Summer is behind us, it's back to school and back to work. Whether you're studying or working, now is a good time to review the layout of your home office.
The home office has changed a lot over the past decade. In the digital age, for many, paper documents have practically disappeared, as has the large system that used to archive them. Old devices – fax machines and scanners – have also disappeared, and those that remain – computers, screens, printers, etc. – have undergone a more than notable slimming down. The result: the office space is lighter, and can often even be integrated into an open area.
That said, although more stripped down, the office requires a few essential elements, both from a practical and aesthetic point of view. We want it to be functional AND inspiring.
Here are my tips for improving your home office.
The office: the right surface
First rule to follow: the surface of the desk must be adapted to the type of work you do. It can be small if you only work with a laptop, larger if you also need to put documents or manuals on it for consultation. Some more creative types of work will also require a good surface in order to be able to "spread out"... In terms of look, forget the old imposing L-shaped desks furnished with a hutch. Today, there are several models that are nothing more or less than small tables with or without a drawer under the top. In fact, take it for granted: any table can now serve as a desk. And for those who cannot sit for hours on end, the height-adjustable table (which allows you to work sitting or standing) can be a very interesting solution.
Photo credit: Jess Megan for Ergonofis
The chair: a minimum of ergonomics
You want it to be comfortable for your booty, sure, but a task chair should also have basic ergonomics. It should swivel, have casters, and have armrests. More elaborate (and more expensive) models allow you to adjust almost every part of the chair to your body type. If you spend long hours in your chair or have a weak back, these models are a good investment. (I got this one two years ago and have no regrets.) And in 2024, aesthetics are (finally) here. Check out the chair below!
Photo credit: Crate&Barell
Light: the three necessary sources
Like any room in the house, the home office should rely on three sources of light: 1) general lighting (a ceiling light or recessed lights); 2) task lighting (a desk lamp) that will illuminate the work area; and 3) accent lighting (a table or floor lamp) that, elsewhere in the space, will create a soft ambiance. And it goes without saying that natural light is always welcome!
Photo credit: Storage: open or closed (and well organized)
Are you the type of person who wants to see all your work tools and accessories to be efficient? If so, you will opt for open storage, such as shelves and a bookcase. If, instead, the sight of all these objects distracts you or makes you feel invaded, you will prefer closed storage with doors. It is also worth taking inventory of your office accessories and organizing them properly. The exercise may seem laborious, but you will only have to do it once. We are talking here about drawer organizers , small filing cabinets or magazine racks .
Photo credit: Mandi Makes
Decoration: the final touch
The office is first and foremost functional, but it must also be inspiring, a place where you will want to spend time. Adding plants will bring a little bit of the outdoors inside – some would even say a little bit of company! In addition, studies show that they improve productivity and mood. Surrounding yourself with beauty by adding posters, photos and works of art is another way to make the decor more lively and inspiring. And it is not because an object is functional that it cannot be beautiful. A beautiful trash can exists! A beautiful coffee mug can serve as a pencil holder, etc. Finally, pay special attention to the wall behind you, which everyone will see during video conferences. Because without meaning to, this wall says a lot about you…
Photo credit: Pinterest
Opening photo credit: Mandi Makes
Julie Deslauriers is an actress, stylist, interior design columnist and eco-friendly mom. You've probably seen her on Chambres en Ville or other shows? Alongside her acting career, Julie has developed another passion: interior design.
We are happy about our brand new editorial collaboration and her valuable advice. You can follow her on her Instagram feed @lejuliebazar .
Stay tuned for more decorating tips from Julie!
