Set Up a Home Office: 5 Ways to Make Working From Home Better

Telecommuting, or working from home, has several associated benefits—and since the pandemic, it’s become the status quo for professionals. Many Iowans are working remotely at least a couple of days a week.

However, in order to work remotely and maintain the same level of productivity and engagement in your professional responsibilities, it’s imperative to establish a routine and habits to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your environment plays a big role in your ability to work remotely. Creating a dedicated space for work can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency.

Home Office Layout Ideas

Your home office in Des Moines, Iowa, can be as simple or lavish as you would like. Selecting the right home office desk is crucial, as it should fit your workspace while considering factors like size, storage, and comfort. Your budget, the nature of your job, and the space available in your house are likely to factor into the size and scope of your home office setup. Personal tastes aside, the ideal workspace is comfortable, convenient, and at least marginally private. Here are a few ideas to consider for your home office:

1. Creating a Sense of Privacy in a Dedicated Space

The best place to set up shop in your home is within a dedicated room. If you have a basement, garage, sunroom, guest room, or attic that is currently unused for the most part, that space can easily be converted into a home office or classroom. Even a large closet is suitable for housing your desk, chair, and supplies in a spot that can be closed off when not in use.

Setting up a room to be your home office enables you to get away from the hustle and bustle of activity created by other household members and focus on your work.

See Also: The Best Approach to Interior Design

Setting Up a Home Office in a Bedroom

If you don’t have space to designate to constructing a separate home office, your next best option is to commandeer a corner of your living room or bedroom. In such a situation, it’s still important to create a sense of privacy by using dividers or setting up your desk, bookshelves, and other furniture so you are physically and mentally removed when you’re trying to work. Another idea is to use a “barn door” to separate the office space from the rest of the room. Barn doors are a type of door that can be modern, farm style or anything in between.

2. Soundproofing Your Space

Noise can cause a major distraction, both when you’re working on your own and when trying to video conference with your colleagues and clients. Try to soundproof your home office as best you can to mitigate noise and disruption. An office wall can play a crucial role in soundproofing by incorporating elements like acoustic panels and wall art, while also serving as a decorative space to enhance the ambiance. Some ideas for office soundproofing as part of your home remodel include:

• Adding plush furniture and an area rug or thick carpeting

• Setting up acoustic panels and wall art

• Using door snakes during working hours

• Sealing air leaks and weather-stripping windows and exterior doors

• Adding window inserts

• Filling wall cavities with soundproofing insulation, like rock wool

• Doubling up your drywall and applying a soundproofing compound, like Green Glue, between the panels.

3. Setting Up a Desk and Ergonomic Chair

Another critical element for a home office is a suitable desk that is large enough to accommodate your computer or laptop and other equipment, such as a printer, scanner, telephone, and second monitor. If you’re the type of person who likes to drink coffee or eat meals while working, make sure there’s also space to do so without putting your expensive electronics at risk.

Your desk can be as simple as a low-profile corner desk or metal gaming desk, or you may want to splurge on a large, built-in desk comprised of wood or glass-topped to make the room more stylish. Adjustable standing desks that enable you to choose between sitting and standing as you want are also popular for health reasons.

Whatever model you choose, make sure you have an ergonomic office chair to go along with it. Sitting for extended periods of time without proper support can wreak havoc on your neck and back, not to mention make you uncomfortable and steal your attention.

Additionally, consider using a laptop stand to enhance ergonomics and workspace efficiency. A laptop stand ensures that your laptop screen is at eye level, which can aid in reducing discomfort during long hours of work.

4. Decorating Appropriately

Even in a corporate office, employees decorate their cubicles, desks, and offices according to individual tastes. The same applies to your home office. Choose color palettes that keep you calm and focused, even when the stress of work accumulates.

Investing in quality office furniture is crucial for creating a comfortable and productive home office environment. Ergonomic office chairs and proper furniture selection contribute to long-term well-being and efficiency, discouraging the choice of cheaper options that may not last.

Greens and blues are commonly associated with tranquility, while yellows, creams, and beiges make a space feel bright and cheery. You may even paint one wall with black chalk paint for a touch of whimsy and to use for writing notes and creating mind maps. One of our customers painted the office closet door with dry erase paint as a way to stay organized and on task.

Finish off your home office with your favorite décor, such as a calendar, photos of your family and other knickknacks. A couple plants also assist in creating a peaceful environment. Just keep in mind that whatever is behind you is what people will see when video conferencing with you, and you don’t want that background to be too cluttered or distracting.

5. Lighting Your Space with Natural Light

Last but not least, make sure your home office has an adequate light to enhance your productivity while also protecting your mental and physical health.

Lighting is a critical factor. Natural light is ideal, so try to position your desk near a window. If that’s not possible, invest in a good desk lamp that provides adequate illumination without causing glare on your screen. Proper lighting can reduce eye strain and improve your overall mood and productivity.

Think about adding windows or expanding your existing ones when you build your home office. If that’s not feasible, you can get by with enough general and task lighting fixtures, especially if you use daylight bulbs that stimulate the colors of natural light on a sunny day.

Additionally, consider the impact of blue light from screens on eye strain and sleep quality. Blue-light-blocking glasses are an essential accessory for home office setups, helping to mitigate headaches and fatigue while supporting a healthy circadian rhythm for better sleep.

Assessing Your Home Office Needs

Before diving into your home office setup, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs to create a productive and comfortable workspace. Start by considering the space constraints in your home. Measure the available area and think about the layout, including the location of doors, windows, and any obstacles that might affect your office space. This will help you plan the most efficient use of your room.

Ergonomics play a significant role in your comfort and productivity. Ensure your desk and chair are at the right height, and your monitor and keyboard are positioned correctly to avoid strain. An ergonomic chair with proper lumbar support can make a world of difference during long work hours.

Storage is often overlooked but essential for keeping your workspace organized. Consider your storage needs for office supplies, files, and equipment. A filing cabinet, bookshelves, or a desk with built-in storage can help keep your desk space clutter-free.

Remember to think about the noise level in your home. If you find it challenging to concentrate due to household noise, noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine can be valuable investments to create a quieter work environment.

Working from Home in Comfort and Style

Telecommuting and working remotely are trends that don’t appear to be declining any time soon, even now that the pandemic work-from-home requirements have subsided.

Should You Keep Your Home Office Setup If You Are Called Back into the Office?

Even if your professional work no longer requires a home office, it can be nice to have a separate room in your house for using your computer, making copies, doing your taxes and filing important documents.

Utilizing free space creatively is essential, especially when transforming existing rooms or areas into functional office environments.

Upgrading Your Tech Stack

Enhancing your tech stack can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency while working from home. Start with a high-speed internet connection to ensure seamless communication with colleagues and clients, and to handle data-heavy tasks without interruptions.

Consider upgrading to a newer laptop or desktop computer that meets your work requirements. A reliable and fast computer can save you time and reduce frustration. Pair it with a high-quality monitor, ergonomic keyboard, and wireless mouse to create a comfortable and efficient workstation. An adjustable standing desk can also be a great addition, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.

I've mentioned it before, but high-quality noise-cancelling headphones can be a lifesaver, especially if you need to block out background noise to focus on your tasks. They can also be useful during video conferences to ensure clear communication.

Explore different productivity software options to streamline your workflow. Project management tools, time tracking apps, and browser extensions can help you stay organized and manage your tasks more effectively. Find the tools that work best for you and integrate them into your daily routine.

Staying Organized and Focused

Maintaining organization and focus is key to staying productive while working from home. Start by creating a schedule and establishing a routine. This helps you stay on track and meet deadlines consistently. Use a task list to break down your work into smaller, manageable chunks, making it easier to stay focused and organized.

Minimize distractions by identifying potential sources, such as social media or email, and finding ways to limit their impact. Tools like website blockers and turning off notifications can help you stay focused on your work.

Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining productivity. Use these breaks to stretch, move around, and refresh your mind. This can help you stay energized and focused throughout the day.

Staying hydrated and energized is also important. Keep a water bottle nearby and snack on healthy foods to maintain your energy levels. This will help you stay focused and productive, even during long work hours.

Need Help with Your Home Office Setup in Des Moines?

If you’d like to explore remodeling your Des Moines home to create a home office, Compelling Homes Remodeling & Design can help. As a design-build firm, we have professionals to provide guidance and expertise every step of the way to ensure what’s in your mind is what comes to fruition.