Daily Dose of Design

Office Design Tips To Fire Your Creativity
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These days most of us have a home office of some description; even if it’s just the room housing your computer. More and more people are turning to freelancing or remote offices, and working from home is becoming a way of life. As a result, work spaces are becoming more sophisticated. Outhouses are being converted, and the availability of custom pods is increasing. Whatever you use your office for, follow these tips to build a creative and inspiring space:
The Practicalities
Before we start on the design and choosing beautiful desk accessories, it is important to consider the practicalities. You need to think about the location of your office and what you will be using it for. Will other people work in there or visit? Getting the function right is important.
If you intend to work in your office on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to find a space that is separate from the rest of the house. Are you able to close the door at the end of the day and switch off from work? It is important to keep that balance in your life. If you don’t have a dedicated room, then there are creative ways you can keep your desk separate. For example, by using closet space or screens.
Comfort is essential if you’re working at a computer all day. Investing in a good office chair and desk is important for your health. A poor working environment can lead to health-related issues such as back pain, repetitive strain, and eye problems. Read up on health and safety. Just because it’s practical, doesn’t mean it has to be dull.
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When choosing your space, consider things like sunlight and warmth. If your desk faces the window, will the light be too bright at certain times? Will it be warm enough in the winter months?
For offices outside of the house, there are a few additional considerations. For example, ventilation, lighting, heat, etc. If clients or colleagues will be visiting, it is important to provide a comfortable and safe environment for them. Simple touches like entrance mats will provide a welcoming atmosphere and protect your space from mud and moisture. There are many custom options available.
Decor
The best place to begin when creating your space is to remove everything. Start with a completely blank canvas and then add to it slowly. If you’re able to paint the wall, do this while the room is empty. Opt for calming or neutral shades. Don’t choose anything too distracting.
If painting isn’t an option, then there are other ways to alter the look of the room. Put up pictures and noticeboards. Mood boards are a great way to explore your creativity. You can change them constantly as you get new ideas.
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Organization
As your work progresses, you will find that you accumulate a lot of paper. Keep this to a minimum by scanning and uploading documents instead. As much as possible, go paperless. Services such as Dropbox provide storage space that can be accessed from anywhere. For the rest of the paperwork, make sure this is filed as soon as possible. Use expanding A to Z folders for easy access. Or, use magazine files. Choose colors that match the room.
Small storage boxes are also useful to tidy away bits and bobs. Things like staplers, stationery, and hole punches can look cluttered if they’re left out on the desk. They can be tidied away and placed on a shelf for easy access.
The rest is up to you. Once you have the basics covered, you can add your own finishing touches. Make the most of the space and create a creative and inspiring environment.