball offers the option to bounce while working as a form of stress relief.

While some of these options may seem a little out of the ordinary they're backed up by solid research and are absolutely the way of the future. Creating an environment that suits your personal needs is crucial, and one of the biggest benefits of working from home is that you have the freedom to design the ideal setup that fosters your own personal needs.

4. Personalise Your Space

One of the benefits of working from home is the ability to personalise your workspace. Fill this space with things that make you happy, this could be anything from artwork or photography you love to plants, flowers, books, and so forth.

Make sure your workspace is an inviting space that you actually want to spend time in - choosing uplifting colours can help keep you motivated and inspired throughout the day.

A neutral base of whites, creams, woods, and nudes can create a cozy and warm atmosphere, while pops of colour can add a playful and fun touch. So don't be afraid to incorporate some bright and bold accents into your space to add some light and life to your workday!

Head to Etsy or Inka Arthouse to explore some vibrant and unique decorations and prints to personalise your space!

5. Keep it Organised

A cluttered workspace can be distracting, stressful, and uninviting, so it's essential to keep it organised to encourage productivity.

Studies have shown that a cluttered environment can cause stress, reduce focus, and limit our ability to process information, while on the other hand, an organised workspace can help reduce stress and increase our ability to concentrate on the task at hand.

To create a more organised workspace, you can start by investing in some storage solutions that fit your needs. Shelves, filing cabinets, and drawers are great options for storing paperwork and supplies.

You can also use desk organisers, such as trays or containers, to keep your desk tidy and your supplies easily accessible. Keep only what you need on your desk and put everything else away. Trust us, you'll be amazed at how much more focused and efficient you'll be when you're not surrounded by clutter!

You can find some really great and affordable home office storage solutions at IKEA & Office Works.

7. Set Boundaries, Take Breaks & ENJOY!

When working remotely, it can be easy to blur the lines between work and personal time, so it's important to set boundaries and take breaks throughout the day. Set specific work hours and stick to them, and make sure to take regular breaks to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, or just take a few minutes to relax and recharge.

At the end of the day, working remotely can be a super enjoyable and productive experience and one that we are very lucky to be seeing more of! If you take the time to create a comfortable and inspiring workspace at home you'll find yourself very happy making the most of your hybrid lifestyle.

By following these tips, you can design a space that meets your needs and enhances your work-from-home experience!

WORDS | Lily Washburn