From Stress to Success: 5 Interior Design Tips to Elevate Your Work-from-Home Experience
As a female founder, your home office isn’t just a workspace—it’s a sanctuary where your ideas flourish and your ambitions take shape. The connection between our physical environment and mental well-being is profound, yet often overlooked. Despite the significant time spent working from home, many underestimate the impact of their workspace on productivity and mood. In our fast-paced lives, it’s essential to design home offices that not only boost productivity but also enhance well-being. Thankfully, Francesca, founder and head designer at Being at Home Interiors, has shared her top five suggestions for creating a home office that helps you thrive.
Lighting: Illuminate Your Path to Productivity
Lighting plays a pivotal role in our well-being. It regulates our body clock, generates vitamin D, and significantly impacts our productivity. A 2003 study of call centres revealed that employees with window views processed calls faster than those without. Poor lighting can lead to fatigue, irritability, and discomfort.
To maximise productivity, position your desk near a window and ensure you have both general lighting (ceiling light) and task lighting (desk lamp). For those in the UK, consider a therapy lamp for the winter months. Fun fact: Francesca been using a Lumie Task light in her home office and have noticed a marked improvement in her mood, motivation, and productivity.
Adding Plants: Greenery for a Greener Mind
The colour green is known to promote relaxation, and incorporating plants into your workspace can significantly reduce stress. A study by the University of Technology Sydney found remarkable reductions in anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue when plants were added to the office. The statistics were impressive:
37% drop in anxiety and tension
58% decrease in depression
44% reduction in anger
38% fall in fatigue
Plants not only enhance well-being but also absorb sound, making them ideal for noisy environments. Add some greenery to your workspace to boost your mood and productivity.
Paint: Colour Your World with Inspiration
Choosing the right paint colour for your office can be a game-changer. Opt for colours that uplift and motivate you. If you prefer warm neutrals like us, consider Greige 01 & Beige 01 from Lick Paint, or Well Grounded & Tuesday’s Child by Coat Paint. The key is to select a colour that makes you feel energised and inspired, without overthinking it.
Creating Boundaries: Define Your Work-Life Balance
If you lack a separate home office, it’s vital to create a comfortable, ergonomic workspace you enjoy. As a high-flyer, burnout can be a real concern, so establishing clear boundaries between work and home life is essential. In open-plan spaces, use open shelving units to partition different zones, allowing you to mentally switch off at the end of the day. Small, unused areas, such as under the stairs, can also serve as functional workspaces.
Up the Cosiness: Comfort Meets Professionalism
Who says a professional space can’t be cozy? Add personal touches like a soft textured blanket for cold winter months or an Aery candle with your favorite scent. These details can make your workspace more inviting. Decorate with family photos, artwork, and vision boards to stay focused on your goals and remind yourself of your ‘why’. These elements not only enhance comfort but also fuel your productivity.
By prioritising effective lighting, incorporating greenery, choosing uplifting paint colours, creating clear boundaries, and enhancing the coziness of your workspace, you can significantly boost your mood and efficiency. These changes foster a more enjoyable work atmosphere and support your overall well-being, enabling you to thrive both personally and professionally. Remember, your home office should be a space that inspires and energises you, allowing you to achieve your best work.
