Since so many people have been working from home over the past year and a half, it’s no surprise that creative home office solutions have emerged. Between makeshift folding tables and kitchen countertops, it’s no wonder that bringing creative outdoor home office ideas to life is our favorite choice. After all, if you have the opportunity to work from anywhere, you might as well make the most of it. If you want to learn how to set up your own outdoor office to create an exceptional workspace at home, keep reading.
Start with a Shelter
Whether you’re planning to set up a temporary outdoor office that will later become a versatile outdoor lounge area, or you want to work there permanently, a logical starting point when setting up an office in the great outdoors is the structure. If you don’t already have a covered patio or porch, a good place to start is by providing at least some protection from the elements.
A pergola—an arched structure that provides shade or shelter—is ideal for an outdoor office because of its versatility and minimalist design.
In a temperate climate, a typical backyard can provide enough shade for an occasional Zoom meeting or writing emails outdoors. However, to create a true outdoor office space, you’ll need a few upgrades to ensure adequate protection from the sun and other elements.
A soft, retractable roof or a roof with slats can provide additional shade for comfort during long workdays, while adding side elements, such as sliding doors or side panels, will help prevent glare on your laptop screen. You may also want to consider glass walls or other types of cladding for additional climate control or protection against wind, insects, or precipitation.
Surfaces and Seating
You’ve probably already thought about creating an outdoor space under your pergola or deck, so it should be easy to envision an outdoor home office. A large dining table can serve as a spacious conference table, as long as you have a suitable chair to go with it.
Just make sure your outdoor office furniture is comfortable and ergonomic enough to use throughout a typical workday. Although a makeshift table and chair may suffice in the short term, over time your body will feel the effects of inefficient office furniture.
In addition to being weather-resistant year-round, an important factor is the height ratio between the desk and chair (to ensure the correct angle for your wrists when typing on a computer), as well as a seat that promotes proper posture and provides adequate back support.
(Remember that you’re in the comfort of your home office, so taking regular breaks to walk around the garden should be part of your outdoor office routine, helping you maintain comfort and health.)
Special Add-Ons
Your outdoor office plans won’t be complete without the finishing touches that turn a good outdoor office into the best outdoor office.
If the sun sets early where you live (or if you tend to work late into the evening), the right lighting can be an essential addition to ensure your outdoor office remains functional both in the early morning hours and late at night.
If you don’t live in a tropical climate, you may also need additional heat at certain times of the day or year to keep your office space cozy. Both built-in heating and portable heaters, which can be stored away during the off-season, are excellent options.
If the natural atmosphere isn’t inspiring enough, adding a sound system can help you easily set the mood for the day. Play classical music, nature sounds, or lo-fi beats to enhance concentration using the pergola’s built-in sound system. As you can see, there’s a wide range of accessories available for a personalized pergola or outdoor office.
This is no longer the office decor of yesteryear
A successful home office space requires a balance between coziness and the awareness that you’re at work with a specific goal in mind. Although you don’t need to head to the nearby dentist’s office to pick up their artwork or abstract origami sculptures, it’s good to create a few subtle reminders for yourself that you’re actually at work. At the same time, being able to set these things aside creates mental space so you can still enjoy a meal or a relaxing evening and weekend under your pergola.
Placing a small houseplant, using a specific coffee mug, or any little things you want to “brand” as part of your office is a great way to help create this mental and physical space. You might enjoy “fidget” toys or objects that are pleasing to look at—whatever works best for you.
As a visual cue with an added benefit—a unique scent that triggers a physiological work mode—lighting a specific candle while you work can be a helpful trick. Make sure it’s a distinct scent not used elsewhere, and you’ll enjoy an extra boost of concentration as you take a deep breath at your outdoor table.
Source:
https://renson.net/gd-gb/blog/how-to-turn-your-pergola-into-the-ultimate-outdoor-office