Do you dream of a dedicated space to tackle work tasks without distractions? Perhaps your child yearns for a quiet corner to focus on homework. Creating a functional and inspiring home office has become increasingly essential for today's ever-evolving work landscape. But where do you begin, especially if space is limited or your budget has limitations?
Determine How You Will Use the Space
Before deciding on a direction for your home office, make sure to fully flesh out its main purpose. Once you’ve developed an understanding of how you’ll use the space, you can start making decisions on what it will look like and how it will be built.
Consider:
- Will this be a primary workspace?
- If so, is it for a business/organization or personal projects?
- How many hours a week will you spend in the space?
- When will you work in the space (day/night and weekday/weekend)?
- Will you be the only one using the space?
Find a Space That Works
Not all home office spaces are created equal. For most homeowners, building a home office will be somewhere they spend a lot of time. The space should be set up for maximum productivity and comfort.
Some things to consider when choosing a space for a home office:
Size of the Space
The size of the space should be large enough to accommodate your desk, additional seating, and storage. Those who try to squeeze all of their home office needs into an extremely small space are usually not satisfied.
Location
Make sure it’s convenient. Your home office should be far enough away from the busy area of your home so you can work in peace and be productive but close enough that you can start a load of laundry if you need to.
Shape
We’ve worked with many homeowners who’ve tried to fit a home office into a large closet. This doesn’t always work! Make sure the space you’ve chosen can be configured so that you’ll feel comfortable and productive.
Home Office Addition
Consider a home office addition. Whether completed as part of a larger home addition and remodeling project or as a stand-alone project, a home office addition can give you the space and ability to customize it as you want. This includes the shape, size, and materials used within the space.
It's important to work with a design-build company with extensive experience building home additions to ensure they feel like they’ve always been a part of your home and are seamlessly integrated to fit your space and your life.
Learn more about how we can help you build the home office of your dreams.
A Layout Focused on Focus
Chances are, you want your office to be productive. To do this, we recommend a layout designed around a central desk. Make sure there is enough space for your desk to sit comfortably so you don’t feel cramped.
Get the Storage Right
Is there anything harder than being productive when there’s a mess in your workspace? Proper storage in your home office will lead to higher productivity, a better-looking space, and a clearer mind.
When you have the right amount and type of storage to suit your needs, you won’t just have things lying around. These don’t have to be large storage units, either! A simple basket to hold your mail or file holder for important documents can do wonders for your organization—and your sanity!
Built-in Storage
Built-ins are a great option for larger storage solutions for your home office. They are built directly into your home and reflect your exact storage needs and style direction. They can also be built into spaces you normally can’t find furniture to fit into.
Some great built-in storage options for home offices include:
- Shelves
- Cabinets
- Cubbies
- Benches with storage underneath
Invest in the desk!
Your desk is an item to splurge on. It should not only functionally meet your needs but also reflect your personal style and inspire your work.
Different options work great for different individuals and types of workers. Do you just need a place to plop your laptop and legal pad? A simple desk with no additional storage is perfect. Are you looking for a place for a couple of monitors, multiple file cabinets, and a printer? A more elaborate desk with compartments will more likely fit your bill.
Most importantly, choose the one you connect with that will fit your workflow.
Windows — And Not Just for Natural Light
We all know the benefits of natural light. Not only does it make you happier and your room looks more visually stunning, but it can also make you more physically healthy.
Another advantage of large windows and natural light is an important one when you’re trying to get work done — a view! Just make sure you don’t position your desk so that bright sunlight will be putting glare on your computer screen.
Choose A Style that Inspires
Good work will follow when you work in a place that reflects you. The style and interior design of your home office should inspire great work. Some inspiring style ideas we love include:
- Artwork
- House plants
- Collectibles
- Photographs of loved ones
- Rugs
- Funky lamps
The world is your oyster when it comes to decorating your home office. Remember, this is a place for you. Your style should be front and center.
Patrick A. Finn can help you design your very own dream office
At Patrick A. Finn, we know a thing or two about designing home offices. Our design-build remodelers can help you improve an existing space or complete a home addition to create the perfect home office. Contact us today to get started!
