Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design + Build, shares her tips for creating the ideal home office work space with 6 ideas and suggestions.
If we’ve learned anything about our homes over the last few months, it’s that it’s important to have a dedicated area if you’re working from home. Whether that’s a whole room or a claimed corner in the living room, Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of the Western Design + Build, shares her tips for creating the ideal at-home work space:
Natural Light
“Natural light from the side is best,” she says. “Try to situate your desk so a window is to the right or left, not behind or in front.” Supplement with task lighting.
Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose!
The designer recommends you determine the tools you need before you set up your space: technology (laptop or desktop) and your connectivity. Setting up a home office doesn’t require an extensive shopping trip. “Shop your home first — or your work place, if possible — and repurpose existing furniture.”
Create a Sense of Calm
“Your space should be happy and productive, and instill a sense of calm,” she says. “Put up things that inspire you and that you love — like plants and photos.”
Seating is the Most Important
“Seating is one of the most important things,” says Squires Ferguson. Spruce recommends an ergonomic office chair, which can help prevent back and neck pain. Twenty physicians and PhDs in the fields of biomechanics, vision, physical therapy and ergonomics helped develop the Herman Miller Embody chair. Available through Monk Office
Use Ergonomics
“Set up your space in the most ergonomic, human-centric way possible,” Squires Ferguson says. “Whether you are seated or standing.” If seated, your feet should be flat
on the floor and your thighs roughly parallel to the floor.
The angle between your forearm and upper arm should be around 90 degrees when your arms are at rest on the desk. The top line of your screen should be at or below eye level. Try to alternate between sitting and standing. How to know if you’re set up properly? “The easiest way is to have someone take a picture of you at your workstation from the side to determine if it’s ideal,” she says.
Try Acoustic Panels
“Acoustic panels can create a visual separation, as well as provide sound dampening,” says the designer. These 12 by 12-inch acoustic felt wall tiles (available through thequietroom.ca) can also add a pop of colour.
Enjoy this article on elevating your home office? Continue reading… Home Organization with Less But Better
