Amélie Gobeil
7 March, 2019
A Peaceful Work Haven
Who hasn’t dreamed of working in an inspiring space adapted to your needs, where you’d actually want to spend several hours a day? You’d be less likely to procrastinate! With few resources and a bit of creativity, you can make your workspace a happy oasis, whether at home or at the office.
*Beware: the following may make you want to reorganize your workspace immediately!
An office suited to your needs can have positive repercussions on your work by increasing your concentration, stimulating your happiness hormones, making you less likely to procrastinate, and increasing your creativity. These are just a few of the factors which are directly linked to your ability to focus all day long.
Five tips for organizing your workspace (at the office or at home)
1. Find your space and establish your needs
Here are the first questions that should come to mind if you’re thinking of working from home:
- Where would I like to spend several hours a day?
- Does this space make me feel nice and calm?
- What are the main needs linked to my work activities?
- How much space do I need?
- Will I be meeting clients?
- Will I be working nights and weekends? (Don’t forget to consider your children if you have any, and their noise level!)
Take the time to establish your needs and put them down on paper before moving on to the next steps. The same goes for your work area in a shared office. Is the space welcoming? Don’t forget: you only have one chance to make a good first impression!
Once you’ve found your space and defined your needs, it’s time to get organized!
2. Set up a functional environment
Furniture is the tool you’ll spend the most time with… so you might as well choose pieces you like! Make a list of all the essentials you’ll need for your space: filing cabinet, desk, chairs, side table, etc.
Tip: Save money by reusing, revamping, or painting pieces rather than replacing them. Resale sites are also a great option. It’s simply a question of being patient and keeping your eyes open! For example: you could change the handles on your desk or give your filing cabinet a pop of colour.
Another trick: Even if you’re not great at drawing, creating a scaled floor plan and small versions of the furniture you’ll need can be a big help. Cut out paper furniture and move it around on the plan to try different configurations and get a better feel for your environment. Don’t be afraid to try different things, and go ahead and remove any unnecessary pieces that are taking up too much room.
3. Pay attention to lighting
One of the things people most often neglect is proper lighting. We generally fail to realize how much effect a room’s lighting can have in terms of its atmosphere. On top of ambient lighting from the ceiling and regular lamps, an extra table lamp can provide direct light suited to your type of work. As much as possible, opt for a space that gets a lot of natural light and ensure your computer screen is placed perpendicularly to the window (and therefore, the sun). Adequate lighting is necessary for maintaining your concentration, as well as completing your room décor.
4. Put up decorations and photos
It’s time to decorate! Choosing a wall colour is also an important decision. If you’re going for a relaxing atmosphere, opt for neutral and warm hues. Avoid white walls if you fear writer’s block or a lack of inspiration!
Hang up souvenirs that conjure up happy memories, artwork, and mood boards. A timeless décor idea: gather a mix of frames in a variety of styles and sizes.
Make your environment welcoming for you and your clients. Cater to your five senses by adding a comfortable rug for your feet, or even an essential oil diffuser. The idea is to customize and transform your office into a source of motivation.
5. Surround yourself with nature
Plants, plants, and more plants! They’re amazing on all levels: they provide oxygen, but also a soothing, calming effect for your mind. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb: just make sure you get plants that are easy to care for. There are also fake plants that almost look real. Why not add fresh flowers to the room for some extra colour? You work hard; go ahead and treat yourself!
With spring on its way, it’s the perfect time to reorganize your indoor space and make it warmer and more functional.
