With the current obligation to stay at home in Italy and the majority of the population also working from home, video calls from work or friends have become an essential professional and social tool. Along with the classic advice from psychologists on maintaining work routines at home, such as not wearing pyjamas to work, or finding a space in the house to set up as an office, some additional tips should be added that deal with the appearance of the home during video calls.
Maintaining an appropriate background can improve your character and mood, whether you have a business call or a meeting with friends. There are some basic rules when receiving a video call: shallow depth of field and simple decoration, natural light and no more than three colours.
Take advantage of bookcases
Effect assured, shelves full of books naturally fit into a discreet background but with a strong visual impact. Stack volumes neatly or inclined to create different geometric forms and simply follow your character.
Choose the best wall
For work calls or video calls, choose a wall that is not white as a background. The ideal would be a brightly coloured surface or a wall adorned with pictures or hanging fabrics, all things that contribute to a cosy and stylish atmosphere.
Arrange plants strategically
A touch of green in the house makes all the difference. Choose the indoor plants you like best and position them so that they can enhance the background behind you while you're on video chat.
Call from your garden
A pleasant surprise is to see someone calling from an outdoor space. Make the most of your private balcony or garden if you are lucky enough to have one. Consider it a gift, a virtual breath of fresh air even for those who are connected and enclosed within four walls like most of us.
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