How To Layout a Home Office in Your Living Room?

How to Create a Productive Home Office?

Interior design is a division of design that deals with the decoration, arrangement, and organization of a space, such as a room or an office. It is a branch of design that is concerned with the aesthetic and functional appeal of an inhabitant space.

Interior design and decoration can have a profound effect on the mental health of its occupants. This is because the design of a space can influence the emotions and moods of those who live in it. For example, a well-designed space can make people feel calmer and more relaxed, while a poorly designed space can make people feel anxious and stressed.

Having that said, many factors can affect the mental health of those who work from home, such as the design of their workspace, the amount of natural light that it receives, and the level of noise that it is exposed to. In this article, we will explore some of how interior design can affect the mental health of its occupants while using it as a workplace.

Img1- A home office in an open space with chairs and tables, in addition to storage cabinets, Photo by Max Rahubovskiy

Your Home Set as a Double Place for Living and Work

As more people are forced to work from home due to the ongoing pandemic (COVID-19), our homes have become multi-functional spaces that serve both as our living quarters and as our workplaces. This shift in lifestyle has highlighted the importance of having a well-designed and functional home environment that promotes mental health and well-being.

Interior design can greatly contribute to the mental health of its inhabitants, especially when it comes to creating a space that serves as both a place of relaxation and work. It's true that with the rise of remote jobs from homes, many people are reconsidering their home spaces and how they can serve both as a place of work and relaxation.

The propagation of technology has made it possible for more and more people to work from home thanks to the online network. While there are some advantages to this trend, there are also some potential disadvantages. One of the potential disadvantages is the impact it can have on our mental health.

Interior design can play a role in justifying some of the negative impacts of working from home. The right interior design can help to create a space that is conducive to productivity and mental well-being.

6 Tips for Setting Living and Workspaces from Home

Here are six key points and evidence-based findings you may want to consider while setting your space for both relaxation and Work-from-Home:

• Natural light: Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved mood, sleep, and overall well-being. When setting up your home office, try to position your desk near a window or invest in window treatments that let in natural light. Exposure to natural light can improve sleep quality and duration, as well as regulate our circadian rhythms.

A study run by the "University of Illinois" found that workers who had access to natural light slept an average of 46 minutes more per night than those who did not. Another study by Cornell University found that workers in daylight offices reported an 84% drop in symptoms of eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision compared to workers in offices without windows.

• Color psychology: Colors can have a significant impact on our moods and emotions. For example, blue is calming and promotes relaxation, while yellow is energizing and promotes productivity. Similarly, red is often associated with passion and energy, while green is associated with nature and relaxation.

A study published in the "Journal of Environmental Psychology" found that workers in blue and green workspaces reported higher levels of satisfaction and perceived productivity compared to those in red and yellow workspaces. Consider incorporating these colors into your home office and other spaces in your home to create the desired mood.

Different colors can evoke different emotions and moods. For example, It's important to note that color preferences can vary based on cultural background, personal experiences, and individual differences. When selecting colors for your home office and other spaces, consider your personal preferences and the intended mood you want to create.

• Indoor plants: Studies have shown that indoor plants can improve air quality and reduce stress levels. Adding a few plants to your home office or other spaces can improve your well-being and create a more calming atmosphere.

Indoor plants not only add a decorative element to our homes, but they also have numerous benefits for our mental and physical health. A study by the "University of Technology Sydney" found that adding plants to a workspace can reduce stress levels by up to 37%.

Plants can also improve air quality by removing pollutants and releasing oxygen into the air. NASA research has found that certain types of plants, such as the snake plant and spider plant, can effectively remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

• Decluttering: A messy and disorganized space can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Take some time to declutter and organize your home office and other areas of your home to create a more peaceful and organized environment. 

A study published in the "Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin" found that women who described their homes as cluttered or unfinished had higher levels of CORTISOL, a stress hormone, than those who described their homes as restful and restorative.

Decluttering can also have practical benefits for our productivity and focus. When our physical environment is cluttered, our mental space can become cluttered as well, making it difficult to focus on work tasks and other important activities.

• Personalization: Adding personal touches to your home office and other spaces can make them feel more inviting and comfortable. Consider adding artwork, photographs, or another decor that reflects your personality and style.

Adding personal touches to our homes can have numerous benefits for our well-being. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that workers who were able to personalize their workspace reported higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity.

Img2- Personalizing your workplace with decorating items can improve your productivity, Photo by Maria Orlova

Personalization can also create a sense of belonging and connection to our environment, which can be especially important when working from home. Consider adding items such as photographs, artwork, or other décor items that reflect your interests and values.

• Ergonomics: It's important to prioritize comfort and ergonomics when setting up your home office. Invest in a comfortable chair, a desk that is the right height for you, and other ergonomic tools that can prevent physical strain and injury.

A study by the "University of Cincinnati" found that workers who used ergonomic chairs and keyboards experienced a 25% reduction in neck and shoulder pain. It's important to select furniture and equipment that is appropriate for your body size and shape. Consider investing in adjustable desks, chairs, and other tools that can be customized to your individual needs.

In the end, these are just a few examples of how interior design can impact our mental health and well-being. By incorporating these elements into your home, you can create a space that serves both as a Work-from-Home place and relaxation. Hope those tips were useful and helpful for setting up your home!