Over recent years, the work-from-home lifestyle has become the new norm as people trade the office environment for a home workspace. After months of using the couch or kitchen table as a workstation, it may be time to graduate from those computer-generated Zoom backgrounds to a more permanent, comfortable, and functional workspace at home.

Whether you are running your own business or working remotely, a dedicated and comfortable home office requires more than just a folding table pushed into the corner. You will want to define your professional office space in order to separate your work-life from your personal life. A clutter-free home office has the potential to improve work quality and productivity – not to mention how good it feels to have a cozy desk space to call your own.

DIY home decorating projects can often become overwhelming, so here are a few step-by-step tips to help create the perfect workspace in your home.

Tips for Creating a Home Office Space

Location Is Everything

A significant percentage of the day is spent in the office, so without question, it should be a comfortable space - whether this be a dedicated room or a designated space for a desk setup. When determining the appropriate location for a home office design, consider whether the space is large enough to fit a desk and ergonomic office chair, is sufficiently private, and properly distanced from other home distractions (like laundry and/or kids’ playrooms). It makes sense to choose a room near the front entrance or create a workstation in the living room of the house if you will be meeting with clients in your home office. If you require a dedicated studio that's separate from the rest of your home, you will need an office space that is large enough to spread out your design or tech equipment.

Identify What You Need

What you'll need in your home office, depends on the type of work you do. You might require both a space-saving desk for your computer and a larger standing desk for your artwork if you're a graphic artist for example. No matter where the home office is, the desk is the star of the show. Before purchasing a desk, it’s important to consider what functions it needs to fulfill. Be certain to consider questions like: How many computer screens will be used? Does your employer have specific requirements about the equipment you must use if you are telecommuting, such as dedicated electronics, Wi-Fi, or industry-related tech.
Create a detailed list of your needs for your workspace and establish a home office setup that meets those requirements before you arbitrarily claim a corner in one of your rooms and decide that it's good enough.

Select Comfortable Furniture

Select ergonomic furniture that is comfortable and provides proper back and arm support for the type of work you will be doing. Install a slide-out keyboard holder so that your computer keyboard is the right height for easy and comfortable use. Place your computer mouse in a spot that readily is accessible, and provide cushioning for your wrists. If your home office is doing double duty (i.e., serving two functions such as a home office and guest room), you’ll want to look for high-end furniture that has multiple uses. For example, a Murphy bed that doubles as a desk or a sofa that has a pullout mattress for guests may be the perfect find.
That being said, regardless of the dual nature of furniture selections, make sure the office function of the room is prioritized above all else. The home office will be used daily, and your space should be the intersection of your taste and your needs.

Invest in Quality Furniture

Investments in quality and budget-friendly standard-sized desks fall between $100 and $200. If you need a larger desk that is height-adjustable or one with more storage options, a budget between $400 and $700 is a must-have.
Once the desk is selected, the other foundational office pieces for the room should be the next priority. These include: an ergonomic desk chair (an investment between $150 and $250) and ample storage cabinets (an investment between $100 and $300).
These foundational items, together with the desk, make up the minimum requirements for a comfortable and functional home office.

Select a Color Scheme

After narrowing down the types of furniture you require for your home office setup, it’s time to start shopping. Many people feel overwhelmed when it comes time to make final selections. To avoid browsing anxiety, try selecting a color palette for the room up front. These color options should include wood-stained and metal selections in addition to fabric colors and materials. Once you select the color scheme, it is significantly easier and faster to narrow down home office furniture options by utilizing the appropriate filters on furniture websites.

Create a View

If possible, place your desk near or facing a window. Natural lighting is a game changer for creativity. It’s also nice to have a view (read: distraction) from time to time.
If the room selected does not have any windows, houseplants (real or artificial) are a great way to bring the outdoors inside. Wallpaper, art, and other inspirational items on the walls are other ways to elevate the office view (regardless of whether or not there’s a window).

Consider Lighting

In the age of video conferencing, room lighting is critical. Consider if any windows will be located behind the desk and how that may affect camera lighting as the sun moves throughout the day. You'll do your best work if your office gets some natural light. Warm light, such as firelight, promotes relaxation. Cold light, like daylight, improves productivity and alertness. That's what you want in your home office. Additionally, confirm that overhead light is sufficient to prevent eye strain, and if not, invest in quality floor and/or desk lamps.

Accessorize

Once large items are finalized, it’s time to get into the finer details. Office accessories include trash cans, pencil holders, corkboards, dry-erase boards, large calendars, notepads, and storage for organizing documents and files. Office accessories are a fun place to bring in additional textures (like basket weave, wood, and/or rattan), so be on the lookout for accessories that match the selected color palette.

Last but certainly not least, be sure to remember electronic cords. Make an effort to route cords and conceal them as a finishing touch to the office. Nothing tanks an office aesthetic faster than a jumbled heap of cords under the desk.

No matter where you end up, a DIY home office is sure to add to your productivity and happiness.

Janelle Christian is a self-care strategist, helping bring wellness into the homes, minds, and careers of busy, overwhelmed, overworked, and all-around miserable millennial professionals. She also runs the blog Hey J. Nicole.