7 useful tips on how to work from home in your own office

WORK FROM HOME: THE RIGHT SPACE

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The first step is to choose the room or area in your home in which you want to set up your home office. Don't be afraid to try out different spaces before you decide. It doesn't necessarily have to be a dedicated room; if you seem to get most work done while sitting at the dining table, that's fine too. It's also possible to block out parts of a room either by using portable screens or divider walls. It's important to have privacy when you're working but also necessary to be able to 'switch off' when you're not working.

Want some more home inspiration? Read our stories 6 quirky furniture and furnishings in Singapore homes; We love Ikea, but here are 11 other gorgeous stores to shop for furniture and home accessories and How to choose the perfect shade of white for your home.

WORK FROM HOME: LET THE LIGHT IN

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Natural light is a great mood stimulant and when you're happy, you're inclined to do better work too. Pick a room with a big window so that you'll get as much daylight in as possible. Then place your desk close to the window but not directly in front of it – you don't want to get too distracted by the view, do you? Putting your desk parallel to the window is also ideal as you can take in the scenery every few minutes so that you're not staring at your computer screen for too long.

Want some more home inspiration? Read our stories 6 quirky furniture and furnishings in Singapore homes; We love Ikea, but here are 11 other gorgeous stores to shop for furniture and home accessories and How to choose the perfect shade of white for your home.

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WORK FROM HOME: LAMP IT UP

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Light from the outside isn't enough, you also have to think of the times that you'll be working nights or on cloudy days when there's not much sunlight. While overhead lights are useful, it's best to enhance them with lamps. Desk and floor lamps are the best options. However, don't place any form of lighting directly above your computer screen as it will cause eye strain.  

Want some more home inspiration? Read our stories 6 quirky furniture and furnishings in Singapore homes; We love Ikea, but here are 11 other gorgeous stores to shop for furniture and home accessories and How to choose the perfect shade of white for your home.

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WORK FROM HOME: CHAIR WOMAN

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Good seating support is one of the most important things because of the number of hours that you'll be spending in your seat. Invest in a comfortable, ergonomically designed chair and your back will thank you for it. If you want to go for a cheaper option, get a good seat support for your chair instead. A foot rest is also a good way to go.

Want some more home inspiration? Read our stories 6 quirky furniture and furnishings in Singapore homes; We love Ikea, but here are 11 other gorgeous stores to shop for furniture and home accessories and How to choose the perfect shade of white for your home.

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WORK FROM HOME: BEYOND THE DESK

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Just because it's an office space doesn't mean that it has to look cold. Think beyond working at the desk and incorporate some other elements that will stimulate your thinking too. For example, a comfortable couch or reclining chair is a good start to a cosy area in your office where you can just think or read. Get a small table where you can keep your coffee too. And treat your workspace as you would an office anywhere by getting the right stationery and accessories. There's nothing worse than pens and folders strewn across the table so keep clutter to a minimum too.

For more desk ideas, read our story 10 pretty items to have on your desk at work

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WORK FROM HOME: GO GREEN

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Plants have been proven to increase productivity and reduce stress levels so buy a few pots and place them around your workspace. Plants also add colour and are an inexpensive way to change or add to the look of any room. If you're not green-fingered or are afraid you'll kill them unintentionally, get some low-maintenance house plants such as philodendron, cacti or any type of succulent. 

Want some more home inspiration? Read our stories 6 quirky furniture and furnishings in Singapore homes; We love Ikea, but here are 11 other gorgeous stores to shop for furniture and home accessories and How to choose the perfect shade of white for your home.

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WORK FROM HOME: GET PERSONAL

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It's your space and your home so add any kind of personal touch that you wish to go for – you don't have a boss who's going to ask you to take down that cheesy motivational poster after all. Add family photos, your favourite cartoons or a much-loved art piece. Just make sure you don't let it overwhelm your work space and easily distract you.

Want some more home inspiration? Read our stories 6 quirky furniture and furnishings in Singapore homes; We love Ikea, but here are 11 other gorgeous stores to shop for furniture and home accessories and How to choose the perfect shade of white for your home.

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