By Scott Hamblen
Remote work has been a possibility for some time, but not until the pandemic did work-from-home options become mainstream.
To be successful, remote workers need a quiet, functional workspace with a desk, comfortable chair, computer, webcam, high-speed Internet access, good lighting and sufficient storage. One additional factor often is overlooked – color. The walls of your home office can actually increase focus and productivity… if you choose the right colors.
First, let’s consider color choices to avoid. Strong reds, yellows, oranges and purples can overpower, overwhelm and overstimulate the senses. Stripes also can be distracting. Pure white can be a good choice, but if a room has ample natural light, there can be too much of a good thing.
A home office should help an individual focus on the task at hand – work. That means it must be clean and calming. It must put you in the right frame of mind for work and elevate your mood.
Below are five color- and paint-related points to consider for your home office:
- COLORFUL NEUTRALS: Many home interiors are painted in neutral tones like beige, tan or light grey. For a home office, neutral colors can be a little warmer. Light blue, blue-green or a soft yellow complement a room’s décor, but don’t distract.
- ACCENT WALL: The days of having all four walls painted in a single color are numbered. Accent walls offer a trendy way to elevate a room’s ambiance without overdoing it. Angle your webcam to show both the primary wall color and the accent wall, and your Zoom screen will stand out from the rest.
- SOFT SHEEN: To avoid reflections, select a matte finish. This will reduce glare from sunlight and envelope you with a smooth, even color. Many desks, lamps and office accessories have glossy finishes, so a matte finish on walls helps provide contrast.
- WHITEBOARD WALL: Miss your whiteboard at the office? Dry erase paint turns any wall into a whiteboard to sketch out new plans and bright ideas. Dry erase markers can easily be wiped clean at the end of the workday.
- TEST RUN: DIYers traditionally purchase a sample-sized can of test paint before committing to a new paint scheme. Technology has made it easier. Ace Hardware’s exclusive portal at ThePaintStudio.com/visualizer allows computer-users to get a free look at paint colors in a sample home. Digitally savvy DIYers also can upload images of their actual home and virtually paint entire walls with the touch of a button.
Choosing a paint color is an important decision, so it’s always best to get a second opinion before moving forward with a project that will transform your home office. Consult with a paint professional to ensure you’re choosing the right color for the right project.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Hamblen is chief merchandising officer for Sunshine Ace Hardware, a locally owned company with nine locations in Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Pinellas counties, as well as two Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware stores in Manatee County.
