Even if you only work from home a few days a week, you owe yourself a beautiful working space! Not only will you be happier “coming to work” in the morning, you’ll appreciate the ease of leaving your work behind in a separate space at the end of the day.
Having a functional and pleasant space dedicated to a home office is undoubtedly good for your productivity. However, rental apartments in Ottawa don’t always have room to spare! Instead of working from your couch or kitchen counter, why not rent an apartment with a bonus den space?
Here's a look at the apartments with a den currently available to rent at The Junction in Barrhaven, Ottawa.
This 1 bedroom + den unit is perfect for working from home with a completely separate den area. The primary bedroom has a spacious walk-in closet and take a break from your computer on the beautiful private balcony off the living room.
This 2 bedroom apartment has a spacious den area off the entry, tucked way from the main living area. Enjoy privacy with this flooplan with the bedrooms located on opposite sides of the unit. Enjoy tons of natural light, stainless steel appliances and a private balcony.
Once you've found your perfect apartment with a den for working from home, it's time to decorate!
Pick your style
The beauty of having a home office is that you can make it your own. Whether you lean minimalist or love a more eclectic vibe, it’s all about creating a space that feels good to you.
For a calm and clutter-free atmosphere, stick to neutral furniture and layer in natural textures like wood, linen, or woven baskets.
Prefer something a bit more classic and luxurious? Think vintage-inspired pieces and dark-toned furniture to add personality.
Feeling creative? Mix and match global-inspired decor, bold patterns, and playful accessories for an artsy, vibrant space that fuels your imagination.
Whether it’s plants, collectibles, or framed prints, choose pieces that reflect your personality and bring you joy every time you sit down to work.
Start with your desk
In your home office, the desk will be the star of the show and the center of all the activity. So, pick a desk that will fit everything you like to have at your fingertips, with room to spare.
A budget-friendly tip that’s also good for the environment - look for secondhand furniture. Search Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace for desks and tables, or add a bit more personality by refinishing a thrifted vintage kitchen table!
Turn it around
A fun trick that transforms your home office from “stuck in a corner” into “executive style” is simply to turn it around. When you are sitting with your back to the wall and facing out, you can even add a visitors chair. It will make you feel like a boss and may also inspire some new career moves!
The perfect office chair
We’re sure you’ve experienced this before - having the wrong office chair just makes everything else feel wrong. Not to mention the aches and pains you’ll feel after spending hours sitting in it. That’s why, if you’re going to splurge on any part of your office setup, we recommend the chair.
Some employers offer reimbursement for an office chair or may even provide one for your home setup. If that’s not an option, be sure to check online reviews to find a chair that suits your height and weight for optimal comfort. You might also score a high-end brand like Herman Miller second hand at a great price by browsing online marketplaces.
Monitor, laptop, and other “work stuff”
Avoid neck strain and make sure you are comfortable with monitors and laptop screens at eye level. Use stacks of books for a budget-friendly way to prop up your laptop.
You’ll be able to save yourself plenty of frustration if you take the time at the beginning to control your cables. There are a variety of cable trays and holders that make it easy to find something to match your set up.
Finally, invest in a closed storage system, such as a filing cabinet or storage cabinet, to keep any papers or files off your desk. This will eliminate visual clutter and reduce stress and decision fatigue.
Lighting
With limited natural light and short days during winter, it’s important to light your office in a way that doesn’t strain your eyes - and also creates an inviting atmosphere.
For ambient lighting, we love a warm glow from a pair of desk lamps or edison bulbs. If you write or read on paper, though, make sure you also have some task lighting that will be bright enough.
Now for the personal touches
This is the fun part! Every object in your home office can be something special that inspires you or keeps you grounded.
Add sophistication and bonus storage with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Paint them to match your desired look - and even add interest by covering the back panel with peel-and-stick wallpaper. The bookshelves will store extra books, reference materials, and files, but don’t forget to personalize them by displaying treasured keepsakes, photos, and plants.
Can you have plants in a room without windows? Yes you can! Low light plants such as snake plants, ferns and ZZ plants, can live with very low natural light. You can also place larger plants on the floor by the entrance to the office, where they can catch more light from the rest of the apartment.
Now add art. A grouping of beautiful prints will do wonders for your mood as you enter your office. For a cost-effective solution, try print-at-home art from Etsy and frame it yourself using thrift store frames. Finally, add a mirror so you can check yourself out before that Zoom call!
Even though you’re not commuting, working remotely can come with its own stressors. Let your home office be a centering and inspiring environment where you can do your best work!
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