By Nick Acaster, from Rugs Direct shares his design tips for creating a calming home office that’s perfect for remote working.

More of us are working from home at the moment. And, having seen the benefits of this more flexible arrangement, many businesses are looking to continue remote working even after lockdown is lifted. But, while ditching the commute and rigidity of office working is a definite bonus, you may have noticed a few negatives too.

Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated is just one major drawback of working in your home environment, particularly if your office is less than inspiring. The wrong set-up can even lead to burnout, stress, and other effects that can be damaging to your mental wellbeing.

That’s why I’ve put together some top tips for creating a home office that is calming and more likely to help you work to the best of your ability, boosting productivity.

Choose comfort as well as style

When choosing the right furniture for your home office, you need to consider function and comfort as well as style. A specially designed office chair with cushions and adjustable height options can support you, helping with issues such as back pain and bad posture. Your desk should measure at a comfortable height so that your arms are straight as you type — be sure to try it out before purchasing if possible.

Other items of furniture to consider include alternative seating for breaks, filing cabinets for storage, and décor such as plants that can help create a soothing environment for working in.

Remember to factor in storage

It’s important to stay on top of clutter and keep your work area tidy. Not only will it be easier to keep all your documents and stationery organised this way, but clutter can actually also raise your heart rate and cause you to feel stress. So, it’s worth taking a look at what you really need to keep close by on your desk and put away the rest in a drawer or storage box.

As well as desktop storage solutions, adding shelving above your desk is a great way to take advantage of vertical space.

Look for calming décor

Carefully consider what colour scheme to choose for your work area, as different colours can evoke different emotions. Blue tones are generally considered peaceful, whereas warm tones are cosy, but I would recommend choosing a green palette for your home office to create a sense of harmony and balance.

Then, look for décor that can create a calming mode while keeping you motivated. For this, I would recommend decorating with natural materials such as wood rather than plastic, with a real wool or sheepskin rug to warm your feet on. Organic materials like these can help us feel connected to nature, improving creativity, concentration, and mood.

Ensure a work/life balance

One of the benefits of having a designated workspace is that it’s easier to separate your professional responsibilities from your free time. Often, working from home makes it harder to switch off at the end of the day, but compartmentalising your office from the rest of your home can ensure a better work/life balance.

Similarly, remember to take plenty of breaks away from your home office during the day. You could consider having a cosy coffee area in your kitchen or dining area, so you have somewhere to stretch, walk around, and rest your eyes.

The tips in this guide can help you create a calming home office that’s perfect for remote working. Bear them in mind and you’re sure to notice a difference to your wellbeing.