5 Tips For Styling The Ultimate Home Office
On most days, I work from home. You can find me working from the kitchen bench, on our comfy couch, or sitting outside enjoying the sun with my trusty laptop resting on my lap. The freedom that comes with being able to port your business with you anywhere, as long as you can connect to a reliable wifi, is indeed a luxury but one that has become increasingly popular.
I have had a number of questions lately from fellow entrepreneurs asking how I set up my home office so I thought I would share my top 5 tips with you today so that you can create your own idyllic work from home haven.
Let's go!
1. Nominate your space
My preferred space for working on my business is quiet, clean, and distraction free.
I always aim to work around family time which means the time I do have available needs to be productive.
Whether you have the luxury of a dedicated office, or you are leveraging some free space at the end of the dining table, having a dedicated space that everyone knows is your home office space will go a long way in helping you stay focused and productive during working periods.
2. Make it comfy
There is nothing more disruptive to your creative flow or productivity then sitting on an uncomfortable chair or feeling your back ache because you are slouching over a desk.
Consider investing in a standing desk. Or if you are feeling especially motivated, a treadmill desk.
Break up your sitting time as much as possible but when you are seated, make it on a chair that is supportive and comfortable. Bonus points if that chair is also super cute.
3. Stylish Storage
Managing a thriving online fashion business means there is inventory, samples, designs, invoices, and general paperwork accumulating ALWAYS.
To avoid any of my children’s beautiful artworks ending up in the wrong place (over the top of an invoice, or on top of one of my most recent designs), and to make sure I can always find what I need when I need it, I invested in some good quality storage options.
A good home office needs a reliable storage solution... but before you skip ahead thinking storage is not for you, I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to make storage fun.
Recycle old furniture, take a trip to your local stationery store and invest in some stylish matching boxes, make use of those build in bookshelves you have been neglecting for years.
Whatever makes your organised self-sing with joy is the storage solution for you.
4. A dose of inspiration
Your home office needs to be appealing or you won't use it.
Personally, I like to keep my workspace clear of clutter with a few inspirational pieces closeby.
A favourite quote. An inspiring book. An inspirational design.
If it makes your creativity kick-in or leaves you smiling, keep it near your workspace.
Tip: If you are looking for some fresh new inspiration, check out Alannah Hill's memoir, Butterfly on a Pin. I saw Alannah talk at a recent Business Chicks event and left feeling insanely motivated. Highly recommend!
5. Keep it bright
Good lighting is so important. I like my office to be bright and full of natural light when possible. If my natural light decides to hide behind dark grey clouds on some days I turn on a stylish lamp and overhead lights.
When positioning lights or a lamp in your office, check for glare on your screen and make sure the position will provide good lighting for any late night video conference calls you might need to do.
Do you have an inspiring home office? I'd love to see it! Jump on my Facebook page here and share a pic!
