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Research consistently indicates the physical attributes of an office has a significant effect on work output. However, having a functional workspace does not mean one should sacrifice aesthetics. The Journal of Asian Business Strategy performed a study that demonstrates how women are more likely to be concerned with the design of their workspaces and thus are more productive in aesthetically appealing spaces.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has seen a staggering 173% hike of employees working from home. If you’ve always worked in a physical office building, but now your home is your primary workplace, start your design process by wiping the slate clean.

With the use of research studies, I’m going to walk you through 6 design ideas that can be customized to your tastes and proven strategies to increase your productivity. Let’s get started.

1—Lighting

Lighting is essential to all beautiful and functional spaces.

In a study published by the Journal of Public Affairs, a lack of proper lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, and an overall lack of focus. To combat these productivity killers, increase your access to natural light.

In this beautiful office space, the designer was able to position her desk directly near the window. However, if this is not an option, use a desk lamp and install natural daylight lightbulbs like an LED full spectrum light bulb.

It’s important to note and you must strike a balance between natural and artificial lighting. Avoid fluorescent and harsh, high wattage lighting options.

2—Furniture

A significant majority of your working hours are spent using office furniture (i.e., chair, desk, even your keyboard). A study comparing co-working spaces to a home office environment highlighted furniture as a significant work productivity predictor.

While this study shows that participants preferred a co-working space above a home office, it was for reasons concerning the overall office environment. So, this idea drives my point forward on why design is so essential and investing in comfortable home office solutions.

The chair featured in this image, for example, offers an abundance of back and neck support. Each aspect of the chair is designed to be customized to the individual occupying it's comfort and size. When you invest in quality ergonomic furniture solutions, this provides comfort that, in turn, energizes you to tackle your to-do list.

3—Color

As with light, color has a tremendous impact on your mind and body. A research study examining factors in the physical office environment that influence concentration and productivity stated color affects not only the spatial design of a space but also mood and productivity.

You can incorporate color in your design concept in various ways, including intentionality in paint color selections, furniture, and/or accessories. The designer contrasted her neutral walls with chalkboard paint and a beautifully crafted colorful flower created with chalk. There are other touches added with consistent themes of green throughout.

As you design, try to avoid bold/bright colors, which can lead to distraction. Using cooler colors often promotes wellness and calming, which are more highly correlated with productivity.

4—Plants

There is a global, environmental movement to “go green.” Researchers at Harvard have even highlighted the significance of green interior work environments and their impact on wellness and productivity.

While their focus is on creating green building solutions, countless studies, including this one, continue to provide empirical evidence for plants' impact on behavior.

Incorporating plants into the design of your home office space may increase your productivity by nearly 15%. Employees are said to feel less tired and experience a natural reduction of stress (triggered by merely viewing the plant).

Don’t have a green thumb? No worries! The ultimate goal here is to promote a natural environment; so, both real and artificial plants are ideal. Here are two great options, an artificial snake plant or beautiful low maintenance succulents.

The plants pictured above make this space feel more inviting, provide a fantastic pop of color, and simulate life and growth feelings.

5—Avoid Clutter

You’ve heard the saying, “tidy space, tidy mind.” However, the verdict is out on this one. A great deal of research studies supports the need for a neat and uncluttered workspace to influence productivity.

However, a survey by the University of Minnesota found that “creative geniuses” often work more freely in spaces that invite a bit of chaos. So, I’ll err on the side of the masses and focus on a clutter-free space!

Entrepreneur highlighted researchers who have looked at the relationship between organization and productivity, citing a strong correlation between the two. When you work in a space where items are all over the desk, this can lead to mental clutter.

To promote distraction-free focus, invest in concealed storage solutions like these stylish filing cabinets. But we’re not saying hide everything. It’s nice to look up from work and see objects that make you happy. Use floating shelving like those in the above image to showcase or combine furniture with storage or additional seating like this ottoman.

The office pictured above provides a desk and features a built-in storage wall with bookshelves and an abundance of cabinets. This provides plenty of options for storing your papers, books, and even personal effects.

6—Sensory Triggers

The International Journal of Science and Research find a connection between the five senses and their ability to impact the work environment with task execution. These findings show how interior designers revealed a relationship between the physical workspace configuration and work output.

Factors such as air quality, noise, temperature, lighting, and comfort were significant predictors of work output.

As with the other design elements, this is an area where you can create a personal rulebook. What is of sensory appeal to you may not be for your friend. So, consider your tastes.

Do you value ambient music or complete silence for concentration? Are there specific scents that boost your mood? Consider the colors, smells, sounds, and visuals that relax you or conversely make you feel creative and energized. Perhaps this diffuser can help with that.

Remember, appeal to all your senses and recall, more focus = better productivity!

Crafting Your Unique Home Design

Global Workplace Analytics estimates that approximately 3 in 10 workers will continue to telecommute through 2021. With this trend becoming the new normal here in the U.S. and abroad, it’s crucial to invest in making a space work for you.

Need help getting started?

Picture all the things you’ve always wished you had in an office or consider images of spaces you’ve seen in media that energized you. Next, watch my trishtalkz 100 Home Office Photos video! Don’t feel pressure to pick one office design. Instead, combine your design tastes to adapt to your personality, needs, and sensory triggers. Finally, create your custom design and use the space!

I’d love to know how things turned out, so shoot me an email or leave a comment here or on my YouTube channel!

6 Proven Ways to Design a Beautiful, Productive Home Office Environment