Home Office Desk: Decorate Like A Pro

Decorating your home office desk can be a fun way to personalise your space and make it a more enjoyable and inspiring place to work. It's worth putting some thought into how you organise and style your desk, as this can have a real impact on your productivity and motivation.

When it comes to decoration, it's important to strike a balance between making your workspace feel homely and ensuring it remains a professional environment. Adding colour is a great way to brighten up your space, and choosing a theme that inspires you can boost your creativity. Bringing in personal items, such as family photos, favourite books, or a mug for your tea or coffee, can make your desk feel more welcoming. Just remember to be mindful of your colleagues if you work in a shared space, and avoid decorations that might be noisy, smelly, or otherwise disruptive.

To make your desk more functional, consider adding storage solutions to keep the space clutter-free. You can also play around with lighting to create the right atmosphere and improve your focus. Natural light is best, but if you're working after sundown, a daylight lamp can help to extend that effect.

Use lighting to set the mood

Lighting is an important aspect of designing a home office. It can impact your health, mood, and productivity. Here are some tips to help you use lighting to set the mood and create a pleasant and functional workspace:

Assess the Natural Light

Take advantage of natural light by placing your desk near a window. Natural light is easier on the eyes and can improve your overall well-being. If you have a view that isn't distracting, consider positioning your desk directly under the window. However, be mindful of glare during certain times of the day, and use blinds or curtains if needed.

Overhead Lighting

Overhead lighting is not the best source of lighting for your desk, but it can help fill in areas that other light sources may miss. You can switch out boring overhead lights for something more fun and decorative.

Task Lighting

A classic desk lamp is essential for bringing everything into focus. Look for lamps with flexible arms so you can adjust the height and angle according to your task. Task lighting alone can cause eye strain, so make sure to combine it with other lighting sources.

Ambient Lighting

Add ambient lighting to soften the harsh light from overhead or task lighting. This will help reduce eye strain, especially if you spend a lot of time staring at a computer screen. Standing lamps or desk lamps can provide ambient lighting, or you can use LED strips or mount lights underneath cabinets or shelves.

Lighting Temperature

The colour temperature of light can impact your mood and productivity. Warmer-temperature light appears more yellow, while cooler-temperature light appears more white or blue. Warmer tones can improve the ambient lighting in your room, and some people vary the lighting temperature between cool and warm colours during the day and night. You can also use smart lights that automatically adjust the colour temperature throughout the day.

Monitor Lamps or Screen Bars

Monitor lamps or screen bars are LED lights mounted on top of your monitor. They are designed to focus light onto your desk or workspace without causing glare. These lamps usually have controls to adjust the brightness and colour temperature, reducing eye strain and improving your overall lighting setup.

Add a Bluetooth sound machine

Adding a Bluetooth sound machine to your home office setup can be a great way to elevate your space and make it more enjoyable to work in. Here are some tips to help you choose and set up your Bluetooth sound machine:

Choose the Right Bluetooth Speaker

First, you'll want to select a Bluetooth speaker that fits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as sound quality, portability, battery life, and connectivity options. Look for speakers that offer clear and immersive sound, are easy to carry around, and have a long-lasting battery. Also, check if the speaker can connect to multiple devices, as this can be useful if you have more than one device you want to play audio from.

Consider the Placement

When setting up your Bluetooth sound machine, think about where you want to place it in your home office. You can place it on your desk, close to a wall, or in the centre of the room to create a uniform sound experience. If you have limited space, consider a smaller, more compact speaker that won't take up too much room. You can also look for speakers with a built-in handle or a rechargeable battery, making them easy to move around.

Manage Cords and Cables

To maintain a tidy and organised home office, it's important to manage the cords and cables associated with your Bluetooth sound machine. Use cable ties, command hooks, or cord organisers to keep the cables tidy and out of sight. You can also cut a hole in the back of an attractive box and place your Bluetooth sound machine inside, hiding the cords while still allowing for sound projection.

Customise the Sound

Most Bluetooth speakers allow you to customise your sound experience. You can adjust the volume, bass, and treble settings to find the perfect balance for your home office. Some speakers also offer different sound modes, such as stereo or party mode, which you can select based on your preferences and the type of audio you're playing.

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere

Combining your Bluetooth sound machine with other sensory elements can enhance your home office atmosphere. Consider adding plants, comfortable furniture, or soft lighting to create a relaxing and productive environment. Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can also help set the mood and make your space more inviting.

Respect Your Neighbours

If you have neighbours or live in a shared space, be mindful of the volume and type of sound you play. Noise-cancelling headphones can be a great alternative if you want to enjoy your music or podcasts without disturbing others. Respecting your neighbour's right to a neutral backdrop will likely result in them returning the favour!

Create a cozy space

Creating a cozy space at your home office desk can be achieved by making the space feel welcoming, comfortable, and warm. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Choose a warm wall colour

Opt for warm paint colours such as warm whites, mushroom paint colours, or greige (a mix of grey and beige). These colours can make your home office feel warm and inviting. Avoid flat paint sheens, and instead, go for an eggshell or satin finish.

Incorporate wood elements

Integrate wood into your home office through hardwood floors, cabinets, furniture, or doors. Wood adds warmth and can be included in decorative accents like trays, bowls, and frames.

Layer rugs

Layering rugs on top of solid surfaces like carpet, wood, or tile can add warmth and texture to your home office. This can make your space feel more inviting and comfortable.

Add furniture with texture

Incorporate furniture with texture, such as a grasscloth coffee table or side table, rattan bar stools, or a slipcovered sofa or chair. These pieces can add interest and warmth to your home office.

Bring in nature

Add some greenery to your home office by incorporating plants, flowers, or branches. This can make your space feel more homey, add texture, and brighten up the room.

Include pillows and throws

Adding pillows and throws to your home office can make the space feel cozier and more inviting. They provide comfort and can be used to add texture and colour to your space.

Choose a theme that inspires you

When decorating your home office desk, choosing a theme that inspires you is essential to creating a space that motivates and energises you. Here are some tips to help you select a theme that sparks your creativity and productivity:

Reflect Your Personality

The key to choosing an inspiring theme is to ensure it reflects your unique personality. Consider your interests and passions. For example, if you love comics, perhaps some Marvel movie posters will inspire you. Alternatively, if you're a fan of minimalist Scandinavian design, keep your surroundings simple and uncluttered.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Your home office should be a comfortable and welcoming space. Consider adding cosy elements like a stylish throw, candles for ambiance, or a comfortable chair. You can also bring the outdoors in by adding plants or flowers to your desk, creating a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere.

Choose a Colour Scheme

Colour can have a significant impact on your mood and productivity. Opt for colours that make you feel calm, inspired, and energised. For example, white and beige create a soothing environment, while lilacs and mint greens are visually pleasing and soothing. You can also incorporate colour through accessories like pen holders, paper sorters, and desk organisers.

Add Meaningful Decorations

Incorporate decorations that hold personal meaning for you. This could include mementos, art prints, or photos of your loved ones. These items will not only make you smile but also inspire and motivate you throughout your workday.

Incorporate Nature

In addition to bringing in plants or flowers, you can further incorporate nature-inspired elements into your theme. Consider using a nature-inspired colour scheme, such as a tree-themed wallpaper or your favourite animal print. Natural themes can bring a sense of freshness to your workspace.

Remember, your home office desk is a reflection of your personal style and interests. By choosing a theme that speaks to you, you'll create a space that inspires and motivates you every day.

Incorporate a calendar to help you stay on task

Staying on task when working from home can be challenging, but incorporating a calendar into your home office setup can be an effective strategy for improving focus and productivity. Here are some tips on how to use a calendar to stay on task while working from home:

Create a Visual Calendar

Designate a physical space in your home office for a calendar. This could be a whiteboard, a large paper calendar, or a planner that you keep at your desk. Having a visual reminder of your tasks and deadlines can help you stay focused. It also provides a sense of structure, allowing you to plan your day and prioritize your work.

Prioritize Your Tasks

At the end of each workday, take a few minutes to create a to-do list for the following day. Prioritize the tasks that require the most focus and energy, and schedule them during the times when you know you are most productive. For example, if you are a morning person, tackle your most important tasks first thing in the morning. This way, you can make the most of your peak energy levels and ensure that your high-priority work gets done.

Break Down Tasks into Manageable Chunks

Don't overwhelm yourself with large, daunting tasks. Instead, break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. For instance, if you're working on a project with multiple components, divide it into planning, framework, and development phases. Then, further break down each phase into smaller tasks that can be completed in a day or less. This approach will make your work feel more achievable and help you stay motivated.

Schedule Breaks and Self-Care

It's important to schedule breaks throughout your workday to rest and recharge. Taking regular breaks can improve your focus and productivity, so don't skip them! Schedule breaks on your calendar, just as you would any other task or appointment. Use these breaks to step away from your desk, stretch your legs, and clear your mind. It's also beneficial to incorporate self-care activities into your breaks, such as taking a short walk, doing some light stretching, or making a cup of tea.

Color-Code and Organize

Make your calendar visually appealing and easy to understand by using color-coding. Assign different colors to various types of tasks or projects. For example, use one color for deadlines, another for meetings, and a third for personal reminders. This will help you quickly identify what you need to focus on at a glance. Additionally, keep your calendar up-to-date by crossing off completed tasks and updating it with any changes or new tasks that arise.

Sync with Digital Calendars

If you use a digital calendar on your phone or computer, make sure to sync it with your physical calendar. This ensures that you have a backup of your schedule and can access it even when you're not at your desk. Set reminders on your digital devices to alert you of upcoming tasks or events, helping you stay on track.

By following these tips and incorporating a calendar into your home office setup, you can improve your time management, increase your productivity, and create a structured routine that keeps you on task.

Frequently asked questions