Making The Home Office Feels Like Home

If, like a lot of people, you’ve been working at home since March, you have probably been thinking a lot about your home office. It makes no doubt that an improvised nook in the living room or underneath the stairs will not do for long-term use. Therefore, many professionals have been very strategic about creating a practical work area inside their homes.

An organized workplace can make a big difference in keeping you focused on your tasks. Yet, if you’re going to relocate your office permanently or semi-permanently at home, it’s essential to make it part of your home decor. Creating a productive and functional environment can only go so far. The home office needs to spark joy for two main reasons:

Firstly, it is part of your home, and should therefore fit your style.

Secondly, you’re going to spend a lot of time in the office, so it makes sense to create a space you love.

Making The Home Office Feels Like Home from North Carolina Lifestyle Blogger Adventures of Frugal Mom

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Keep it cozy

We all know how homes can get cold in winter. For everyone who’s used the home office during the pandemic, it is your first experience staying at home while the days are going shorter. This year seasonal affective disorder is likely to hit us hard. Yet, simple touches that keep the space comfortable, such as figuring out what size rug to choose to keep your feet warm, can make a big difference to your mood. Update your home office decor to respond to the seasonal changes; it’ll make it more homely.

Create a mood you like

You might have improvised a home office area overnight during the pandemic. But it’s time to grab your paintbrushes and spruce up the space. Add a splash of color to the walls to complete the office. Even if you’re working from a nook in the living room, you can use paint to differentiate and separate your home office from the rest of the house. A deep blue that isn’t too dark or overwhelming can mark the spot and make it your own. If you prefer a more feminine hue, a purple color, such as the Charmed Violet by Benjamin Moore, can change the vibe and add some personality.

Indulge in a good coffee maker

Working from home means you also rely on your kitchen for everyday food and drinks. If you were used to grabbing a coffee on the go on your way to work, you might find yourself missing your caffeine kick in the morning. Why not add a smart kitchenette area to your home office with all the tools you need to keep your going during the day? A smart coffee machine, along with a small microwave oven or a mini-fridge for your lunch boxes, can dramatically improve your work environment. You don’t always need to add a kitchen area to the office, yet if your office is at a different level – say on top of the stairs in the loft, for instance – it can save you a lot of time and coffee stains on the carpet!

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The idea that the home office should only be functional and productive is misleading. Your home office is not only a working area, but it is also a room in which you spend a lot of time. As such, it needs to meet your expectations in terms of comfort, style, and extra indulgence. Make it feel more like home to reduce stress levels and fatigue!