An article by our partners at Altitude Design Co.
As Summer winds down, we find ourselves in a “back to work” mindset. Kids are back in school and the long weekends come to an end as we focus on getting back to business. Maintaining concentration is essential for achieving your goals for kids + parents alike. This is where the concept of “Focus Spaces” comes into play – dedicated environments designed to optimize your concentration and productivity.
Understanding Focus Spaces
A Focus Space is more than just a physical location or dedicated home office; it’s a carefully curated environment that fosters concentration and creativity and minimizes distractions. This space can be a home office or even a specific corner of your home. What makes a Focus Space effective is its ability to align with your personal preferences and work style, allowing you to enter a state of flow more easily.
Designing Your Focus Space
Creating an effective Focus Space involves a blend of psychological, ergonomic, and organizational elements. Here’s how to design a Focus Space that enhances your productivity:
– Minimize Distractions: Remove clutter and put things away before you start work. For kids’ spaces, it is important to put toys away so they don’t get distracted . . . same goes for adults [hello Instagram and my new favorite book!]. Also remember that clutter can lead to mental clutter: keep your Focus Space organized with storage solutions that help you keep essential items within reach while maintaining a tidy environment.
– Personalize It: Your Focus Space should reflect your personality and work preferences. Using interchangeable art frames for kids’ art is a great way to personalize your kids’ Focus Spaces. I have used Wexel and Sank art frames. Both allow for a new piece to be quickly placed in front of the old for quick framing. I am a green thumb myself, so I like to surround my Focus Space with plants.
Adding greenery offers a healthy aspect – snake plants, rubber plants, ivy + spider plants are among the best for air purification
Personalize it!
this client is a geologist, so we included some natural minerals + gems in their decor
– Comfort is Key: Ergonomics play a significant role in maintaining focus. Invest in a comfortable chair, an appropriate desk, and proper lighting to ensure physical comfort throughout your work sessions. For kids’ Focus Spaces, be sure to use furniture that is scaled to their size + age.
– Technology Management: While technology is essential for most tasks, it can also be a major source of distraction. Keep only the tools you need for your task at hand within your Focus Space and mute notifications on devices that aren’t relevant. Bonus tip: control and minimize your cords with cord concealers to maintain a visually appealing Focus Space.
– Ambiance and Lighting: Natural light is a must in Focus Spaces: we know that natural light helps meltonin and serotonin production, it also helps stimulate creative thinking and boosts productivity. If natural light is not available, choose lighting that’s not too harsh or too dim.
Natural light helps boost melatonin + serotonin and also boosts productivity. One study by University of Illinois and SUNY showed participants scored 42% higher on cognitive tests & decision-making when compared to those not exposed to sunlight in their controlled environments
– Noise Control: Some people work best in silence, while others prefer background noise. Experiment with different levels of noise, and try to be mindful of others’ noise level preferences by playing your favorite
For younger kids, make sure to have enough storage for all their crafts in addition to study items – creativity is key to learning!
