More people are working from home these days, and that means having to get creative with designing a home office with very little space. From carving out a corner of the living room to using a spare closet, your workspace could use a little refreshing.
When it comes to small home office makeover ideas, you can count on these simple, effective tips to keep you on task and organized:
- Change Up The Layout
- Upgrade Your Workstation
- Put Your Storage to Use
- Utilize The Right Furniture
- Get Colorful
Your home office, no matter its size, must meet your productivity needs, help you stay focused, and provide you with the right space for being video-call ready. With these easy small home office makeover ideas, you can turn your workspace into a work oasis in no time.
Change Up The Office Layout
The layout of your home office plays a major role in how much or how little work you can get done. Distractions make it hard to focus and if you can’t focus, then you can guess what happens to tasks you need to complete. When you think of the layout of your space, remember the ancient art of Feng Shui.
According to Better Homes & Gardens, practicing the art of Feng Shui when creating your workspace will help you keep the chi or energy in your office calm and positive for better focus. Here are some ideas to try:
- Get rid of clutter – Don’t leave old files, papers, notepads, or other distracting items on your desk. Either file them away neatly or toss them in the trash.
- Keep the drawers clean – Clutter inside drawers is a big no-no, too. Use drawer organizers, file cabinets, and labels to keep your workspace tidy.
- Think about where your desk faces – You want to be able to "see the door" without blocking it or the flow of positive energy.
- Bring in some nature – Green, pet, and kid-safe houseplants, photos or images of nature, and a view of the outdoors are all ways you can bring the calming effects of nature into your office.
- Remember the Feng Shui elements – The main elements of Feng Shui are earth, metal, wood, and water. Bring in water and metal elements as they represent abundance, calm, and precision.
Upgrade Your Workstation
A bulky desk is the workstation of the past so upgrade your desk to fit your new space. Small home offices often require workstations that can be converted into a different space after work hours. A great way to accommodate this is by investing in a standing desk, smaller corner desk, or a built-in wall desk.
Standing desks are great because they can be used while sitting and lifted while standing. Like many people, you might be trying to increase your fitness by standing more often. Standing desks allow you to work while you stand, which can enhance blood flow and keep you feeling sharp all day.
Smaller desks and corner desks are excellent workstation choices that meet your needs but don’t take up a lot of space. Many of these desks come in a variety of colors, materials, and styles so you don’t have to sacrifice look for function.
Another option for work from home professionals is dedicating an entire wall for a built-in desk, as it doesn't take up much floor space but still offers plenty of room for working. Built-in desks can also accommodate multiple users at once, and you can use vertical space above the desk for stylish storage cabinets.
Instead of using an overhead light, opt for softer light from desk or floor lamps. You can even create a small break area in your home office with a comfortable chair, a small fountain, and some indoor plants. Decorate the walls with photos, artwork, or examples of work you are proud of for added motivation. The break area can be as small as a yoga mat next to your desk or as large as a section dedicated to coffee breaks.
Put Your Storage to Use
The key to any home office layout is using your storage effectively. Consider what kinds of items you need to store by asking yourself:
- Do I need to keep certain files or documents stored in a locked cabinet?
- Does my closet space have room for extra work storage?
- What options for storage do I need?
Depending on the type of job you have, you may be required by law to keep certain documents stored securely in a locked drawer or cabinet. Since some of these cabinets can be bulky, you might be wondering how you can store them securely without having to sacrifice the chi in your space.
One idea is to clear out some space in the closet. Add drawers or cabinets that are out of sight and don’t take up an excessive amount of space. Also consider installing custom cabinets or drawers. Safely store your work documents while showing off your personal style in the process. Plus, these kinds of organizers can enhance the resale value of your home should you ever decide to sell it.
DIY a storage solution for your small home office space by sprucing up an old bookcase. Add bins and baskets for storage, keep books or manuals at arm’s length and even showcase some of your favorite decorations.
Utilize the Right Furniture
According to The Spruce, too much furniture or the wrong type can make your space feel even smaller than it is. Using furniture that fits the space and your style can help keep you focused on work instead of thinking about bulky distractions. When choosing the right furniture for your home office, think about:
- Your personal style – Do you love retro, chic and elegant, modern, or homey cottage best?
- The space you have – Is there a lot of natural light? Do you need your space to double as another room during after-work hours?
- Your storage needs – Are you maximizing the storage options within your space?
- Privacy requirements – Do you need to keep your home office secure from children, pets, spouses, or other distractions due to the privacy requirements of your job?
Depending on your needs, look for furniture and office accessories to meet your requirements, stay on task, and remain productive.
Get Colorful
A boring space does not lead to staying on task. You want to find a happy medium between peaceful and energizing. Once you know what your office needs are and your personal style, start thinking about how to use color. While you are welcome to paint your walls, you can get more colorful without buying paint. Here’s how:
- Hang beautiful artwork on the walls.
- Frame family photos for your desk or to showcase inside open cabinets.
- Decorate your space for the season.
- Let in natural light and use cool floor or desk lamps.
- Hang up your kids’ artwork.
- Make the space look larger with a mirror.
- Reduce noise and enhance your space with area rugs.
- Go retro by hanging pretty market lights.
Use your senses of touch and smell. Choose materials that please your eyes and your sense of touch. If you love a certain scent, consider an essential oil diffuser.
Conclusion
Small work areas are blank canvases for your creativity to shine. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or time to quickly enhance and makeover this area of your home. With these simple, fun ideas, your small home office will be organized and calm to keep your productive energy flowing.