Use color to make working from home more productive

By Theresa Design HerFixitUpLife Office

Let’s make your home office a better fit for the work you do.

The wood ceiling helps to warm up a mid-century modern home office. A cozy little work space, it shows how to include meaningful elements without appearing cluttered.

Home offices are populated by 80 million American workers at least one day each week, and there are millions more who could be working from home. More than 92 million of us (about 58 percent of workers) can work from home at least one day a week. And millions of us never walk into a traditional office outside of our homes.

So that home office is essential to making sure we get that list done each day, and not get tempted by what’s on streaming, a fun hobby, or the laundry piling up.

Before you commit fully to continuing to use the old TV stand as your make-shift desk, or your kid’s Finding Nemo desk lamp that was taking up space in the attic, take a moment to reflect on what kind of home office will best serve what work you want to accomplish in that home office.

What is the best color for a home office?

Yes, color affects how we work. Most people will say blue is the best color for a home office, since it’s calm. But if you aren’t doing analytical work, and need to find inspiration and creativity to complete your tasks, blue might not be best for you.

Yellows, purples, and oranges can help to stimulate the happy creative parts of our brains. And if you need to get psyched to work, try including spots of red on your desk.

The blue pops on the backs of these shelves help to give vibrancy to this home office. The cushioned window seat might be your pet's favorite new spot, too. — The blue pops on the backs of these shelves help to give vibrancy to this office. The cushioned window seat might be your pet’s favorite new spot, too.

More casual than most home office fantasies, the chalk board is practical. I can't say how many times my son has walked off with my note paper and pen. — More casual than most home office fantasies, the chalk board is practical. I can’t say how many times my son has walked off with my note paper and pen.

Natural light and the color green both help to keep a sense of calm, and lower stress. Green also is the color most associated with success, so perfect for a home office. But only if you like the color. — Natural light and the color green both help to keep a sense of calm, and lower stress. Green also is the color most associated with success, so perfect for an office. But only if you like the color.

For creatives, the home office is always best when it reflects the inner mojo of the owner. For this masculine upcycle look, it could be a perfect spot for a designer.

Your home office should reflect the kind of work you do, and what colors and materials inspire you in your work.

Not often seen, the bed is the 'hidden' treasure in this home office. — Not often seen, the bed is the ‘hidden’ treasure in this home office.

If you love luxe, why not makeover your home office to make you feel empowered while you work. — If you love luxe, why not makeover your office to make you feel empowered while you work.

Smart storage that works with your life is best in a home office. Here the cushioned bench contains all of those paper files that could clutter a desk. — Smart storage that works with your life is best in an office. Here the cushioned bench contains all of those paper files that could clutter a desk.

Simple black and white decor might be a good backdrop for those of us who juggle many different kinds of work-at-home jobs. The home office can be whatever helps you get that list done.

If natural light keeps you focused on your work, embrace that. Design your home office so that your pointed at the best window in that space. — If natural light keeps you focused on your work, embrace that. Design your office so that you are pointed at the best window in that space.

Make a space for the kids in your home office. They'll 'make' their own space when you're on the phone or trying to finish that report, anyway. — Make a space for the kids in your office. They’ll ‘make’ their own space when you’re on the phone or trying to finish that report, anyway.

What do you think?

I’d love to know what home office design tips that have sparked your creativity and productivity. Share in the comments section below or send me an email right now.

About the Author

Theresa is a handy designer and writer. She shares DIY projects, tool how-to, and home makeovers as a book author, home show speaker, DIY workshop coach, and radio host. Plus, she has a degree in journalism with a minor in architecture, and is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPs) and certified color consultant. She’s created fast-paced makeovers for TV shows, and shares home trends and DIY tips as a freelance writer and guest on news shows and satellite media tours for TV and radio.

Use color to make working from home more productive

Let’s make your home office a better fit for the work you do.

What is the best color for a home office?

What do you think?

About the Author

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