Bobby Berk’s Guide to Creating a Healthy and Productive Home Office
In the modern age where remote work is becoming increasingly popular, the home office has emerged as one of the most significant spaces in our homes. An expert in creating these spaces is interior designer Bobby Berk, known for his role on Queer Eye. His debut book, Right at Home, offers a treasure trove of insights into designing functional and joyful spaces that enhance our well-being. It’s not just a coffee table book; it’s a practical guide for anyone looking to create a calming and productive environment in today’s fast-paced world.
Among the various rooms in a home, the home office often becomes a hub of stress. However, Berk believes that with the right balance of aesthetics and comfort, these spaces can transform into havens of productivity. Here are some of his key insights into designing an effective home office.
In a world where many of us are working from home, it’s easy for the boundaries between work and leisure to blur. Berk warns that this lack of separation can wreak havoc on mental health. He suggests physically shutting off your workspace when you’re done for the day – close the door if you have a separate room, or simply shut your laptop and store it out of sight. Using room dividers or curtains can also help demarcate your workspace.
Berk is a strong advocate for productivity and believes that an organised workspace is key to achieving it. He suggests keeping all necessary items within reach and storing distracting elements out of sight. By eliminating obstacles and distractions, you can create a home office that truly aids your work.
With the rise of multi-tasking and multiple screens, it’s crucial to ensure your workspace isn’t cramped. Berk emphasises the importance of having enough space to spread out and accommodate desktop essentials such as pens, paper, and folders. Therefore, investing in a larger desk or the best sit stand desk could be a worthwhile decision.
Your chair is another critical component of your workspace. Berk highlights the importance of ergonomics, recommending a comfortable desk chair that provides proper back support, has armrests, and can be adjusted to align your sight line with your computer screen. An electric height adjustable standing desk could also contribute to better ergonomics and the health benefits of an electric stand up desk are well-documented.
Organisation is key in Berk’s own office, which boasts plenty of built-in storage. He suggests incorporating shelves, cabinets, or even a simple bookcase or file cabinet to ensure everything has a place.
Lastly, Berk advises against creating a sterile office environment. He recommends using warm colours to energise and invigorate the space, and incorporating artwork and objects with personal significance. Adding plants can also enhance focus. However, he cautions against anything visually overwhelming or cold. Ultimately, the aim is to create a space that feels good and supports productivity.
In summary, Bobby Berk’s tips for designing a home office emphasise the importance of creating a comfortable, organised and inspiring space. Whether you’re choosing the best standing desk or deciding on the colour scheme, remember that your workspace should be a place that supports your productivity and well-being.
