Ayushi Sharma speaks to the experts to create a home-office where you are comfortable, focussed and organized
The second wave of the pandemic has caused severe disruptions, inevitably leading to a nationwide lockdown again. Millions have resumed working remotely and with so many of us remaining cooped up at home in these unprecedented times, creating a dedicated workspace is certainly the need of the hour. Adaptable spaces are a great solution to make ourselves equipped for the new normal. So as we spend more and more time at home, well-lit spaces, organised work desks and well-planned work nooks are of utmost importance as these can go a long way in helping us stay focussed while simultaneously bolstering our physical and mental well-being. We talk to some interior designers who suggest minimal changes in the house to make it appropriate for work from home.
Shake it up
By using innovative ways to demarcate your work from home set up, you can adapt any area/room into a workspace. Natasha Aggarwal, founder of NACL (Natasha Aggarwal Creative Living), feels that moving things around is a great way to create a fresh new look for your home. Not only will this allow you to use your space better but it also helps create cosy nooks and corners for a home office. For instance, she says, “An unused corner can be transformed into a space-efficient home office. It can be spruced up with a floating desk, shelves and some bold artwork. Another is that you can use a pile of books to separate the work area from the rest of the living room. This not only creates a defined space for working but is also a good stress releasing DIY activity.”
Ajay Arya, founder of A Square Designs, agrees with Natasha and says that by turning around the furniture placements at home, you can give your home a new look and also make room for working from home. “It can be a corner of your family room or lounge or even in your bedroom, just add a small writing desk, accessorise it with small objects that would liven up space, your mood and you are all set,” shares he.
Light up the space
Even though artificial lights are essential, natural light adds an instant boost to the space with positivity and, subsequently, productivity. Researchers found that people who worked in places with ample natural light were 15 per cent more creative. Natasha shares, “Setting up the desk near a window not only lets in warm light, but also creates a well-ventilated area making it a comfortable workspace. In addition to natural lighting, it is important to pick a light that illuminates without overpowering the space. When it comes to desk lamps, it is most advisable to use soft lights as they create a peaceful and mellow atmosphere, which helps release stress, enabling an effective and efficient work environment.”
Sharika Sharma, Business Lead, Mangrove Collective, too emphasises on setting up the work desk and chair in a distraction-free zone, preferably with access to a window to let in natural light and breeze as it enhances creativity, which can further help you soar through your work, and not just for those in traditionally creative fields. She says, “This well-appointed setup can serve not only as a studio but also become a study for quiet reading and introspection.”
The need for Workniture
The best thing about working from home is most probably the level of comfort and flexibility you have. You can be sitting on the couch, on the kitchen table or your bed. But this kind of comfort can come at the cost of lost productivity. Thus, Kshitij Mirania, Partner, Mirania Luxury Living (Steelcase East), suggests that having a particular space all to yourself will keep you away from the distractions around you at home. “When the surroundings give you work vibes, your attention is bound to swoop in along with your efficiency. To achieve that, all you have to do is choose a corner in your house with good natural light if possible — set it up with a desk and an ergonomic chair, put all your systems in place, keep your required materials like a laptop, stationery, a bottle of water and a lamp right by the side and the focus will flow in,” he says and adds, “The right seating and posture is a must that all professionals must adapt to for long term health and well-being. A dedicated workspace along with the right furniture will enable you to keep yourself oriented to your work.”
For Sharika, too, posture, comfort, vision and movement all play a critical role in facilitating a sound work environment. That is why she says, “It is absolutely essential to invest in a sturdy, comfortable chair for optimal comfort and correct posture. A combination of natural materials along with a functional design can be a tasteful and stylish statement, and can turn even the most dreary workday into a relaxing one.”
“Using compact shelving systems that can multitask as a work desk is a great way to make your furniture multitask just as hard as you. You can complete your minimalist work desk with a slender, but comfortable chair,” adds Natasha.
Artwork for creativity
Adding artwork to your surroundings is a great way to personalise your space. Natasha recommends the use of motivational posters or any personal items that encourage you and induce creativity. She believes that it is a great way to create a productive and inspiring space.
There shouldn’t be any need to conform to the notion of what a traditional home office setup should ‘look’ like. Sharika feels that a simple, sleek desk with sufficient storage to store office paraphernalia, cables, et al, can keep the space tidy and clutter-free. However, a little creativity never hurts anybody. “Add to that desk accessories like a modern table lamp, a small tray or indoor plants, it allows you to have a space that you can call your own,” says she and adds that just like natural lightning works wonders, indoor plants enhance the overall appearance of a space while increasing creativity, reducing stress and eliminating air pollutants, making for a healthier and happier you.
