It’s been quite a year, folks. We’re not quite done, but we’re getting there. I think it’s safe to say that our routines have changed for several reasons, not the least of which is that so many of us were thrown into finding spaces within our home that we can designate as a formal workspace. At first, we thought it might be just a few weeks and if you’re anything like me, you saw how quickly that wasn’t going to happen and knew you had to prepare for the long haul. So, as you look around your home, whether in a house or a condo, you started to brainstorm what creative changes you could put into play that would make your living space more multi-functional. We’re easily distracted at home. It isn’t always simple to switch into work mode when you’re not rushing out to an office and can choose to stay in your comfy clothes and enjoy that second cup of coffee in your kitchen. Here are a few quick tips to make sure that your home workspace is both effective and comfortable.
- Productivity Wall: Believe me when I say that a wall of tasks does not have to be daunting. In fact, it’s encouraging. Whether in the form of a whiteboard, hilarious large calendar, or a corkboard, having something on the wall behind your desk that outlines some of your work deadlines can help keep you on track. Think of it as a more short-term vision board. Plus, you can decide what style of productivity wall best suits the aesthetic of your workspace. A corkboard with a marble border? A borderless chalkboard? A whiteboard with your logo on it (hello, Etsy!)? The possibilities are endless.
- Greenery: Anything green. Succulents, hibiscus (new beauty every few days!), orchids, pussy-willows (yes, not technically green but stay with me). Smaller doses of living things brighten up any room. I’m not suggesting you turn your workspace into a green room, but a few small things here and there that are low maintenance can greatly change the atmosphere. Plus, they make for a great addition to any video conference call.
- Accent Pillows: Who doesn’t love a good accent pillow? They complete any couch or chair in any room. But they’re not just for show. Allowing yourself to invest in a sizeable and comfortable pillow that brings your room together while giving you the extra bit of support your back needs as you finish a day at your desk (with your succulent by your side and your productivity wall reminding you of what you have accomplished), will be an addition to your workspace that you won’t regret.
- Speakers: Something almost everyone has in their place of work is background noise. If you’re in an office environment, chances are there is always a phone ringing, conversation going on around you, city noise, or maybe even music being piped through a sound system. While silence is golden, sometimes it can affect your concentration. Creating your own background noise can take your mind out of home and into work in a split second. Now is the time to invest in a Bluetooth speaker. Pick a colour that compliments your aesthetic and then set your new work partner up in a corner opposite your designated workspace. You avoid the direct sound that just listening to the radio or podcast through your computer brings and allow yourself just enough activity in the background to keep you going.
How do those tips sound to you? Are you thinking you might need a new home to accommodate your new workspace? Many are making the changes from city living to a quieter suburban life and with September’s latest record of 11,083 reported home sales, you can see that many people are thinking like you. Most of these homes are selling for over-asking. Working with a top realtor is the best way to ensure that the market is working for you. We’re all adapting. It isn’t easy, but it gets better with time. Change is good. Necessary change can be difficult and not always preferred, but sometimes we need to allow ourselves to enjoy the opportunity to re-think, redecorate, and rejuvenate our living space. Don’t let your home office be your couch with your laptop on a pillow. A new home with an extra room for your home office mixed with a few finishing touches on your designated space, and you might look forward to work each day, and be able to close your office door and walk a few steps back into your home each night. Get in touch with me today and let’s discuss making your home office visions a reality.
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