Zen Design Ideas for a Peaceful Home Office
With so many people transitioning from working in the office to working remotely from home, the need for a functional home office has never been greater. However, when many people picture a home office, they may envision a cramped and cluttered room full of loose paper and office supplies.
Meeting deadlines and promoting productivity are both essential when working from home. To work smarter and not harder, you need to create a Zen-like atmosphere that reduces stress, decreases distractions, and allows you to focus. You can do so by:
- Getting Rid of Clutter
- Using Natural Light to Brighten Your Space
- Adding Some Greenery
- Hanging an Inspiration Board
- Opting for Soothing Colors
- Making a Self-Care Space
- Styling with Clean Lines
- Cutting Back on Desk Décor
- Using Calming Aromas
- Using Natural Materials
If you’re ready to experience an ohm-azing Zen-inspired home office, read on to learn more!
1. Get Rid of Clutter
One of the major aspects of Zen styling is to drastically decrease clutter. A cluttered home office space can make you feel overwhelmed, trapped, and distracted.
First, take a thorough inventory of everything in your office. Get rid of unnecessary office supplies, décor, documents, and anything else you don’t need or use. Ultimately, you’ll want to start with a blank canvas.
2. Use Natural Lighting to Brighten Your Space
Harness the power of the sun to naturally brighten your workspace, whether it’s big or small. Harsh fluorescent lighting can strain your eyes. Set a more relaxing tone by inviting the sunshine in. Use sheer curtains on your windows that allow natural light to pour into your office. Avoid using an overhead light as they’re typically too bright. You can also add in some soothing ambient lighting.
3. Add Some Greenery
Plants naturally clean the air and lower anxiety. Add some lush greenery to your home office by placing a houseplant on your desk or hanging one from the window. Plantx.com suggests opting for Spider plants, Snake plants, or Pothos plants. These types of plants don’t require a lot of sunlight and can thrive in darker areas of your home.
4. Hang an Inspiration Board
Stay motivated while working by hanging an inspiration board near your desk. Mood boards can help you stay on track to accomplish your goals. Hang inspirational photos, quotes, and designs that encourage you to cross every item off of your to-do list.
5. Opt for Soothing Colors
Another creative idea to transform your home office is to paint the walls a soothing color. Choose soft whites or pale blues to create a calming office environment. Softer hues have been shown to reduce stress and help alleviate anxiety.
6. Make a Self-Care Space
In Japanese culture, the term “Zen” refers to meditation. Characterized by intentional simplicity, Zen styling allows you to practice mindfulness and be fully aware of the present moment, increasing your workflow.
With all of that time spent working, it’s easy to forget about self-care. Self-care should be a part of your workday. Take small breaks throughout the day and do some yoga stretches or meditation. Carve out a cozy corner in your home office and decorate it with large floor cushions or a yoga mat. You’ll be tempted to indulge in self-care more with a beautiful and serene space.
7. Style With Clean Lines
Zen décor features clean lines and simple styling. When picking office furniture, steer clear of décor with lots of details and excess ornamentation. Choose simple, elegant, and modern furniture that doesn’t demand attention.
Zen is all about clearing your mind and honing-in on the present moment. You don’t want to be constantly distracted by complex furniture patterns and colors.
8. Cut Back on Desk Décor
A desktop overflowing with useless décor will definitely distract you from working. Keep only the essentials on your desk, including your laptop, planner, a pen, stapler, and scotch tape. Clear off anything that’s not functional or necessary. Having a crisp, clean desk will help you to concentrate more on your work.
9. Use Calming Aromas
When creating a Zen home office, don’t skimp on serene scents! Your sense of smell can greatly affect your mood. Opt for soft-smelling candles, linen sprays for upholstery, essential oils, or diffusers. Some scents that increase productivity include mint, lemon, rosemary, cinnamon, and orange.
10. Use Natural Materials
When selecting home office furniture, clean lines and minimalistic styling shouldn’t be the only features to look for. Choose office furniture and accessories crafted from natural materials to promote a Zen office atmosphere. Look for wooden furniture with a natural finish. Choose linen, wool, or cotton upholstery whenever possible.
Conclusion
A Zen home office can inspire you to work harder, increase productivity, and reduce stress. Select soft paint hues, take advantage of natural light, get rid of clutter, select furniture with clean lines and made from natural materials, and decorate with houseplants and motivating images to turn your home office into a calm, serene & zen-like oasis.