Source: Times Property (https://bit.ly/3kRTonf)

With hybrid work now becoming the norm, the makeshift workspace that we created last year is certainly not working anymore. Follow these design hacks to create a visually appealing yet ergonomic workspace at home

An extra room in the home to function as a home office is fast becoming a unique selling point for homes worldwide. You would find several listings highlighting that the house has an extra room or space to double up as a home office. While this trend is still to come to India, you can create a space for yourself by finding a nook or by creating one by investing in a folding screen/divider. You can also utilise a bookshelf to create a partition in the room. But once you have your space charted out, here’s how to make it more professional and work-appropriate.

Proper lighting
This not only uplifts your mood, but also makes your workspace look professional during video calls. When picking a spot for a work set-up, choose an area that has ample natural light; however, ensure that you are sitting facing the light and do not have your back towards the light. “In case your home-office setup lacks natural daylight, bring home table lamps or floor lamps that can be placed in front of you. Avoid hanging lights exactly above your head; they create shadows on your face,” says Saloni Khosla, head, spatial design, Pepperfry.

“A desk lamp next to the computer will be a good addition, to play with the brightness for different types of meetings. For e.g., you can have a brighter light setting for more serious meetings and a dim light setting for more casual meetings,” says Erik Jan Middelhoven, home furnishing and retail design manager, Ikea India.

Wallpaper wonder
While you can opt for virtual backgrounds, an actual backdrop makes a better impact. “Wallpapers with bright and bold patterns might serve as a distraction for others on the call. Pick a room with plain walls and hang empty wall-frames with peppy colours to add some exuberance to the room,” opines Khosla.

Green aesthetics
Place some flowers in the frame to add a touch of colour and freshness. “A nicely styled bookshelf would also do the trick. Neutral colour tones help the place look more prominent and they keep the focus of the conversation on you while creating an eye-catching frame,” says Devika Khosla, creative director, The Works Interiors.

Ergonomic furniture
“Place your camera for the video call at an appropriate height — ideally, six inches above the desk height. The height should be adjusted so that your face is in the centre of the frame,” adds Devika Khosla. An ergonomic chair that can be adjusted as per preferences and offers excellent lumbar support should do the trick. In addition, invest in a desk with adequate storage for all paperwork and stationery.