HOMESTYLE

Design Recipes: How to create more work-life balance when work is home

By Cathy Hobbs
Tribune News Service

As home and work converge for many through the pandemic, you may be wondering how to separate the two. It’s hard to have the home feel like “the office” while attempting to maintain an environment that feels like home. Many need more of a life-work balance.

Here are some recommendations for creating an ideal blend of work and relaxation under the same roof.

1. Create a separate area for work. Ideally this should be a separate room, but if this isn’t possible, creating a separate and distinct work zone will help.

2. Take frequent breaks during the day. Once in the morning, around lunch and before the end of the day is ideal.

A separate office area is created in a windowless space.

3. Spend some time outdoors. Taking time for a breath of fresh air will help instill a sense of calm.

4. Infuse comforting colors. Pure white, neutrals and blues can help.

5. Incorporate greenery. Trees and plants can go a long way in helping a space feel modern, fresh and relaxing.

6. Try to incorporate other natural elements.

Greenery helps to instill a sense of calm in this bedroom space.

7. When possible, use natural sunlight or infuse as much light as possible into a space. Sunlight can help to calm the mind.

8. Consider incorporating scent or fragrance. A calming effect can come from soothing the senses.

9. Experiment with mirrors. Mirrors help to reflect light and can act like windows in a space.

10. Use wood and woodlike elements. This can help ground a space make it feel cozy.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.