Six Ways to Personalize Your Home Office for Wellbeing and Productivity

 As an artist, I understand the challenge of balancing creativity and business. It took patience to create a space that accommodates both my digital and artistic needs while providing flexibility for my family's work-from-home requirements. But let me tell you, friends, it is the gift that keeps on giving!

If you're ready to create a workspace that improves your workflow and mood, here are six strategies to get you off to a great start!

Bring Nature Indoors to Create a Calming Atmosphere

Nature-inspired art has a powerful effect on reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Studies show that exposure to natural scenes, even in artwork, can lower stress levels and blood pressure.

Try these ideas:

• Create a living wall with a vertical garden system.

• Install a small indoor water feature, like a tabletop fountain.

• Use nature-inspired art or murals on one accent wall.

• Incorporate natural materials like bamboo for desk accessories.

Set Up Inspiring Areas that Spark New Ideas

For me, this means adding framed prints of my favorite illustrators and incorporating mood boosting decorative accessories. Add details that ignite your imagination!

• Design a cozy nook with a comfortable chair and good lighting for reading emails.

• Create a vision board using a cork or dry erase board or an app like MyMind.

• Set up a station for easy access to colorful markers or pencils.

• Install floating shelves to display inspiring collections or photos.

Choose Comfortable Furniture that Supports Good Posture and Efficiency

My favorite office chair is an antique wooden chair with a fabulous velvet cushion I found at a yard sale. I also have an adjustable stool with back support for long computer sessions.

• Invest in an adjustable standing desk or incorporate a freestanding bar.

• Include storage for office needs and school supplies. You can never have too much!

• Add a footrest to improve circulation and reduce leg pressure.

• Consider an under-desk treadmill or bike for light exercise while working.

Cater the Design to Suit Your Individual Work Preference and Style

I am a visual person, but function is key in my office spaces. Create a space that works seamlessly, and adding style will be simple.

• Create a modular workspace with movable furniture pieces.

• Use a pegboard system for customizable tool and supply organization.

• Incorporate your favorite colors or patterns in desk accessories.

• Set up multiple work zones. Giving the printer it's own zone saves interruptions!

Use Colors to Influence Mood and Focus

Color impacts mood significantly and is an affordable way to add big impact. Keep large areas muted or neutral, and add accent colors with art, frames, or containers.

• Paint an accent wall in a color that inspires you.

• Buy artfully designed binders instead of drab ones.

• Incorporate color through artwork or ceramic containers for office supplies.

• Get creative with storage pieces, like my 1950's aluminum bread keeper for paperwork.

Explore Apps and Technology to Make Work Smarter, not Harder

Personally, Notion (Thank you Mimi Purnell) adds the most value for keeping me on task. Assess your deficits or needs and search for apps that fill the voids in your skills or organization.

• Use smart lighting systems to mimic natural light patterns.

• Install a smart thermostat to maintain optimal working temperatures.

• Utilize noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine for better focus.

• Implement productivity apps like Forest or Rescue Time to manage work sessions.

A well-designed home office will return dividends in reduced stress, increased focus, and confidence. It provides the flexibility to seamlessly transition between work and personal time, allowing you to be fully present in both areas.

Through thoughtful curation and personal touches, you can create a sanctuary that nurtures your business goals and fuels your personal growth. Trust your instincts and let your authentic self shine through. Your space will not only become more beautiful but will also reflect the very best of who you are and who you're becoming