For many millennials, working from home has become the new norm. The days of going into an office are a thing of the past, and if you do still go into the office, it may just be for a few days out of the week. As a result, there is an ever-increasing focus on creating home workspaces that improve productivity and spark creativity and inspiration. Whether you’re struggling with the distractions of home life or looking for ways to enhance your work output, the ancient art of Feng Shui might hold the answers.

Office furniture expert Tyler Austin, Product and Business Development Manager at BuyDirectOnline, and Feng Shui specialist Inbaal Honigman offer insightful tips on optimizing your home office layout to boost daily productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Face your workspace toward the east.

In Feng Shui, the east direction is associated with luck and prosperity. Positioning your desk facing east can tap into this positive energy, optimizing your workspace for success and efficiency.

Inbaal suggests homeowners face their desk or workstation angled towards the door but avoid placing it directly in front of the door. This position, known as the ‘command’ position, gives the desk and person a position of power and is great for business interactions and professional growth.

Add color to your workspace.

Incorporate fiery colors like red and orange into your workstation to boost motivation and creativity. Red ignites passion and success and is ideal for meeting tight deadlines. Orange enhances creativity.

If you’re looking to improve mental clarity, airy colors such as shades of beige, light blues, whites, and gentle pinks are ideal. These hues are great for those who have jobs that involve writing and communication. To spark ideation and problem-solving, paint your walls green.

Avoid cactus plants and placing mirrors on your desk.

In Feng Shui, mirrors direct energy in the right direction. However, if they’re not placed intentionally, they can direct energy in a weird direction. To avoid this, do not place mirrored items on your desk.

Inbaal shares that desk plants are great additions to your workspace, especially when placed on the far left area of the desk, known as the ‘wealth corner.’ Avoid placing a cactus on your desk, as it can disrupt the flow of chi. Instead, bamboo is a great option, as it brings prosperity.

Avoid clutter and negative energy.

Keep your workspace free of clutter. Avoid placing your desk facing a corner or with your back to the door, as this can make you feel unprotected and disrupt energy flow. Also, avoid having electronics in your bedroom, as it can disrupt restful energy.

Organize for efficiency.

Maintaining a neat desk is crucial for productivity. Implement a ‘touch once’ strategy to handle paperwork efficiently—deal with items like bills immediately to keep your space clear and your mind focused. Use organizers to keep essential office tools within reach.

Optimize your entire environment.

A practical workspace is just the beginning. As Inbaal points out, optimizing your entire home environment is vital to truly productive remote work. Start your day as if you are heading into an office: take time to wake up properly, dress for work, and tidy your space to clear your mind before you start your day.

“Don’t just roll out of bed and plonk into your workstation. Leave enough time to wake up gently, inhale and exhale deeply, shower, and get dressed as if you are going ‘into work,’” says Inbaal.

Austin adds that the right furniture and equipment are vital for supporting your body during long hours of work, emphasizing the importance of ergonomics for long-term health and productivity.