Working from home is now more common than it ever has been before. Whether you’re completely self-employed or working remotely, having a home office offers immense benefits. There’s no commute to work, and you can still get work done if you need to stay home sick or with kids. Adding an office to your home is not always as simple as just putting a desk and chair in a room though. Here are some important things to consider when designing your home office.
Where to Place Your Home Office
First, you need to find a space to create your new home office. The ideal situation would be to have a dedicated room for your office, but this isn’t always possible if your rooms are already taken up by family members. If you’re working with a smaller space than a bedroom, you’ll need to be strategic with your design choices. Choices like multi-functional furniture, such as a desk/shelf combo, can be a great way to fit a small office area into less space. Corner desks are another great option for taking advantage of unused corners.
The other consideration is your lighting. Sitting in the dark can drain your energy, but good lighting makes it easier to stay focused and productive! Positioning your office to be in an area with lots of natural light is good, but you may not have that luxury. You can always use artificial lighting options, such as a desk lamp or overhead light, but we always recommend going with white LED lights. Make sure that the lighting is not too harsh or too dim, as this can affect your productivity and mood.
Plan Enough Storage for Everything
Storage is another important factor to consider when designing a home office. You’ll need to have enough space to store your paperwork, office supplies, and any other materials you need for your work. You don’t want to be constantly searching through your kitchen drawers for your supplies, do you? Consider storage solutions such as shelving units or filing cabinets to keep your office organized and clutter-free. Many desk/shelf combo units have everything your office needs in one unit!
Invest in a Quality Office Chair
Since you may be spending long periods sitting at your home office, a good comfortable chair is very important for your long-term health. Invest in a quality office chair that provides good support for your back and neck. A standing desk is even better, as sitting for long periods can be detrimental to your health. Make sure that your desk is at the right height for your body, and that your computer monitor is at eye level to prevent eye strain.
Don’t Forget the Personal Touches!
Finally, don’t forget to personalize your home office to make it a space that inspires you. Hang up artwork or photos that motivate you or make you happy. Use colors that you love or that help you feel calm and focused. You may even want to add plants or other natural elements to help improve the air quality in your space and boost your mood.
In Conclusion
Designing a home office is not just about function, it’s also about creating a space that inspires productivity and creativity. If you’re unsure how you would plan an office addition to your home, visit our showroom and discuss your project with our designers. We have lots of experience designing home spaces, and can help you reimagine your home in ways you may have never imagined!