Image: Amara
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Get PORT in printImage: Amara
With the rise in communal workspaces, cloud services and tech start-up CEOs constantly striving to outdo their Silicon Valley counterparts in the innovation stakes, never has the way we work been more in our control. Naturally, working remotely and from home has grown exponentially with these advances as companies seek to streamline their output and widen the net of their employees without having to fork out for the extra office space. In fact, as of last year, the UK counted 2 million freelancers in its working ranks, with the number of people regularly working from home reaching 4.2 million in the last decade. Good news for those looking to cut back on travel expenses and never miss a delivery again; bad news for the perennial procrastinators amongst us.
When working from the comfort of your own home, it is essential to have a space that allows you to relax, certainly. But it is also important to create an environment which allows you to focus on your work without distraction. Remember, out of site doesn’t mean out of mind so the need to keep the bossman on site with an impressive delivery is paramount. The digs in which we choose to knuckle down in can significantly affect our productivity, and for some the close vicinity of a Netflix subscription and a freshly made bed is too much to bear. That’s why we should all have a personal space within our surroundings dedicated to peace, quiet and productivity.
But how does one go about creating the ideal home office set-up? Not only should your study be able to block out noise, it should also have plenty of storage to keep your business affairs in order and enough stationary-based accoutrement to inspire. Never underestimate the allure of a fresh notepad and an Instagram-worthy desk arrangement to tempt you into the chair.
With the help of Amara, we share a selection of home office ideas that will help you turn your back on the typical 9-6 for good.
Move away from the kitchen table and add functional design to your living space with a bureau desk, such as this from Horm & Casamania. Ideal for smaller city living spaces, this slick modern design features a hinged lid with a pull out desk that easily folds away when not in use.
Don’t spend hours slouched over a screen. Whilst you don’t necessarily require an office chair per se, do invest in seating with comfortable padding and an appropriately high back.
Minimalism may be the movement of now and hot desking may be derigeur, but don’t forgo your paper trail entirely. Instead keep in neatly tucked away in an oak-wood desk tidy, or stowed in chic boxes that add to the room.
Whilst there’s a case for minimalism in a digital age,there’s a lot to be said for putting pen to paper. Relish in list making with a clean notepad, and enjoy the satisfaction of striking it all through by the end of the day with your favourite ballpoint nib. Just ensure you keep it all in order with pots a plenty.
Putting 5 medium-sized plants in a 20m² space has been scientifically proven to improve one’s mental wellbeing by 60%. Whether you want to increase your brain power, purify the air, or just liven things up a bit, there’s no getting away from the facts that plants mean better business. Consider making resilient palms, zamioculas ferns and rubber plants, potted in eye-catching ceramics, your new co-workers, stat.
Compact and cute it may be, but this mini lamp really packs a punch. At half the size of a standard desk lamp, the 90 Mini Mini has the personality of a classic Anglepoise lamp, yet it can fit just about anywhere you need it to. Powered by a standard Micro-USB to USB-A cable (included), it can be plugged into a mains adapter or any USB power source, such as a laptop. Perfect if you're working on the go or in a low-lit coffee shop. Key features: * Miniature desk lamp * Material: aluminium, chrome.