5 Steps to Creating the Perfect Work at Home Workspace

It’s my second week working from home since LA is still on shelter in place orders! It’s been nice having more balance and being able to focus, but I’m also actively resisting the cabin fever that is building up. Since I’m new to the work from home game, I enlisted Lauren Brantley of Lauren Ashley Designs, an expert on the subject! Lauren has worked from home her entire career, and has moved 4 times in 3 years, so she has it down to a science! Keep reading for her tips on creating a stable workspace in any environment and maximizing productivity when working remote!

I have been working at home for my entire career and have moved 4 times in 3 years. It can be hard when working from home to have a consistent workspace. However, the conception of the stable workspace is important because not only does it set boundaries within your home but it makes you more productive. Your workspace doesn’t have to be grand or Pinterest ready, you just want to make sure follow these 5 steps and you will be able to conquer your at-home business or job in no time!

First, choose your ideal placement for the workspace

 Now, this may seem obvious to some but where you place your workspace is probably the most important part of creating a productive space. If you have an office space you may be thinking oh I can place it anywhere! NO, you need to think about what kind of person you are and what you like to do when you are working. Let me ask you a few questions to help you decide:

Do you like to listen to music or like background noise? Well, then an office space might not be for you. You may want a small writing desk where the rest of the family is. People that like the background noise can often get the most work done in high traffic areas. Small discloser: This work arrangement would not be ideal for those working in a customer service position. Customer service jobs often require a quiet office space. If you still like the background noise and you work as a customer service agent I would suggest investing in a sound machine or playing music in the background of your office space.

What view do you like when working? When I say view I mean behind your computer think about what you will be seeing throughout your 8hr workday. I like to have either beautiful imagery or windows. Being a creative person, I need inspiration for my clients. Having the imagery or window view enlightens my creativity. I have had many friends however that love to have their office set up where clients can come to sit so they are looking at a client set up when working, it is up to you!

Next, Think About What Your Job/Business Requires via Storage

When I think about office storage space for my clients I always try to consider their profession. For example, a customer service rep wouldn’t need as much storage as an at-home law profession for various books and files. When considering this, it helps the client think about storage options for their specific needs. Also, it will help prevent you from overcrowding your office space wherever it might be with unnecessary furniture.

 If you have trouble thinking through this, I suggest taking inventory. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth inventory by no means. Just look at all the items you are wanting to include in your office space and consider how much storage you would need. Sometimes laying it out on the floor helps. Lay all the items out on the floor and attempt to categorize them by the types of furniture they go on. Once you have everything organized, you will be able to visually see how many pieces of furniture you need.

 Here Comes the Fun Part! Choose Your Pieces!

 Now if you already have your furniture pieces that is fine! Consider the questions I asked earlier in step 1 and think about re-organizing them in a way that better suits you! Also, take inventory of the items you have in step 2, you might have too many pieces. The most important thing when choosing office furniture is durability and ergonomics. Why do I say durability? Well, when you work from home you are working in the furniture for roughly 6-8hrs give or take. The furniture you buy must have the ability to work for you, not against you.

I find that with any at home job or business you need to find a desk specifically that has drawers. You can find a writing desk that has beautiful sleek line drawers that won't take up a lot of space if you don’t have the space to sacrifice.For your chair, the ergonomics is what is important not the style. I bought my chair off of Amazon and it has been a LIFESAVER!

For storage, let's go back to what we took inventory of. Do we need extra storage in addition to our desk that we have chosen? If so, let's determine what storage we need. Once we can determine those 2 things we are on the right path. I have found a common struggle when choosing storage pieces is that my clients love a storage piece that isn’t the same wood tone as the desk they have chosen. Here is how to remedy that: 

 When mixing wood tones it is important to create a continuous design. Just be sure to pick a dominate tone to be the focus of the room, play with contrasting colors and elements to create a modern cozy feel, and finish the room with a playful, stylish rug. The perfect rug will be an added layer to help visually separate your space and tie together the other design elements.

Finish the space with additional decorative elements. A plant or two can brighten your mood and bring a sense of life to space while you are working, and some inspirational signage can help you stay motivated throughout the day.

Can’t wait to see how your work spaces come together! Let me know in the comments or tag me and @lashleydesign on Instagram to show off your space!

Lauren Brantley Bio

 I am Lauren Brantley, Owner/Blogger of Lauren Ashley Designs. I am a wife to an amazing man, mama to a beautiful baby girl, and a sweet fur-baby! I am a graduate of Liberty University with a BS in Interior Design. Ever since I was a little girl I guess you would say I have had a “knack” for design. When I was seven I would draw up makeshift floor plans of my dream house, doorways and all! Once my parents bought me my first drafting table at thirteen I thought my world was complete. However, my design talents were truly manifested once I stepped on a college campus. My sophomore year of college I started Lauren Ashley Design as a blog to post updates and design tips for followers. In the past year, the small blog has become much more. Lauren Ashley Design has become a platform for others to find easy access to design through e-design. I truly am living my childhood dreams as an e-designer.