Many people feel easily overwhelmed and anxious while working. No matter the job at hand, a successful and productive workday requires a lot of energy, focus, and effort, leaving people drained at the end of the day. Working from the comfort of your home might sound more appealing than sitting in an office building all day, but the job doesn’t change. Productively working from home still requires the same effort and energy, creating the same end-of-day exhaustion and workday stress as an in-person job.
Designing a relaxing home office creates a soothing atmosphere that helps minimize feelings of stress while on the job. A comforting worksite creates optimized working conditions. Here are some design tips for styling a relaxing home office fit for any at-home job.
Calm Wall and Ceiling Colors
Set the room’s mood with paint. Colors and office jobs don’t typically go hand in hand. Most people visualize offices as mundane, gray spaces. They assume that a professional look leads to professional results. However, that’s not always the case. Colors stimulate specific reactions and emotions. They don’t just change how a space looks; colors also affect the way a room feels. Painting your home office in soft and calming colors transforms the room into a relaxing workspace. Numerous wall and ceiling color combos create soothing atmospheres. Popular paint options include pastels, blues, and earthy tones.
Plants and Greenery
Spending most of the day confined in a room easily makes someone stir crazy. Nature allows people to feel the nurturing serenity of the outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and gain joy from the beauty of greenery. Adding plants and flowers into your office brings the outdoors in, creating a cozier atmosphere. It recreates the feeling of being outside and adds a little bit of character to your office. Plus, plants are natural air filters, creating a healthier work atmosphere and making it easier to breathe and relax.
Tranquil Water Features
Numerous ASMR audios feature bubbling creeks, rushing waterfalls, and pitter-pattering rain. The sound of moving water creates a tranquil hum that soothes people and satisfies their senses. Like adding plants, incorporating different water features into your space brings that same tranquil experience. A mini water fountain sculpture in your office also adds to the room’s feng shui because water symbolizes healing properties in traditional Chinese beliefs.
Ambient Mood Lighting
In theaters, lighting sets the stage. It creates certain atmospheres and embodies different moods. Similarly, you can use lighting at home to fill a space with ambiance. For most people, stark, white lights create harsh overtones. Too much exposure to such lighting often strains sensitive eyes and increases the risk of headaches. While working and stressed, the last thing anyone wants to deal with is a pounding head. Opting for warm-toned bulbs and natural lighting options creates a more soothing and inviting workspace.
Work is already stressful on its own. Working from an uncomfortable and uninviting office space doesn’t improve things. Designing a relaxing home office creates an optimized workspace that reduces stress and overwhelming feelings. The more comfortable you feel in your office, the better you perform.
© 2022, Felicia Priedel. All rights reserved.
