Your home office and workspace needs a makeover

Your home schreibstube and workspace needs a makeoverYour home office and workspace needs a makeoverWhether you work from home full-time or only some of the time, chances are good that after all that at-home hustling, things are looking a bit ragged around the edges.Here are some ways to inspire you to get started on creating or updating the home office of your dreams.Home design mattersDrew Scott, one half of HGTVs Property Brothers thinks the design of your home office should matter as much as that of your home. Who said your workspace should be neutral and uninspiring? That person should be fired. Nothing gets those creative juices flowing than having a classy, vibrant space. Scott also told Ladders he loves a sophisticated glam home office. It showcases your taste with pieces that are chic and packed with functionality to reduce the clutter, giving you a clear mind to chase after your goals.Consider this Drew and brother Jonathan Scott, recently launched Casaza, a home dcor line. Scott had a few picks for a home office elevated. He recommended the brown Wheaton desk which is simple but functional with its full-width storage. Scott also picked the Biscayne weathered bookshelves which provide ample room for books and knickknacks, but also add the much needed extra elements to take the style up a notch in the room.Start with a planYou dont need a big budget to create the home office of your dreams, but you should have a plan before you start to spend money. Think about function first, and that will help you to plan the items you need, said Karen Swim, president of Solo PR Pro. Swim continued If you store all of your documents electronically, you may not need a ton of filing space. If you will have clients come to your office, you may need additional seating.Consider this NookDesk and Xdesk Porter both offer total customization and are handcrafted in Texas with hand-selected solid, sustainable materials like Plantation Oak, Bamboo, and recycled aluminumDesign m attersWhen youre working at home, Ive found it to be really helpful to be working in a room that I enjoy, said Emma McKinstry co-founder of 418 Communications. McKinstry, who works at home with her husband/business partner said Weve decorated our home office as we would any other room of the house, giving it equal attention and care. We spend a lot of time in there, so its been important to us to set the room up in a way that makes us feel comfortable, productive, and doesnt distract us from our task(s) at hand.Consider this Something as simple as a super cute kiln fired essential oil desk diffusers helps add focus to your day depending on the essential oil you use (peppermint helps you focus) along with a decorative touch.Double upSince your office is at home, chances are good that you wont have loads of space. Swim said I am a huge groupie of getting the most bang for your buck, so buy pieces that can do double duty, like ottomans that have storage space and can also serve as extr a seating or a table. If you dont need portability, buy a desktop instead of a laptop youll get a bigger screen and more storage at the same price point.Consider this This super sleek chair from Gjemeni has built-in USB ports and 110-volt sockets so it looks great, doesnt take up a ton of space, and is actually useful and beautiful.Personalize itUnlike the corporate life where you might have to be mindful of the tchotchkes you keep on your desk, you have more freedom for creative expression in a home office. To that end, Swim said Dont be afraid to personalize and create a space that allows you to do your best work. Paint and simple personal touches like photographs or art are easy ways to achieve that goal. You can create inexpensive artwork for your walls from photos or with cool objects framed by washi tape.Consider this ArtSugar is a cutting-edge, affordable contemporary art retailer featuring quirky and edgy artists. They also donate proceeds from every purchase to charities in cluding City Harvest, ASPCA, Girls Who Code, and Gods Love We Deliver.Stick to your budgetSwim said As for work tools, dont blow your budget on a fancy desk, but do invest in a quality office chair (your back will thank you). If you dont do a lot of printing, you can skip the printer and use your local office supply for occasional needs. On the flip side, McKinstry said Theres nothing worse than being in the middle of an important project and having to stop to save your document to a USB drive, run out to FedEx, and print it all because your home office doesnt have a printer (or doesnt have a working printer). Having the right equipment and tools puts you in a position to do your work well and in a timely manner, so its worth it to invest in whatever you need to do your job.Consider this Comfort is very subjective, so its probably worth spending time in-person shopping for the perfect office chair.If you have a stand-up desk, consider something beyond the mat. FluidStance Plane Clo ud is almost like a wobble board molded from 100% post-industrial recycled plastic. It works by creating a subtle instability underfoot that increases range of motion, elevates heart rate, fires up your core and improves your balance. I tested one out and find its even great as a footrest as well.Theres an app for thatApps are your friend. If youre a night owl but dont want your clients to know youre answering their crucial missives at midnight, use scheduling add-ons (Boomerang for Gmail is invaluable to me). McKinstry suggests Freshbooks an excellent tool for bookkeeping, invoicing, and time-tracking. Swim is a Trello fan and said I try to keep things streamlined, so appreciate having everything I use frequently available from one window.Some new tools for your at-home tradeMicrosofts Surface Laptop 2 is definitely on my wish list. It has a faster and more powerful processor and better battery life (up to 14.5 hours). Its also more affordable and is available in a new color, matte black.ASUS Zenbook PRO 15 has something called Screen Extender mode with the ScreenPad. You can extend your laptops screen onto ScreenPad, giving you a dual display in one device. Its a great option for your smaller space.reMarkable is definitely pricey, but it also looks like a great option for those who doodle and sketch their ideas and need them easily accessible through the wolke as well. Wacom Intuos offers a much more affordable (albeit more limited) sketch-and-write to your computer option.Freshen the air around your puter with a new plant from Lon George. Theyre pruned and styled by interior design pros and for every plant sold funds are donated to plant a tree.Working from home can be a lonely pursuit. Stop for a fun coffee break with your coworkers from UPS, FedEx, and USPS by sharing an adorable shot of FORTO, a 2 oz. shot of shelf-stable, organic cold brew thats perfect to keep in your fridge or at your desk. Hersheys Chocolate Latte anyone?