Jazz Up Your Home Office With These Ideas

Are you one of the lucky ones still able to work from home at least part of the time? During the pandemic, the number of workers working from home nearly tripled. As you scrambled to set up your home office, you might have settled for a laptop on the dining room table or a corner in your bedroom. Today, many companies force remote workers into the office at least several days a week in the misguided notion that working in the same physical space increases productivity and stops abuses of the system by skimping on work hours. However, many more workers now work from home at least part of the time, and many who must report to the office wish they could work from home. A recent study found the following facts apply to working from home:

As of August 2023, 12.2% of U.S. workers are fully remote. More than 4.7 million U.S. workers are remote at least half of the time. Only 11.1% of private sector businesses are fully remote. 65% of workers want to be remote all the time, while 32% prefer a hybrid work schedule.

If you’re lucky enough to be among the more than 12% of workers who always work from a home office, you may want to jazz up your home office a little to make it more comfortable, functional, and somewhere you enjoy going each day.

Transforming your home office from a bland workspace into a sanctuary of productivity and luxury isn’t just for the Silicon Valley elite. Yes, you, too, can infuse a dose of lavishness into your daily grind without booking a flight to Cupertino. Whether you’re crafting emails or building an empire, here are some fabulously indulgent additions to elevate your home office from meh to magnificent.

Jazz up your home office

If your home office is a space to use on a routine basis rather than a hurried response to a pandemic, you first need a dedicated space where you can work without having to tear down everything at the end of the day to transform it back into a living space. More importantly, you don’t want to risk having kids or animals invade your space and damage your work. Your boss isn’t gonna buy the excuse that your dog at your project or your kid colored on your presentation.

Some of us are lucky enough to have a spare bedroom or a basement area to use as a dedicated office. In addition to the luxury of spreading out and having a place for everything, there are tax advantages to using such a dedicated space for your home office. Others might make do with a walk-in closet or a lightly used living room. Even a garage works if you can set up some form of climate control (it’s hard to work when you’re either too hot or too cold). Having a door to separate your workspace from your living space saves a lot of arguments with kids and animals about staying out of your office.

Ergonomic elegance

Start with your throne—because every ruler needs a good seat. Ditch that dining chair that’s doubling as an office seat and invest in a high-quality ergonomic chair. Look for one with plush seating, excellent lumbar support, and adjustable everything. Your back (and future self) will thank you for it, and you’ll feel like the executive of your own life.

Speaking of ergonomics, you might consider a standing desk or a desk that adjusts between sitting and standing. The Mayo Clinic and other healthcare providers show that sitting all day is linked to a number of serious health conditions. If you can’t afford or desire a standing desk, set a timer to ensure you get up and move around throughout the day.

Tech that talks the talk

Upgrade your tech to make sure it’s as sharp as your wit. A sleek new monitor, a wireless charging station, and noise-canceling headphones can not only boost your efficiency but also add a high-tech, luxurious vibe to your space. Plus, who doesn’t love the sweet sound of silence while crunching numbers or working toward deadlines?

Don’t forget security in your tech upgrade. Most employees interact via Zoom meetings, cloud and device sharing. Ensure these communication efforts are as secure as possible by upgrading and maintaining your security software because cybercriminals get smarter every day. Also, ensure you have a secure backup in case your power goes down or your device craps out. No one wants to lose days of work because of such failures.

Software is your friend when working remotely. Consider project management software that eliminates many of the meetings needed to ensure a project remains on schedule without sacrificing collaboration.

Light it up

Proper lighting sets the mood. In your office, that means having bright lights so you aren’t struggling to read and dimmers so you can work on your screen. You might need a ring light or other lighting if you use your office to record video or to present your image in the best light for an online meeting.

A stylish desk lamp not only illuminates your tasks but also serves as a decor piece. Opt for lamps with dimmable features and color temperature settings to switch from daylight alertness to evening warmth. It’s all about seeing your work in the best light—literally.

A little greenery

Infuse life into your office with some lush plants. Not only do they purify the air, but they also add a touch of tranquility. Choose low-maintenance indoor plants like a snake plant or a pothos—because the only thing you should be stressing over is your inbox, not your plant care routine.

Personal café

Why step out for coffee when you can have a personal café right in your office? Set up a luxurious coffee station with a high-end espresso machine, a frother, and an assortment of your favorite blends. Every workday can start with barista-level brews, making Mondays a little less mundane.

Consider adding a minifridge for milk or other favorites, like a carton of yogurt and sandwich stuff. Companies like Google insist that every workstation has quick access to a nutrition center for a reason. While you want to keep some food in your kitchen to force you to get up and walk around, having access to a fast cuppa or a snack during a long meeting or planning allows you to focus on your task rather than your hunger.

Art that inspires

An office without art is an office without inspiration, so don’t leave the walls blank—fill them with color and images that you love and that motivate you to be the best you can be. Consider what shows in the background during video calls or filming segments on TikTok. You want your background to look professional, so consider having nice art in the background rather than family photos. I keep my framed diplomas in the background when Zooming or filming for my coaching program. Others might consider using a bookcase in the background to show off the books they’ve written or support their expertise.

Step into warmth: home office sauna

Remember, all work and no play makes Jonny a dull boy. So, consider some recreation to ease stress during your day. That might be as simple as a basketball hoop in your driveway or taking a short walk with your dog through the park. You work more efficiently if you can break up your day with some physical activity. I normally stop once to walk the pup (which goes a long way toward keeping her quiet when I’m working) and once to do a little gardening in the summer.

Now for the pièce de résistance: imagine ending your workday with a session in your very own sauna. Yes, integrating a small sauna in or near your home office – be sure to use this sauna heating sizing tool –  could be the ultimate luxury. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to unwind and detox from the digital world, allowing you to step from desk to bliss in mere seconds.

Sensory delights

Don’t forget the power of scent. A chic diffuser with essential oils like lavender or peppermint can soothe or invigorate your senses as needed. Combine this with a plush, hand-woven throw and a soft rug underfoot, and your office space becomes a sensory haven.

Create a wellness corner with a sauna

To truly elevate your home office experience, consider incorporating wellness features that help you recharge throughout the day. A compact indoor sauna can be a great addition to your home workspace, offering a calming retreat right when you need it most. Christoffer Arfert of Select Saunas shares, “Adding a sauna near your home office helps promote relaxation, reduce stress, and even boost productivity. It’s a simple way to balance focus with well-being.”

Conclusion

Creating a luxurious home office is all about blending function with personal indulgences. By adding these elements, you’ll not only enhance your productivity but also enjoy the time you spend in your personal workspace. Now go forth and upgrade—your home office is about to get a whole lot swankier!

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