Home is the New Workplace.
Since working from home has become a more long-term reality for many, the need to separate and clearly define ‘work’ spaces from ‘oasis’ spaces in our homes has become increasingly necessary.
Having a designated work space that is separate from the rest of our home and our family allows us to be more productive by removing distractions and helping us to maintain discipline and focus on our work. Having all of our office tools organized in one space increases our efficiency. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, having a separate work space while working from home helps keep our ‘work life’ and our ‘home life’ separate—a line that can easily get blurred when your home has become your workplace.
Photo: lifeonvirginiastreet.com
There are some important things to consider when establishing a home workspace. If possible, utilizing a separate room from the rest of the home with a door allows you to keep business in and family out. Consider transforming a sparingly-used formal dining room into your home work space or an extra spare bedroom.
However, for some, finding extra space is a challenge and this is when a ‘cl-office’ or setting up a small office desk space inside an existing closet would be a good idea. Whatever available space you have, finding ways to clearly designate it as your workspace is key
Photo: nestingwithgrace.com
Over the past several months of working from home, many have found that setting up office at one end of the kitchen table is just not a good long-term solution. Often kitchen table and chair heights are not conducive to proper ergonomic positioning when working on a computer or laptop. This leads to stiff and sore neck and shoulders.
So, a good work surface and a comfortable desk chair go a long way to ensure you’re working at your most comfortable and most productive.
Photo: @roomforsix
If possible, when deciding where to set up your home workspace, consider the amount of natural light. Position yourself as close to a window as possible. Not only does the natural light help your eyes as they strain to look at the computer screen but the natural light also boosts your overall happiness and well-being.
However, even with ample natural light, proper task lighting is still a necessity. Switch out any dull light bulbs in your work space and if renovating, consider installing lighting with dimming capabilities so that the brightness can be adjusted based on your needs and the time of day.
Photo: lovegrowswild.com
The saying goes “a place for everything and everything in its place”. This is definitely true for your home office space. The more organized everything is, the more efficiently you can work as everything is at your fingertips and clutter is minimized.
For your mental well-being, personalize and decorate your home workspace. Surround yourself with calming muted colours, family photos and natural elements, like plants and natural materials. Studies have shown that when natural elements and materials are used in a room design, they provide a connection to nature and contribute to an overall feeling of calm
Photo: domino.com
Hardwood floors add a natural element to your home workspace but also provide many other benefits as well. Hardwood floors are very durable, with state-of-the-art finishes to stand up to scuffs, spills and daily foot traffic.
Photo: Pinterest
The electronics—computer, laptop, printer, etc.—in your office attract dust and having carpet in your home office space would simply give all that dust and allergens something to cling to. A hardwood floor doesn’t trap allergens and allows dust to be easily removed. Therefore, installing hardwood in your home workspace results in better air quality. Not sneezing and coughing all day allows you to focus on your tasks at hand!
If you’re like me, your morning never starts without a BIG cup of coffee, usually while starting up my email and browsing the day’s news headlines. And, if you’re also like me, you’ve lost count of the number of times you’ve spilled that morning coffee. But, with hardwood floors in your home workspace, there’s no need to cry over your spilled cup of joe! Hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain, usually requiring no more than a weekly dusting with a microfiber cloth.
Photo: thriftydecorchick.com
Did you know that installing hardwood floors can increase the value of your home? The majority of homebuyers when polled list ‘hardwood floors’ as one of the must-have items in a new home. If you’re going to renovate in order to create your home workspace, why not also add resale value to your home at the same time?!
If you are working from home for the foreseeable future like so many others and are seeking to increase the separation between your ‘work space’ at home and your home’s ‘oasis space’, consider planning and creating a designated home workspace and for its durability, beauty, and health benefits, consider installing hardwood floors for an at-home work space that is both functional and gorgeous!
Inspired to create your own at-home workspace? BreezeWood Floors’ hardwood flooring experts can help you choose the best hardwood flooring for your home office. Visit one of our Southwestern Ontario showrooms to view our large selection of Ontario-made solid & engineered hardwood flooring.