How do you define the home office? Can it be anything as small as an entire floor of your house, or does it have to be a space that you share with your family members? No matter what your answer is, one thing’s for sure – home offices are here to stay. The stats don’t lie, and even though there are plenty of interesting home office trends on their way out (we’ll get to those in just a second), we’re always going to need somewhere to work from home and run our businesses.
1) Collaborative workspaces
The rise of the digital nomad has led to a boom in collaborative workspaces. These shared office spaces provide everything a traditional office would, including meeting rooms, printers, and fast internet. However, they also come with the added bonus of being able to meet other like-minded individuals. If you’re thinking of setting up a home office, here are three trends you should be aware of.
1) Don’t invest in fixed furnishings – while it may seem more practical to purchase furniture outright, there’s no guarantee that your needs will stay the same over time.
2) Beware those extras – don’t spend too much on things like artwork and plants because these items can be swapped out as needed or repurposed elsewhere.
3) Look for multi-purpose furniture – such as ottomans that double as tables, or stackable chairs that work well when dining guests over. You’ll want pieces that can easily go from working desk to coffee table. One thing is for sure: if you’re looking to set up a home office, then this list is worth taking into consideration! For example, if you opt for having only movable furnishings, it means you won’t have to do any redecorating when a change in taste arises.
Similarly, opting for furniture that can double as different purposes saves money without compromising functionality. And lastly, purchasing less expensive but versatile pieces will save money and storage space–it also means that items can be used in different areas around the house. It might not feel great to consider parting ways with so many elements from one’s home office setup; however, changing times call for changing solutions!
2) Clutter free desks
One of the biggest home office trends that is on its way out is cluttered desks. This is because people are now realizing that a cluttered desk can actually lead to a decrease in productivity. Instead, people are trying to keep their desks as clean and organized as possible. This means investing in some good storage solutions and being more mindful about what goes on your desk.
Some people also make it a habit to clear off their desks at the end of each day so they can start fresh in the morning. Regardless of how you choose to do it, just be sure not to have anything on your desk that isn’t directly related to work. It’s important to note that these changes aren’t just happening with home offices.
More and more large companies are switching to an open office space where there’s no designated place for employees to work from. They’re doing this for the sake of creativity, collaboration, and innovation – all without having to spend money on cubicles or other physical barriers.
3) Lighting that enhances work
Overhead fluorescent lighting has long been a staple in many office spaces. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s the best for your home office. Fluorescent lighting emits a lot of blue light, which can be harsh on the eyes and lead to headaches, says Los Angeles–based interior designer Tania Hume.
If you can’t avoid using it altogether, try using it in combination with other light sources, such as task lighting or lamps. Remember that overhead lights should only account for 20% of your office’s illumination. You’ll want to make sure your desk is positioned so that the majority of light comes from a window. And if possible, get rid of any desk plants or potted plants near your computer screen–they create an unnecessary glare.
Finally, don’t forget about natural light! Having a window close by will help increase your concentration levels, says New York City-based designer Suzi Hotchkiss. I recommend having at least one large wall where there are no windows for bookshelves. For desks and storage, go with open shelves instead of closed cabinets; they allow you to see what’s inside without having to open them up. In addition, a file cabinet is essential for keeping things organized.
To save money (and space), store files vertically instead of stacking them horizontally on top of each other. Your hard drive might seem like another one of those outdated items sitting on your desktop, but this piece of equipment is more than just a glorified DVD player: With some creative cable management, you can use it as extra shelving to organize all those papers cluttering up your work area.
Finally, invest in a good chair. Sure, it may not sound glamorous or cool like some high-tech design element, but when your body hurts after hours at the desk, you’ll thank yourself for spending the extra few bucks to ensure proper posture while working.
Tania Hume is an LA based Interior Designer. She states Overhead fluorescent lighting has long been a staple in many office spaces.
But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s the best for your home office. She suggests trying to use less fluorescent lighting, and making sure that the main source of light comes from a window. Don’t forget about natural light! she states Having a window close by will help increase your concentration levels. She recommends storing files vertically instead of stacking them horizontally, claiming that this saves both time and space.