Spruce up your work space
When you work from home, you have to do different things to keep yourself motivated. To be honest, I've never been one to use a "home office." Growing up, I did my homework in the kitchen or dining room and I often left the table to see (ahem, taste) what my mom was simmering on the stove.
When I put a desk in my bedroom, it was really used to store random things and as a place to leave my clothes when I didn't feel like putting them away. Is anyone else guilty of that?
When I moved into a condo, there was a den but with no windows in there, it quickly became a place to store our books and paperwork. Over the three years I lived there, I really only used it as a work space once.
Now that I've moved into a new home, there's an extra bedroom to play around with. For now, it's serving as a place to work out and get some work done too. The table that served as a condo sized dining table has now become my desk and I figure, before I start using it as an extension to my closet, I better get it all set up!
A Home Office
If you ask me, a home office is less about the furniture and more about functionality. How does the space make you feel and can you get work done there?
Before you decide which space to use, you may want to consider a few things:
- lighting
- temperature
- distractions
I know for instance, that the basement wouldn't work for me as the temperature and lighting would not entice me to spend time there. Earlier, I had been working in my family room but I find sitting at a desk to be much more effective. Also, it can't hurt to distance yourself from the television, fridge and other distractions!
Find a place that works for you and that makes you want to buckle down and get to work.
Set up
As a content creator, it's so important to have a work space that inspires you so you can make the magic happen.
I placed my desk near a window so I'd get lots of natural light and a little bit of greenery in my space from the trees outside.
If you don't have a window, make sure the light in the room is nice and bright. Add plants or some fresh flowers to bring nature in to the space.
I added a small decorative bulletin board where I can pin inspiring images or post-its and reminders.
It was also important to me to have something on my desk that inspired me to stay focused. I decided a piece of artwork with a meaningful quote would be perfect. I plan to switch the art out when I feel my office needs a little refreshing.
I also added a candle that I can light when I need a little mood booster and a pretty mug from my kitchen is serving as a container for supplies. You can also use a glass jar for a little more character.
Stay on Budget
For this project, I reworked a few things I had around the house and gave them new purpose in my office. The only purchase I made was a desk calendar, as I felt this was important to help me plan my content and also to ensure I stay on top of any deadlines.
I decided on a calendar with a natural and gold theme so that it will match with whatever pop of colour I decide to add to my space the next time I want to shake things up.
With a little creativity, you can easily freshen up your space without having to spend much at all. The total cost of refreshing my office space was $30 for the calendar and artwork.
You definitely don't have to go out and buy a fancy new desk to create a work space. Use a table you already have and set it up for success. Instead of art, use a framed photo of your family to bring some warmth to your desk, or even play around with a pretty notebook, journal or inspiring book cover.
Really, your imagination is your only limit.
Bonus - I find that my laptop has also found a home here and is no longer hanging out in my family room.
There's nothing like a little de-cluttering, organizing and rearranging to make your home feel refreshed.
I hope this post inspires you to find a quiet, cozy corner of your home in which to create a space you can escape to when you need to read or get some work done. There's really nothing like having a little space to call your own.
Happy decorating!
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