Tips for the Perfect Home Office

By Chelsea Laspada of Casa de Laspada

Whether you work from home, split time between a home office and a corporate office, or just need a space to sit down and pay the bills or write an email, a home office makes for the ideal space to feel productive and ready to tackle your to-do list. I’ve found in my experience as an interior designer that a work space can often be low on the list of priorities and is often an afterthought, but I strongly believe that creating an intentional and inspiring office space is the key to having a balanced home. While not everyone can dedicate an entire room to an office, there are some tips you can follow to make any size space feel work-ready. 

Find the Right Desk and Chair Setup

If you just need a small dedicated space to pay bills, check a few emails, or write a thank you card, you can opt for a writing desk and low-profile chair to optimize space. However, if you are working from home full time, I highly recommend a large desk that gives you plenty of space for a computer, keyboard, mouse, notebook, task lamp, etc. as these items will all be necessary to your workflow. Choosing the right desk and chair is truly dependent on how much time you spend in your office space, but be honest with yourself and choose the solution that will help you be most comfortable and productive!

Keep Your Space Free of Clutter

I don’t know about you, but I tend to feel a bit scatterbrained when my space is messy, so I prefer to have my office free of clutter, unneeded paperwork, and in a tidy state so I can get my best work done. After I’ve had a busy day, I prioritize 5 minutes of time to clean up and prepare myself so I am ready to go for the next morning. This has been key to keeping myself productive and disciplined with my work each day!  

Find Daily Rituals For Your Space

To make each day a little more enjoyable and calm amidst back-to-back calls and projects, I like to incorporate little rituals that keep me happy. I light a candle, play some jazz on a speaker between calls, and make myself a matcha to enjoy while working. I also enjoy having my kitties, Basil and Fig, pop in occasionally to say hi. These might seem like small pleasures, but they will make a busy day feel a little less stressful!

Natural Light is Key

Studies have shown that having natural light in your workspace makes you feel more energized, alert, and improves mood and well-being. In turn, this leads to more productivity and reduced stress. I have my desk just under a window where natural light can shine in and I love how it helps me feel fueled throughout the day. Working in a dark or closed off area can absolutely affect your mood so this simple tip is a must for any home working space! My linen roman shade allows me to filter light and adjust throughout the day so the sun isn’t too harsh, and the linen blackout curtains allow me to close off this room at night and have total privacy. 

With remote work on the rise, creating an intentional home office space is more important than ever. But don’t let it become your last priority — you’ll find your routine to be so much more enjoyable by following these tips. Lastly, don’t forget to give your background some polish and style for video calls! I smile every time I get complimented on my space during video calls and it shows that I have a sense of professionalism and care about my space to clients. To all my fellow WFH friends — good luck on your next call and I hope these tips will improve your productivity this week! 

*All photographs credit: Chelsea Laspada

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