Creating a home office is something I’ve dreamt about since the early days of commuting to London and back for work. When I was in my twenties my friends and I used to have conversations about what our home office would look like and how we would use the time afforded to us by not having to commute.
Most of our ideas still stand. To start with, I would have plush carpet on the floor so that it’s a stark difference between home and office. I love the idea of walking into the room barefoot in comfy clothes, holding a steaming cup of coffee ready to start the day without the chaos of the commute. It would be great to place the desk with a view of the sky so that there is a connection with the outside whilst working.
A desk that adjusts height so that you can also work from standing would give ultimate flexibility during the day. My friends and I often thought that using our lunch break for yoga would be a good idea, and, actually, I still think, now that we are somewhat older that it is a good idea. Perhaps even more than ever?
When you’ve been sitting for so long at your desk it’s so beneficial to have the chance to stretch out your muscles and release the tension that builds up during the day. Yoga offers you the opportunity to clear your mind and therefore it helps you to refocus on your agenda.
All these ideas would translate well into a small commercial office environment with staff, with the addition of a Boardroom Table. I’d use the boardroom space to host team building events for my staff and seasonal celebrations. The kitchen facilities would, of course, be great and I’d make it as easy as possible for people to eat well and hydrate throughout the day. This is great for team building and getting things done! The boardroom can often be where the magic happens, so making sure you have the best furniture in there for you and your team is so important.
In addition to a suitable and comfortable desk, you would also need to think of storage. A messy and cluttered home office wouldn’t be pleasant. Additionally, it could decrease your productivity, making your experience in the space quite unenjoyable. With smart storage solutions, you can ensure that your space is well-organised and functional. You can consider installing a wall shelf or two using clear acrylic sheet material. An aesthetically decorated bookcase would also be a great idea.
I would also love to have a little ‘breakout’ area with sofas and a TV for when I (or we) need to just chill. Sometimes it is best to step away from the screen and work from a different area of the room if you can. If I need to proofread something, I’ll often print it out, sit in a cosy chair and go through it with a pen (and of course a cup of coffee!). I would also make sure I have some lovely scented candles and a room spray that I love.
No matter where your office is, whether it’s at home or with others, the main thing that would create your dream office is the people you work with. So pick well. You need to hire staff who have the same drive to work as you do, this limits dissatisfaction in the workplace. Of course, you need to hire according to skill, but personality is also key and helps you to build a brilliant supportive team. Your dream team will all share your company vision for the future and will be united in moving the company forward. Or maybe you just want to work on your own with the help of a freelancers here and there? Whatever you choose to do, make sure you do it from your dream office space and embrace it! Life is too short to spend it in a dingy office where you just aren’t happy. Assess what your options are, set some goals and start working to achieve them. You deserve it!
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