7 Home Office Remodeling Tips for a Productive Space

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​We've gotten more than acquainted with COVID-19's "social remodeling" booklet, and setting up our crunch-time makeshift home offices was no easy task. The word "REMOTE" has been and will continue to be The Word that defines this curious era. Some of us love it, some of us dread it; the truth is, home offices are here to stay for most of us. So, if someone is to tell you: "It's going to be a long ride" (another emphasis on "long") with an all-knowing, wise whisper, what's your game plan? We say, let's figure out a way for you and your business to thrive. Here are seven home office remodeling tips for a productive space.
​#homeoffice #workingfromhome #homeimprovementtips #homereno

​Easy steps to improve your home office

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"Create a workplace that will inspire you."

​Most of us can fall asleep pretty much anywhere when the feeling of exhaustion runs over us. Closing your eyes is easy. But, what about working? Are kids having a slumber party? No biggie. Is your neighbor overindulging in personifying the "I want to break free" video with their new leaf blower? You'll wait it out. Your "zoom" meeting is about to begin, but you can't find the documents you prepared this morning? Is the concept of staring at a wall more inspiring and tempting than actually getting some work done? It's time to get that home office a makeover. Stat.

Avoiding interruptions

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"Don't let family interrupt important meetings"

​You could be the biggest death metal fan, and still, you're probably going to suffer from being subjected to distracting noise during working hours. 95% of us have selective "hyperacusis" and "misophonia" (noise sensitivity disorders) when we're expected to be focused and productive. Is your roommate's breakfast your worst enemy? Are you a bit less fond of your children when they barge in halfway through your conference call presentation? We've all been there. A set of doors will set you free. It's all about acoustics. This bonus room renovation tip will cost you nothing: by simply using weatherstrips on your door frame, you can expect your workspace to be almost entirely soundproof. If you don't have that extra room, noise-canceling headphones could be your second best option.

Good home office lighting is important for eye health

​The eyes may be the window to our souls, but they're also what brings food to our table. Our beautiful retinas are the primary tool for all the diverse job descriptions out there. Investing in some fine lighting will make your eyes happy as a clam, and your overall motivation stimulated in all the right ways. Setting the perfect atmosphere (while accounting for all the health factors) isn't heavy on the pocket and can be executed just by popping by the first Ikea in your neighborhood. Floor lamps and desk lamps, combined with natural lighting, reduce headaches and eye strain and boost your endorphin levels. Our eyes crave soft, natural-like light, so pamper your new office with some lampshades.

A comfortable and healthy place to work

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"Good home office ergonomics will help your back"

​These boots are made for walking, but your back isn't made for sitting, that's for sure. Our skeletal system was actually cut out for labor, not for sitting hours and hours on end. Scoliosis, kyphosis, sciatic nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome - the chair that we sit on and work from can be detrimental to our physical health down the road. So, the fancy term that saves the day and one of the seven home office remodeling tips for a productive space is ergonomics! We might be adults, but do we even know how to sit correctly?

• Our laptop's screen should be at arm's length and eye level
• Our feet should be flat on the ground under our knees, with knees a bit lower than our hips
• We say no to crossing our legs
• Our wrists should be straight and our forearms extended in a horizontal manner
• We should properly sit deep into the chair so it can support our lumbar area and adapt to our spine

Investing in a solid, ergonomic chair for your spring renovation spree is a must.

Relocating your home office

​Is your house getting a bit too crowded? Does it feel impossible to get through your working day without feeling overstimulated by things happening around the house? Maybe it's time to rethink your office location. If you're using your living room or your bedroom as an office, it might be time to go big and surprise yourself. Do you own a shed? Or maybe a garage that gifts you with goosebumps? Yes! It doesn't take much to transform a Jigsaw sequel-looking garage into a swan. First step: make it functional. And build from there.

Reducing clutter in your home office

"Decluttering your home office will make you more productive"

​Is it of any sentimental value? Do you really think that pile will come in handy one day? If the answer is no, into the trash bin it goes. Decluttering is essential in keeping that business mojo flowing. Treat your new office with new filing cabinets and shelves. Organizing your cable origami with cable boxes and clips might do wonders in decreasing the overall sense of chaos.

Bringing some outdoors inside

​Our eyes love it; our brains love it. If your home office overlooks your spring-improved garden, you're probably going to pass on this one. Having a plant makes all the difference when you're working from home. Just a tiny succulent (I'd recommend "Crassula Ovata," also known as the "Money Tree") provides you with a tiny escape every time you need it. A plant never disappoints.

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Finding the right colour for your home office

It all depends on the personality type; there is no such thing as a universally pleasant color. You might find purple soothing for your work ambiance, and your co-worker might cry themselves to sleep. As a general rule, white isn't the best color for your office (unless it's toned down with plenty of natural materials and green). Shades of blue and green (from pastel to deep hues) tend to be the most soothing for the majority. If you're a lively, bold type, you might want to try an accent wall. Try to avoid dark tones - dark gray, black, and brown are no friends to productivity and imagination. It's springtime; go light.

​The right background colour can be important to make you stand out in those Zoom calls. You don't want to be lost in the background!

​It doesn't take much to create a new working space at home

​All you need is some free time and a small investment. Changing your office's appearance can change how you feel about your work and yourself. Always for the better. We hope you find our seven home office remodeling tips for a productive space helpful. Let's get to work!

Author

Cai Farmer works as a consultant and a blogger for zippyshellcolumbus.com. He is a DIY enthusiast with a bachelor's degree in interior design. When he's not working on a project in his garage, you can find him wandering with his dog, Chicken. 

​​Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

​Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home.  and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home. 
​("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.