How to Set Up a Home Office That Merges Form and Function

Before you can settle in for a day of work, you have to find an environment that's conducive to productivity. When you work from home as opposed to a typical office, this is easier said than done. With distractions constantly threatening to break your focus, it's helpful to set up a designated home office. It should be equal parts comfortable and functional—follow these tips to strike the right balance.

Invest in the important elements. When it comes to most pieces in your home office, you can go the budget-friendly route, but it's worth spending a little more on the main components: your chair and your desk. Find ergonomic furniture that will support you and keep you comfortable. After all, you're going to spend at least 40 hours a week seated in front of this desk!
Bring in natural touches. A cheery mood can boost your productivity, so take a couple of steps to ensure a pleasant and efficient workday. Start by opening the blinds and allowing the natural light to come flooding in — it could lift your spirits. If you don't get much sunlight in your office, add a special lamp that emits a glow mimicking natural light. You can also embellish your desk with a succulent or another houseplant to bring the happy vibes all day long.
Create a cozy (but separate) nook. If you need to step away from the computer for a few minutes and brainstorm, you'll want somewhere to go that isn't necessarily beyond the office door. Design a comfy nook in your office where you can read through documents or creatively work through problems, perhaps an armchair with a lamp and throw pillow.
Stock up on essentials. You don't want to have to rush to your hallway closet whenever you need a paper clip, so make sure that you have all the basics on hand. Fill your office with ample amounts of computer paper, pencils and pens, a stapler and staples, and anything else you use on a daily basis.

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