HOME OFFICE DESIGN GUIDE Approaching your {Temporary} Home Office like a Designer

Courtney Warren ’18 Candis Warren-Ashurst ’13 Interior Designer Interior Designer

The aesthetics of a space can make or break productivity levels, and with many of us working from home we are suddenly trying to wring productivity out of spaces most likely geared more towards comfort. As Interior Designers, we monitor several components of a room to ensure the user is getting as much out of their space as possible. Here are some of our top Designer insights that can assist you in making your home an excellent short term work space!

Some quick notes before we get started: - No need to completely overhaul a space to make it perfect. The goal is small & simple changes for a more functional and productive work environment. - “Inspiration photos” can be a great starting point, but they should not be an end goal - make your space your own and work with what you have! - Try as we might there is no “universal design solution.” We each work differently and have unique workspace needs. Do what works for you!

THREE MAJOR ADAPTABLE COMPONENTS IN A SPACE:

1. LIGHTING: Utilize natural light a. Set up your workspace near windows & try to work during daylight hours. Natural Light boosts

productivity and lowers the risk of eye strain & headaches. b. High quantities of artificial lighting can negatively impact on our mood, circadian rhythm, and melatonin production, which impacts our ability to sleep.

Consider your artificial lighting’s color temperature and make necessary adjustments * Design Tip: The light temperature of a bulb is often noted on it’s box.

c. Warm light temperature: 2000k - 3000k (Incandescent Bulbs) i. Creates a relaxing and cozy atmosphere ii. Allows minimal disruption to sleep schedule, as it has a lower impact on melatonin production. iii. Is best in the evening to help you wind down for the night d. Neutral (cool white) light temperature: 3100k - 4500k (Some LED Bulbs) i. Helps you stay alert and focused ii. Provides a balanced and comfortable lighting environment e. Daylight temperature: 4600k - 6500k (most Fluorescent Bulbs / some LED Bulbs) i. Imitates natural daylight (~5000k) ii. Creates a crisp, energetic space iii. Can feel harsh and cold after long periods of time

Evaluate Types of Lighting in your Space * Design Tip: Utilize more than one type of lighting to increase focus and create visual interest

iv. Ambient (General Lighting) ● Ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting ● Best with warm or neutral color temperature v. Task (Direct lighting that helps with a specific activity) ● Desk lamps, under-cabinet lighting, art lighting ● Best with neutral or daylight color temperatures vi. Accent (Decorative Lighting) ● Sconces, table / floor lamps ● Best with warm or neutral color temperature

2. COLOR:

Color has a significant impact on our psychology. For your workspace, try to gravitate towards color schemes that… a. Promote Productivity: i. Soft Yellows ii. Combination of Warm and Cool colors b. Reduce Stress i. Cool colors (Greens, blues, and violets - think natural colors!) have shorter wavelengths and are more calming to the eye

Some colors to avoid… (unless you love them!) a. Highly saturated hues (can be jarring and disorienting) b. Reds and Oranges (are distracting and promote hunger) c. Black (makes spaces feel smaller and promotes drowsiness)

*If you are interested in learning more about Color Psychology check out this article: https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/how-do-colors-influence-learning

Some Ways to Incorporate Color into your Short-term Workspace: a. Move some Artwork into the room or area where you are working b. Plants (artificial or real) *Design Tip: Real plants also help purify the air and reduce stress c. Candles and Decor d. Desktop Background or Screensavers e. Area Rugs f. Pillows or blankets (especially if you like a more cozy work environment!)

3. FURNISHINGS:

Try to find furniture around your house that fits these ergonomic guidelines: a. Seating (Standard Seat Height: 18” - 20”) i. Hips, Knees, and Ankles rest at 90 degree angle (feet should rest on the floor comfortably) ii. Arms can rest on table or armrests while shoulders are relaxed iii. Chair has a back, assisting with good posture iv. Breathable upholstery (if upholstered) v. If you don’t have an Office Chair... 1. Consider: Dining or kitchen chairs. Add a pillow behind your back for more comfort. 2. Avoid: Couches, lounge chairs, stools with no back b. Tables and Workspaces i. Seated Desk Height: 29” - 32” ii. Standing Desk Height: 42” - 44” 1. Table height should be at or slightly below elbows when standing c. Computer Location: i. Height: even with your eyes (so the neck isn’t craned down or back) ii. Distance: 20” - 28” from your face (this helps reduce eye strain)

Miscellaneous Tips/Tricks: 1. Reduce clutter in both decor and furniture - your space will feel more composed, and you’ll reduce distraction 2. Consider your habits and lifestyle: do you work best in a cozy environment or one that is more streamlined and focused? 3. Capitalize on your chance to be close to the coffeepot / tea kettle! 4. When choosing your space, consider how much you might want to spread out with documents, plans, files, etc. 5. If you are working in a space that serves another purpose (Dining Room, Living Room, etc.) separate the workday from your home life by reorienting the way you interact with the room. For example, if you work at the dining table, sit on a side of the table that you don’t usually sit at for meals. 6. If you use a computer for long periods of time, try an ergonomic mouse that keeps your arm and wrist in a more natural position.