Looking to set up your own home office? Taking some time out to design the foundations of your workspace can help to ensure that it is functional, aesthetically pleasing and a space that inspires productivity. While there are plenty of things to consider when designing a home office, there are five key aspects are certainly well worth considering:

Find the perfect location

When deciding on where to set up your home office, it’s important to consider a few important factors. First up, think about the possible areas where your home office could sit. Develop a shortlist, take some measurements and decide if you have enough room to comfortably fit a desk, office chair and everything you need to complete your work. Secondly, think about which conditions allow you to be most productive. Some people find it easy to work in a closed room with few distractions, while others prefer to sit somewhere central and gain inspiration from life around them.

Make storage a priority

To help keep your belongings organised, your workspace efficient and your home office tidy, it’s important to have enough practical storage on hand. Make use of traditional storage solutions such as bookcases, filing cabinets and chests of drawers, or browse the internet for innovative ideas that will help you make the most of your overall space.

Splash some cash on a good chair

While the technology you use may be considered to be one of the most important purchases you’ll make when it comes to designing your home office, it’s also a good idea to think about your health and the importance of ergonomics. Improve your ergonomic credentials quickly with the purchase of a good ergonomic chair. They may be more expensive upfront, but the benefits you’ll enjoy in the long run are well worth the initial financial outlay.

Ensure there is ample light

Whether you work best during the day or find yourself most productive in the evening, it’s a good idea to set up your home office in a space with good lighting. Make the most of natural light where possible and opt for desk lamps when it’s overcast or after dark. Good lighting helps to prevent eye strain and can, in turn, contribute to improved productivity.

Have fun personalising your workspace

Although a traditional office may have strict rules about how you can personalise the area in which you work, there are no restrictions when it comes to your own home office space. Update your walls with a new shade of paint, select a few decorative items that inspire your creativity and even add a touch a greenery to your space. However, be careful to not go too over the top when decorating, as too many distractions can make it harder to concentrate and get your work done.