5 Ways to Create the Ultimate Work From Home Space

5 Ways to Create the Ultimate Work From Home Space

You’re travelling for work. It’s looking like a long gig. Two, maybe even three months. Some days you’ll be on-site at the office, but a lot of the time, you’ll be working from your new home. Suitcase trundling along behind you, you unlock the door, walk into your serviced apartment and freeze.

How on earth are you going to fashion a home office space in this bland shoebox?

Unfortunately, this particular metaphorical guest did not do much homework before leaving. They also didn’t choose to stay at Rambla for their long-term let, which would have saved a lot of hassle.

Luckily for you, we’ve got some useful insights. If you’re wondering how to design a home office space, check out these 5 tips that we promise you haven’t tried before (well, we’re not mind readers, but we think they’re pretty helpful).

‍

1. Keep Things Separate

This one sounds simple, but when it comes to creating an efficient and effective home office space, separation is key. 

It can be tempting to set up your work zone in the comfiest part of the house or apartment – you’re working from home, so why not? – but this pitfall will inevitably lead you down a rabbit hole of intoxicating distractions (namely TV, scrolling your phone, reading a book, things most of us would rather be doing).

This is why it’s essential to separate your home office space from your living space. Designate a quiet, calm, distraction-free part of your home or let that is only for work. Don’t mix these spaces and their roles, as this can create mess in your home and in your mind.

How to Make a Home Office in a Small Space

Living in smaller confines? Maybe you’re travelling for work and have less room than you do at home. Whichever your conundrum, don’t fret, because there’s always a creative way to make a separate home office in a small space.

• Utilise corners: You might need to move furniture a little, but choose a nice corner (preferably one with some natural light nearby) to set up your home office.
• Work from your wardrobe: If you’ve got enough wardrobe space, convert the hanging portion into a desk nook! Open the doors and set up a small table inside the wardrobe with your computer and work essentials. When you’re done for the day, close the doors back up and you’ve got a neat space-saving solution.
• Create a balcony office: Have a balcony or deck? Even small outdoor areas provide excellent work zones. They’re naturally separate from the rest of the home and provide plenty of fresh air and natural sunlight.
• Employ the minimalist lifestyle: Obvious yet effective, minimalism can drastically help with limited space. Less clutter means more room for bulkier items like desks, laptops and cabinets.

‍

2. Don’t Get Tied To Your Desk

Our second point doesn’t only apply to home office spaces, but it’s even more essential when working from home. 

Staying cooped up at your home desk day in, day out can lead to some not-so-nice things, and will inevitably make you wince every time you look at your new home office space.

According to Better Health, prolonged periods of sitting can increase the risk of some chronic health problems like heart disease. Too much desk work without a break can also put pressure on the legs, hips and back, not to mention cause that awful neck stiffness many of us know too well. Finally, working from home without regular outdoor time and recreation negatively affects mental health in more ways than one.
‍

We don’t say this to alarm you – we’re sure you’re already familiar with these issues – but rather to give you active ways to ensure you’re not tied to your desk all day:

• Alternate between sitting and standing regularly.
• Walk around or stretch every thirty minutes.
• Go outside during your lunch breaks. Take a walk, grab a coffee, interact with people and remember that you’re part of a community.
• Take your laptop to a café for a portion of the day’s work.
• Switch up the position or location of your workspace every now and then, if you can.

Try a Communal Work Space 

Yes, we had to mention this one. It’s not exactly in the realm of ‘how to design a home office space’ but utilising a shared or co-work space can add so much value to your work day and your home office.

Spending even just one day a week at a communal work space can quench your thirst for that little buzz of belonging that comes with communal office work. You may not even realise you’ve been missing it, but once you get a taste, we’re sure you’ll be back for more. 

Time away from your staple home office space can also increase your productivity when you do work from home, and vice versa. It’s that old idea of a change of pace. How does the saying go? ‘A change in routine is just as good as a holiday’.

At Rambla @ Perry House, we’ve got a communal co-working space right  in the building. This means you can work from your apartment when you feel like it, or stretch your legs and spend time at the co-working zone when you need a break. And all without the hassle of travel. Now that’s a good WFH setup.

‍

3. Greenify Your Home Office Space

Green, glorious green. We all know plants mean life, and life is always good for working, but there’s more to it.

Did you know that indoor plants, especially in smaller spaces, help to humidify the air and recycle CO2, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and other pollutants? According to Bowen Interiors, just one leaf produces as much as 5 millilitres of pure oxygen per hour. Add in a couple of small potted plants and you’ve suddenly got an extra 2.4 litres of oxygen per day to help your brain fire.

Aside from the added breathing power they provide, plants can truly transform a space. Splash a little green around and watch your home office space lift into a brighter, more vibrant hub.

Natural Light is Key

It goes without saying that your new plants will need plenty of sunlight, but you’re a living being, too. Don’t forget the importance of natural light when deciding on how to design a home office space. 

If position is something you’re umm-ing and ahh-ing about, let the windows decide for you. Where does the most natural light come through? Which way does your home face? What part of the day is most important to you to have a good dose of Vitamin D?

If you can’t plant your desk directly beneath a window, or if you’d rather not have the neighbours enjoying a direct view of you hard at work, set up your home office space near a source of natural light. Your plants will thrive and your alertness will last much longer throughout the day.

‍

4. Invest in These Portable Office Essentials

This one’s for our travellers. Whether you’re a regular corporate traveller, constantly jet setting to meet with different clients, or on a fly in-fly out schedule, a portable office can make the world of difference.

Standing desks and ergonomic chairs may seem out of the question, but not so fast. We’ve compiled a list of must-have portable office supplies to keep your luggage light and your home office space on point:

• Foldable monitor or laptop stand: You could use a stack of books, but what kind of hotel or serviced apartment has a fully-stocked bookshelf on hand? A foldable computer stand is your solution to a standing desk while you travel.
• Wireless mouse: Obvious, yet it makes all the difference. Even if your laptop has a trackpad, pop in a wireless or USB mouse to give your wrist a break. 

Hot tip: Rambla has its own stash of (superior) wireless mouse devices. Reach out to our team if you’d like one during your stay!

• Multi-function wireless charging stations: You’ll be the most tech-savvy traveller in town with this home office addition. Coils of cords and wall plugs can take up space and weight fast, not to mention cause frustration when trying to untangle them all. Multi function wireless chargers can power up multiple devices at a time, minus the space and cords.
• Ergonomic chair cushion: Keep your back happy while working from any chair, anyplace. Ergonomic cushions also drastically improve plane seats, so this one can count as carry-on if you’re flying.
• Ergonomic floor mat: If you’re a stand-while-you-work type, a cushioned floor is essential. Invest in a small ergonomic floor mat that slots into your suitcase. 

‍

5. Make the Effort to Make it Yours

Lastly, it’s time to get creative. Add a personal touch to your home office space for that final bit of unique flair that truly makes it feel like yours.

But I work from home! My personal touch is already here, you might say. That may be true, but as we pointed out in tip number one, your home office space will ideally be separate from your living or sleeping space. It’s a work zone, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be bland.

If you were working in an external office, you’d likely decorate with photos, mementos, maybe a souvenir or two. Your home office space should be no different. Adding a few personal elements ensures that you feel at ease at your desk, rather than distracted by all the other fun things scattered around the house.

If you’re travelling and staying in a serviced apartment, customising your work zone is even more important. Transform the area into an inviting work space that feels like you. Productivity will soar!

‍

Discover the Best Home Office Spaces in Brisbane

We didn’t want to brag before, but we just can’t hold it in. If you’re looking for the ultimate work from home office space in Brisbane, Rambla @ Perry House has you covered.

Book your spacious and fully-equipped serviced apartment room in the heart of urban Bowen Hills. While you stay, enjoy our on-site shared work space to change your scenery, our rooftop pool to take a dip at lunch, and the round-the-corner café to fuel up at any time of the day.

Home office heaven is just a few clicks away when you join the Rambla crew.