When the COVID-19 pandemic began and everyone started working from home, no one was really sure what to do. Zoom calls were taken from beds and kitchen tables, office supplies became whatever you could cobble together from your childrens’ neglected backpacks, and trying to find a space where you could work was next to impossible.
Now, three years after the pandemic began, more people are working from home than ever before, and it’s become a complete working phenomenon across the country.
The at-home office space is now a major selling point for new homes. Making sure you have a dedicated work area is paramount in any new apartment you may search for, including our loft apartments in St. Joe, MO. However, trying to picture that ideal work from home space in a small apartment may be kind of tricky.
If you’re struggling to figure out how to create the ideal work from home space in your loft, these tips might be able to help:
1. Find the right desk.
Whether you’re working from a multi-million dollar home or a studio apartment, you aren’t going to be able to get much work done if you don’t have a desk. Today, desks can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, so the most important thing is to figure out what kind of a desk works best for you and your needs.
If you live in a smaller studio apartment, then you’re going to want to have a smaller desk that can tuck itself away once you’re done working for the day. Or, if you’re able, getting a corner desk to place on the side of the room might be your best bet to keep it out of the way and out of the main line of sight.
Those who live in smaller apartments may find that a rolling desk works best for them, because they can simply move it out of the way when they’re done for the day. You may also choose to use a wall-mounted desk, because while it’s immobile, it offers a lot of storage space and flows more seamlessly in with your other decor.
2. Find a comfortable chair. (Or not.)
Just like a desk, finding a comfortable chair to spend your workday in is a must. If you aren’t able to be comfortable while you’re sitting down to work, then you aren’t going to get as much done, as you’ll just be thinking about how uncomfortable you are all day! Getting an ergonomic chair is likely going to be your best bet, because you’ll be able to stay comfortable sitting in it all day long.
However, if you’ve spent time on social media, you’ve likely seen the trend of choosing to use a standing desk or a walking desk instead of a desk chair. Using a standing desk or having a mini treadmill under your desk to walk during the day has been increasingly growing in popularity, and many people that work from home are finding themselves choosing to walk or stand throughout their workday instead of sitting. Whatever you decide to do, as long as you’re comfortable, that’s the most important thing.
3. Make your desk part of your decor.
If you live in a smaller apartment, you might not know what to do with the desk that needs to take up so much space. Instead of fretting about how it’s such an eyesore in your apartments in St. Joe, MO, try incorporating it into your decor. Try storing your important papers or filing in an ottoman instead of a filing cabinet. That way, your office space can be functional in your living space instead of being forced into a place it doesn’t belong.
Additionally, instead of using a traditional desk as your desk space, consider using a simple wooden or metal table and keep your work supplies in functional, yet easily moveable, baskets or other containers. That way, you can easily convert your desk into an additional table for games, puzzles, or whatever else you might need the extra space for.
4. Add some personality to your office.
Just like you’d add pictures of family and friends to the wall of your office or cubicle, do the same to your work from home office! Just because you aren’t in an actual office space doesn’t mean that you can’t make your workspace your own. Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb and try something new.
Instead of choosing a normal black or brown office chair, try going for one that’s a bright pop of color. Use removable wallpaper to decorate the walls of your office space to something that’s fun but still professional if you need to take a video call. Add fuzzy rugs, ottomans, plants, and other fun and exciting decor to your office space. After all, even though this is your office space, you’re still in your home, and you can make it as fun and funky as you want. Don’t forget to keep it professional though, just in case – at least in the area that the camera can see!
Work From Home at Our AE Lofts
When you work from home, trying to figure out the ideal office space can be a challenge. Even when you’re in an incredible apartment complex like our apartments in St. Joe, MO, the thought of working from home can sometimes be overwhelming. Trying to toe the line between work and home is something that many people struggle with, but being able to designate a specific space to do just that may be able to help ease the stress and the burden.
Plus, with our amazing amenities like a yoga room and game room, you can easily head right downstairs after a long day of work and just relax with a calming workout or game time with your friends.
If you’re interested in making AE Lofts your new ideal work from home space, contact us and schedule a tour today!
