Designing an at-home office is an important part of many homes in 2018. As more people participate in distributed workforces, telecommute, are self-employment, freelance, and are building home businesses, there’s a growing popularity for offices becoming part of the house.
There are unique functional and design needs of the home office and business space can present a challenge. Besides just finding the right place in your house for it, you’ll also need enough space. How much space one office needs can vary based on use and preference.
Function and size
Will you have clients over? Will meetings be virtual or in person or in groups? Do you manufacture and ship things? What about storage? What all you intend to use your office for should dictate how much space you need and how you configure it.
For a larger setup, dedicated spare rooms and basements are a fantastic option. For a smaller set up, a multifunctional spare or guest room should do — especially if you never have guests.
But no matter how much room you need, remember that there is such a thing as too “multifunctional.” Limit who can go in there — especially children and pets. Try to avoid your home office turning into an office/playroom/guest room combination. This will detract from your ability to focus while doing your work.
Facilities
Having a bathroom near your work space is important, both for your work routine, and additionally if you plan on having clients or guests over. Consider consulting with an interior designer like Karin Ross Designs to optimize your bathroom decor. With little effort, you can create an elegant experience that will certainly impress anyone you do business with.
Furniture
There are some office basics you can’t avoid including. You’ll need an office chair, desk, and perhaps some extra furniture for visitors. You can, however, customize these necessities to your liking. Perhaps you want a standing desk, or maybe a lumbar supporting chair. Maybe you want to also have guest chairs and stools in case you need to have a meeting in your office or host clients.
When it comes to selecting a desk, there are many designs and functions to choose from. Be sure to pick an option that can handle all the computers, technology, and other supplies and equipment that you will need to do work.
When it comes to storage, it’s good to use your space in a smart way to maximize utility. Use drawers and cabinets to store paperwork and folders. If you need larger space for things like merchandise, look into a larger cabinetry and shelving.
Minimal knickknacks
Knickknacks are a great way to add personal character to a room. Whether you’ve collected things from your travels, or you’ve found amazing decorative pieces from an interior design store, these items can add fun flair to your room, and stylize it in a sharp way.
Additionally, consider the art you want to have in your office. Photos of family or special places can be a good thing to decorate with.
Hiding cords and powerstrips
For reasons we can probably all understands, cords and powerstrips can be the bane of every room — especially in an office space. They get in the way, look bad, and can even be a tripping nuisance. Use tape and dark but accessible corners to sequester your power sources. Organize the layout around outlets.
Home offices present their own design challenges and quirks, but they can be overcome with a little common sense and ingenuity. If you don’t have a good sense of design and space, be sure to reach out to a local interior designer to help you create a beautiful and functional space.