Although it’s said that geniuses such as Albert Einstein, Mark Twain and Mark Zuckerberg work under messy conditions, generally the more organised your workspace is the more productive you will be while in it.

When it comes to setting up shop under your own roof, it’s even more important that you organise your environment carefully to inspire happiness and productivity.

Here are five tips for putting together a top-notch home office.

1. Take the time to find the right desk and chair.

You’ll be spending lots of time at your desk and in your seat, so it’s a good idea to look for one that suits you and the work that you’ll be doing. Choose a chair that is comfortable and does not strain your back – if you can, you might want to splurge on an ergonomic chair.

A  large desk that gives you enough space to place your laptop and any other necessary materials is always a good idea. As more people are becoming aware of the risks of sitting down for hours on end, standing desks are becoming more popular, too. In fact, research shows that standing while you work lowers your risk of weight gain and heart disease.

2. Embrace a storage system.

Consider choosing a mix of storage units to help you for different purposes. These could be filing cabinets, stackable boxes, magazine-style racks, paper trays and small drawers. It’s also a good idea to place storage near your desk so it’s easy to reach throughout the day.

3. Get the right lighting.

Ideally, the perfect lighting for your home office will be bright enough to keep you alert and on-the-ball, but not fluorescent and overbearing.

If there’s a window in your office, use the natural light to your advantage. If that’s not possible, a desk lamp or a wall-mounted light is always an option. Just ensure that overhead lighting is not placed above your screen and don’t put your screen directly in front of a light source, as it will cause eye strain.

4. Bring happiness to your office.

To combat boredom and encourage creativity and happiness, personalise your home office with artwork, family photos in stylish frames or decorative items such as fresh flowers or bookends. Indoor plants are also a great way to breathe some life into your space. However, don’t overdo it – there’s a fine line between decorating and cluttering.

Stationery items can be stylish as well as functional. Why not consider colour co-ordinating them to match your space?

5. Choose colours to inspire.

When choosing colours for your home office, consider how different shades can impact your work. Vibrant colours like red might be distracting, while lighter, neutral colours such as cream, lemon and pastel blue are more soothing and relaxing.