Being a working professional in the post-pandemic world entails adapting to a lot of lifestyle changes. In the present day, more and more working professionals are opting for remote working options that allow them to work from the comfort of their homes or spaces beyond the office complex. Therefore, it is only natural to prefer a separate space at home solely dedicated for professional work. In a fast-paced and dynamic world like ours, people often prefer keeping such spaces minimal, as it ensures easy maintenance and upkeep and are suitable for apartments of any size. In this article, we will explore some tips to get you started on the set up of your home office and how to keep it minimalist without compromising functionality.
See also: How to make compact home offices tech-integrated?
Choosing the right location
Make the most of the natural light entering your home by setting up your workspace near a window. Not only does it promote energy efficiency, but also helps to significantly enhance mood and productivity. However, make sure to avoid the spots where excessive glare might affect your digital screens.
Additionally, steer clear of high-traffic areas of the house where noisy household activities are common. Preferably choose a room or a corner that allows you to shut off the space to outside interruptions and distractions.
Invest in quality furniture
You can never go wrong with a desk featuring a simple design and clean lines. Think materials like wood, metal or a combination of both to add a touch of elegance to the space without overwhelming it. The desk should fit comfortably in your chosen space while also providing enough room for your work tasks and the placement of computer and essential documents. Oversized desks must be avoided as they can dominate the room. Reduce clutter by choosing a desk with built-in drawers or shelves for storage, and preferably a small filing cabinet or organiser as well.
Pair the desk with an ergonomic chair that supports your lower back and encourages proper posture during prolonged sitting periods while working. Adjustable features like height, lumbar support and armrests ensure all-day comfort for your body. Go for breathable materials like mesh or fabric if comfortable is what you are looking for. For a more polished look, you can go for a leather chair.
Declutter
Maintain a clear and organised workspace by promptly addressing and getting rid of unnecessary items. Developing a habit of clearing your desk at the end of each day, alongside period deep cleaning sessions, can go a long way in ensuring an organised workspace. Reduce visual clutter by keeping cords and cables in order by using cable clips or sleeves. This prevents cables from getting tangled and provides a neater appearance. Make sure your desktop only has items of regular use on it, such as a pen holder, a notepad and a small desk organiser. Other items should be carefully stored out of sight in a handy location to reduce visual clutter.
Use vertical space
In compact areas, utilising any available vertical space is highly beneficial in facilitating space optimisation. For storing books, files and decorative items, install wall-mounted shelves or use a tall bookshelf. Enhance the minimalist appeal by installing floating shelves that take up less visual space. Installing hooks or racks on walls or behind doors can be helpful for hanging items like headphones or bags while keeping them off the desk space yet easily accessible.
Invest in good lighting
A lamp with adjustable brightness and colour temperature allows greater flexibility in customising the kind and amount of illumination required for different tasks. LED lamps are the ideal choice for this as they are energy-efficient and can be adjusted to reduce eye strain. Combine this with proper overhead lighting for ambient illumination, preferably using ceiling-mounted light fixtures that complements the desk lamp in terms of intensity and style.
Essential tech
Make sure to have a technologically updated home office with all recent software updates installed in your computer or laptop so that it can meet your work needs to the best of its ability. For a more comfortable experience during prolonged working hours, consider investing in a high-resolution monitor that can enhance productivity by reducing eye strain, paired with ergonomic models of the keyboard and mouse suited for prolonged use. If you use a laptop, a docking station can be a helpful addition to your tech arsenal as it can considerably simp;fy connections to multiple peripherals and reduce cable clutter.
Create a filing system
A sleek, compact filing cabinet that fits under or beside your desk can handle essential documents without occupying excessive space. The 2-drawer or 3-drawer options are recommended for optimal space usage. Additionally, a digital filing system like cloud storage can significantly help reduce physical paperwork and clutter. Harness the technological potential of tools like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive to keep your documents organised and accessible at the click of a button.
Add personal touches
Incorporate minimalist decor to prevent the space from becoming too monotonous. A small succulent in a decorative planter, a framed art piece or a decorative clock are some ideas you can consider. Make sure the chosen items complement your workspace and do not look out of place or overwhelming. Don’t forget to prioritise comfort by incorporating items such as a soft desk mat or a cushion for your chair. Limit these items to a few simple yet functional pieces that are in line with the overall minimalist theme.
Minimalist decor
Stick to a neutral or monochromatic colour scheme for walls, furniture and accessories. Think hues like white, grey, beige or muted tones that create a calm and cohesive look and maintain a relaxed ambiance conducive to maintaining focus. Pair the colour scheme with simple, modern artwork or prints that align with the theme. Avoid overly ornate pieces or pieces that are too large for the space to keep visual clutter at bay.
Regular maintenance
Set aside time each week to look through the items and tidy up the space. Maintain a fresh and functional work space by reorganising any misplaced items and cleaning the surfaces. Review and remove any items or documents that are not required any more during this cleanup schedule. This goes a long way in preventing unnecessary accumulation and keeping your workspace efficient.
FAQs
What are the key principles of a minimalist home office?
Simplicity, functionality, organisation and prioritising quality over quantity are the key principles to keep in mind while designing a minimalist workspace.
How can I reduce clutter in my home office?
Regular cleanup and organising, digitising documents to reduce physical paperwork and using minimalist storage solutions like floating shelves or drawer systems can help reduce clutter.
What furniture should I incorporate into my minimalist workspace?
A simple desk with adequate workspace and storage, an ergonomic and comfortable chair and storage solutions like a filing cabinet and a few shelves or drawers are the must-have furniture.
How can I ensure my workspace is ergonomically sound?
Make sure your desk allows a comfortable typing posture, the chair supports your lower back and is properly aligned with the desk and the screen is positioned at or just below the eye level.
What are some ways to incorporate personal touches without cluttering the space?
Place one or two personal items like a small plant or a framed photo and go for items that also serve a functional purpose like a stylish desk lamp or an aesthetically pleasing organiser.
How can I keep cables and cords in order?
Tie or bundle cables neatly by using cable clips or sleeves, opt for wireless peripherals whenever possible and use under-desk cable trays or clips to keep them out of sight.
How often should I reassess and declutter my office?
Reassess your office every few months to get rid of clutter and remove any items that are no longer needed or useful.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
