A Home Office To Inspire Creativity & Productivity

With the health and safety of employees being the highest priority for businesses right now, remote working is at an all-time during the COVID-19 pandemic. We always say your home is your sanctuary. But now with remote working on the rise, many are finding that their mindful sanctuary is shifting.

Your home not only provides your family shelter from the elements but it's consistently there to bring you comfort at the end of a long day. We want to help you embrace this time as one of adventure and instead one of fear–starting with the place you spend a significant amount of time, your office.

“Happiness, not in another place but this place …not for another hour, but this hour.” – Walt Whitman

See below for our tips to help you design a workspace that will not only encourage creativity and productivity but also protect your home and your heart from any of the stress and chaos your career may carry.

1. Placement is intentional

Mindfulness teacher and author Eckhart Tolle once said, "Wherever you are, be there totally." This famous quote is both relevant to mindfulness as well as physical space. We fully believe in the method of working in a separate room from the one you sleep in, as the visual queue of your lofty bed automatically registers your mind that it is time to rest and wind down. By having a dedicated space to work, you can clear your mind and start the day with intention. Of course, we know space can be limited so that you can modify with strategic desk positioning. Desk placement is vital to both productivity and creativity within your workspace. If you are someone who thrives in open areas, shift your desk to have the door or the window directly in your view. By moving your desk away from the wall, your space will encourage collaboration and invite new ideas. Another option is to place your workspace near a window if space is limited. Further, desk positioning is also vital when considering your posture. The body isn't meant to be stationary, so a standing adjustable desk is a mindful way to encourage circulation and flow, and connection in your home.

Nicole’s Picks: Gander Desk, Bok Adjustable Desk, Oak Blackbird Desk & the Junction Desk.

2. Find a chair that works for you

If you find yourself easily distracted or if your job requires you to sort through massive amounts of heavy data, a swivel chair may not be the right fit for you. A comfortable stationary desk chair will help you stay put and focused. But if you need to multitask to be productive, a swivel chair will be perfect. By being able to move and turn quickly, you will feel more connected in your space. You can reach for the correct papers and books behind you or even effortlessly turn to help the kids with their homework.

Nicole’s Picks: Radius Chair, Bryden Desk Chair & the Bok Dining Chair

3. Ground your space

Adding an accent rug is an innovative way to integrate texture and color in your office. Find one that balances your desk and chair while breathing warm energy into your room. Bonus: area rugs can help with noise reduction and reduce echoing - perfect for your conference calls!

Nicole’s Picks: Blue One-Off Over-dyed Rug & the Obsidian Rug

4. Bring in the greenery

Live plants not only provide beautiful luscious color into your office. But it is proven that indoor plants improve concentration and reduce stress levels. Some of our favorite low maintenance greens are Pathos and Snake plants. When you need a break, stop and take time to appreciate your houseplants or even your garden. Witness their color, texture, and growth over time and reflect on your professional journey and growth.

5. Use colors from nature

Whether it be with your walls or with a statement painting, we encourage you to use various low-wavelength colors. Low-wavelength colors include greens and blues–the primary hues most commonly found in Mother Nature. These tones promote gentleness and overall positive well-being.

“Nature always wears the colors of the spirit” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

September 01, 2020 — Cristiana Ventura