For most freelancers, working from home is not the new normal.

It is an intensified version of their everyday schedules, where the option to step out for coffee is no longer an option. It takes a certain type of discipline to be able to get out of bed or peel away from current Netflix series to get productive. This is most especially true when the line between work and rest is a mere five feet away or less. How do you enhance productivity and harness creativity while cooped up at home for days on end? 

A space that’s dedicated to working is key to being productive, especially during this lockdown. One of the main reasons for this is that this sense of structure, which keeps you from being distracted about which items to work on first. Reasons for setting up a home office will more or less run parallel to the countless reasons why you should avoid bringing work into your bedroom. Not only does this disrupt focus and productivity, but it also messes with your sleep.

A home office that inspires creativity is easy. It is also a great way to utilise quarantine time. Start with these basic guidelines and infuse them with your style.

Pick a spot. Ideally, your home office should be well lit and have good air circulation. Place your desk near the windows, so you get enough natural light. Make sure that your work area is also within proximity of plug sockets so you can easily charge gadgets like your laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Choose the right desk. Depending on the space available, your work table should be able to accommodate all the work essentials without it looking too cramped or crowded. Correct height is essential. Here is the basic rule for choosing the writing desk that fits you best. When seated and while on your computer, your eyes should be level with the top of the screen. Subsequently, your forearms and shoulders should be able to rest comfortably as you type away. 

Your Armchair, Your Throne. Finding the perfect work chair is like finally meeting “the one.” This is not to say it will be a tough search. More to the point, this only emphasises the fact that one of the best investments you will ever make is a chair that will keep you cozy through all those deadlines and emails.

In short, never make compromises when it comes to finding a chair that you want to spend eight hours of your day with. Make sure that apart from being pretty, it is ergonomically designed so you don’t get back pains or cramps. Ideally, your chair should be at a height where you are able to rest your feet on the ground. If you are looking to create an office space where you can also take breaks to read a book or do a quick nap, then consider something that reclines and may be adjusted.

Clear Away the Clutter. An organised work area helps enhance clarity and focus. It also makes it easier to find things like small (yet very important) notes, or simply, your favourite pen. Depending on the type of work you do, there are countless ways to keep the clutter at bay. It begins with the right kind of storage. A filing cabinet is not the chicest choice for a home office, so look into modular cabinets or statement bookcases that also go seamlessly with the rest of your home.

Create A Sense of Calm. As with other spaces in a home, the right ambiance will set the tone for your time spend in your home office. Keep a few aromatic candles nearby to can do wonders in energising the mind at the start of each productive day. Indoor plants are also a great way to bring the outdoors inside. 

Make Your Office Your Haven. A cold, clinical home office is a sad, sad sight. Given that you will be spending a lot of hours in this space, you want to make sure that it is relaxing, pleasing and inspiring. Add pieces to your space that ring in creativity without distracting you from tasks at hand.

A throw blanket or pillows are great for when you need a minute to think. If you have the luxury of space, add in an accent chair as well. If you are the type who finds motivation from visual objects, consider adding art or art-inspired décor to your space.

Many items can be purchased through online retailers such as Amazon or eBay. Creating your perfect space for your home office will allow you to have that ideal Haven to work from.