5 Design-Driven Ways To Improve Your Work-From-Home Desk

In coping with the ‘new normal’ setup, most offices have adjusted for a work-from-home scheme. A few months into having one’s workspace inside their home may feel unusual, especially for people who are used to getting into “work mode” upon arriving in their office work desks. But during these times, adapting and applying measures to make yourself comfortable spending hours getting tasks done in your personal space is essential.

In the past weeks, you may just have settled on your bed or attend your Zoom meetings in your living room. There are moments that a quick nap is intensely tempting, or you may not feel like you’re not 100% in the mood for work. It’s understandable—the line between your personal space and your job has thinned. Now, the question that now lies: How do you make your home desk work-appropriate, increase your productivity, and influence the way you settle in this WFH setup?

The answer: Revamp it! It’s a matter of transforming the look into something that will make you think you’re actually in your office. Hurray Design, in partnership with ContractWorld, addressed this dilemma and came up with a solution via a recently-held design webinar about setting up your home office. With Interior Designer and Hurray Design’s Design Manager Janlyn de Leon, Design Story’s Managing Director Dana Uy, and ContractWorld Furniture’s General Manager Ferz Ang, they gave a five-step guide to achieve the WFH setup that’s appropriate for you.

During the talk, the three design experts discussed what needs to be present for the ideal WFH desk, whether you’re using a spot in a communal area of your space or a separate room where you can concentrate on the tasks at hand. If you’re ready to ditch your sack or planning to make your desk layout more efficient, read on their tips and start working from home better and more effectively.

1. Pick a spot.

The most important thing is choosing where you should situate yourself in. It should be a space with little to no distractions or background noise to keep you focused and increase your productivity. They suggest finding a quiet area with enough room for you to move and place your stuff in, preferably near a window to let natural light in. Another tip, Janlyn adds, is, “For people who want to create a better mindset, create a work and personal zone.”

2. Set up your workstation.

In this next step, look into ergonomics to maximize your performance. Consider the four pillars when organizing your work tools:

Must offer your body with the best support

Placement of paraphernalia must be within easy reach

Shouldn’t compromise with your vision, and...

Allows an abundance of light. It’s worth it to invest in a good chair or table!

3. Consider your lighting.

Speaking of investment, a good lighting design is always the right choice. There are several options out in the market, but select one that provides ample lighting and serves several purposes for your current work. Find a lamp that sets the mood for work and doubles as nice illumination during video calls for clients and the team!

4. Find a good backdrop. 

The surrounding environment of your WFH setup matters, too! A free plain wall could work, but if you want a little spazz, hanging a painting or artwork or using shelves gives an ordinary surface a bit of character.   They recommend adding layers and textures according to your preference, avoiding false extensions, and keeping things cohesive and neat.

5. Accessorize! 

Now, this is the fun part. When decorating your space, there are really no rules—just put things that make you happy and will be useful to you. Place crates, toolboxes, or organizers, include a trash bin, a vase, or a flower pot if it suits you. The hack: Find items that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. As long as the accessory you place doesn’t create distraction, go ahead and put it there. Just go with your personality!