How can you create a practical workspace that's shared with the family?
Storage is the key factor to consider so that you can put your work away at the end of the evening. If it's out of sight then it's out of mind. This is healthy because it gives you the time to switch off and enjoy leisure time.
Here's are my three steps to setting up your flexible home with a practical workspace:
1) WHAT DO YOU NEED TO WORK PRODUCTIVELY?
Everyone works differently, so think about what you actually need around you to work productively. If it's easier, break it down by the different activities and then find the perfect place for you to to store it away.
For example: I need a laptop for designing and Zoom meetings, documents for reference and sample fabrics for clients. Each item needs a different type of storage, so I have a desk for my laptop, labelled drawers for client information and see through containers for samples. As a working mum, I haven't got time to waste time searching for things, so everything has a specific place that's within easy reach and easy to find.
2) HOW CAN YOU PERSONALISE YOUR SPACE?
When you're working from home, it's important to personalise your space so that it puts you into work mode. It creates a different setting between home and the 'office' setting. This makes it easier to set your boundaries between work time and leisure time. My 'office', or if I'm feeling posh then I call it my 'design studio', is a small room in my home that is decorated totally differently to the rest of my home...as it's swathed in pink, personal art and floral wallpaper.
If you're working at your dining table, in a communal (living room) or multi-function (bedroom) space, it's even more important to create a temporary 'office' environment because it's harder to separate your work-life. You could put a tablecloth, a vase of flowers or your favourite picture on the table to set up your mini workspace. If this is too much, consider playing different music whilst you work or spray a different scent in the room.
I remember reading about a study in Japan, where the factory workers were more productive in the afternoon after they sprayed a different scent into the air system. When you evoke your senses, you can invigorate your productivity.
3) HOW CAN YOU SWITCH OFF FROM WORK?
Now that you're switched on to work, how can you let go at the end of the working day? For me it's quite easy because I can close the door, but if you're working in a shared space then you need to take back that room for leisure time.
The key is have dedicated storage in your home so that you can put your work stuff away quickly and then easily get it back out again the next day. Maybe you dedicate space in your living room cupboard, put aside a drawer in the kitchen or have under bed storage in your bedroom. If you don't have dedicated storage to put your things away then your home will look untidy, and you can start to resent work as it invades your personal space.
I hope these helps you create a balanced lifestyle that looks great and feels amazing, but if you're struggling and need help with your space planning then just get in touch because I'm always here to help.
If you missed my #wfh podcast with artist Lou Hamilton, here's a link for you to listen in. We chat about how she's successfully setup her home to make it look spacious and homely, whilst still allowing her to work successfully. You can also find this wherever you get your podcasts, so please subscribe to be the first to listen to my monthly design insights.
