Five tips for creating the perfect home office
With shifting office routines and an increase in remote working, it is more important than ever to create an environment that enables us all to stay motivated and focused. Whether carving out a corner of the living room or transforming an unused alcove, we’ve rounded up our simple tips to create the perfect home office.
Chateau Oak, AR0W7980 - in a Stripwood laying pattern.
1. Tidy room, tidy mind
Transforming an area of the home into an office space should always begin with decluttering. Storing non-essential everyday items in organisers or drawers and hiding wires or extensions cables with ties, will help keep your workspace clean and clear. The mantra “a tidy room makes for a tidy mind” should not be overlooked. A clean work surface will boost your sense of calm and consequently heighten productivity.
2. Comfort first
A quality desk chair and properly levelled desk are crucial in maintaining a healthy posture and, as a result, preventing aches and pains. Investing in comfortable designs will make all the difference. Whether opting for a modern or classic-styled chair, there are a number of lightweight, yet sturdy options that can be adjusted to provide the perfect amount of support, even when used for long hours.
Smouldered Oak, SB5W3083 - laid in Stripwood, from the Amtico Click Smart collection.
Scorched Timber, SS5W3024 - laid in Stripwood, from the Amtico Spacia collection.
3. Lighting is key
While it’s important to create an atmosphere you feel comfortable in, lighting should do more than illuminate the space. The correct lighting will keep you alert and reduce eye strain, so it’s important to get it right.
Working in a room with plenty of natural sunlight is preferable, however eye strain is often caused by excessive lighting. Be sure to position your computer screen so windows are to the side, instead of in front or behind to avoid overwhelming glare. Reducing the colour temperature of your lighting displays lowers the amount of blue light emitted, which is better for long-term viewing comfort. Therefore, be sure to use lower intensity bulbs or tubes around your desk and where possible, use lamps that provide indirect soft-white LED lighting.
Ensure there are no reflective surfaces around or on your desk to minimise glare further and where possible, consider installing an anti-glare screen on your display.
Linear Stone Shale, SS5S3606, from the Amtico Spacia collection.
4. Bring the outdoors in
Research overwhelmingly shows that plants significantly lower stress, boost concentration and enhance productivity. Research by NASA has revealed that indoor plants can remove up to 87% of air toxin in 24 hours, thereby freshening up the air and eliminating harmful pollution from your working environment.
From small indoor succulents to air-purifying plants, all you need is some natural sunlight to make your houseplants thrive. Therefore, bring a touch of the outdoors inside to give your home office environment a natural and more personal touch.
5. Long-term solutions
Transforming a space into a home office is a big project, but if you’d been putting off decorating, now’s the time to make your move – and what better place to start than the floor.
Working from the ground up, the floor provides the foundation on which the rest of the space comes together, so choosing the right style and colour is essential. Amtico’s LVT comes in a wide variety of designs and colours to suit every taste and need. Easy to look after and comfortable underfoot, LVT is the perfect choice for a space that’s in daily use and has to withstand heavy equipment and moving chairs.
To get you started, view our online flooring guide brochure. No matter your style, you can be sure to find a wood or stone design to help you create a unique and functional home office to keep you inspired and focused.
Get creative with our Room Visualiser
Envision your flooring ideas with our Room Visualiser. Explore spaces, patterns and products using our simple to use flooring editor - create the perfect look for your office.
