How to create a cosy house and feel warmer when working from home
BUY: Burnished Merino Wool Oversized Wool Blanket Scarf
The new work normal
With working from home and home schooling now the norm, most of us are spending more time indoors during daytime hours than ever before. Paired with the challenge of facing lockdown during the cold winter months, you might be wondering how you can create a cosy house and feel warmer when working from home. We’ve gathered tips from our team of seasoned home workers to bring you practical ideas to make your home warmer and more inviting, as we all do our bit by staying at home. Read on as we help you #findyourcosy while #WFH.
How we're staying cosy in our homes this lockdown
Name: Bethan
Role: Co-founder
WFH in: the living room
“When I became aware I’d been living in a triangle between my bed, desk and sofa for days, my lockdown routine had to change! I now plan small breaks into the day to stand, move and stretch to keep warm. I try to schedule meetings by phone rather than Zoom where possible so I can walk as I talk. I practice my Charleston dance steps while waiting for the kettle to boil and turn my favourite tunes up loud for a kitchen disco while I cook dinner. My body feels better and these small activities punctuate the day, so it feels less monotonous.”
WEARING: Burnished Merino Wool Oversized Wool Blanket Scarf
Name: Amanda
Role: Digital Marketing Manager
WFH in: The bedroom
“I live in a one bedroom flat and our living room doesn't get a lot of natural light which is why I work from my bedroom. Luckily our bedroom is big enough that we have the space to fit two desks. Living in a small flat, I find it important to make sure you create boundaries within your home. I’m online all day so by keeping those boundaries in mind, it allows me to enjoy my space and switch off once the work day is done. Also, invest in plants or something that brings you joy looking at when working!!"
Name: Joe
Role: Co-founder
WFH in: home office
"It’s important to invest in your home office equipment. At the start of the first lockdown I purchased a new monitor to link my laptop up to. Once you’ve switched, you’ll wonder how you ever worked squinting at that tiny laptop screen! Also, between lockdowns, our energy provider offered to fit a smart meter. I now feel more confident we’re not wasting energy by keeping the radiators on all day while working from home, as the central heating actually costs less to run than I’d thought. If you’re self-employed or working from home for your employer, you can also claim tax relief to help towards your energy bills.”
Name: Janine
Role: Digital Marketing and Social Media Intern
WFH in: The spare room
“When I realised I would no longer be able to go to the library to work, I decided that I had to change my workspace at home. I often used to sit on my bed doing work to keep warm after being at University all day, but decided that had to stop as this would not be a sustainable way to study. Now I make sure I get out of bed each day and work at my desk. Ensuring that I am cosy and comfortable at my desk is key. To make my room look warmer, I love using soft lighting in the room that I work. I also really like using a blanket to keep me warm, a laptop stand to ensure I am comfortable and getting a dog to curl up on my toes - which is of course, super cosy.”
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What do you do to make working from home that much cosier?