DESIGN NOTES
Because so many people work remotely at least a portion of the time, having a home office is considered an essential component. Designated office space provides you with an area to reach your deadlines with minimal distractions and noise. In this blog post, we will discuss several factors in creating the perfect home office design.
How to design a home office
A good plan is the starting point for every renovation and transformation because it provides a guide to what is needed and how to connect each element. Review the tasks that must be accomplished in this office space and the steps required to complete them. Will you have many Zoom meetings? Consider a location with sufficient lighting and minimal distractions. Having ample desk space can be an important design feature because you may need to spread out multiple papers and devices. One other point to keep in mind is location, as this can impact your productivity. Select a place with minimal distractions, both visual and audible.
How to decorate a home office
Decorating a home office should complement the design and can also influence the ability to focus and function. Color, pattern, and natural light are among the vital elements of a good home office design. Earth tones such as greens, blues, and whites aid in productivity so make them your starting point. Plants are beneficial because they purify the air and provide a quiet environment. Increasing the amount of natural light in your working area is vital since it can boost energy levels, which aid in creativity and energy. When it comes to accent pieces, select things that you love such as a favorite painting or family vacation photo. Your home office is meant to be a place where you can be productive but it should also be personalized.
Home office ideas for small spaces
Sometimes there is limited space that can be transformed into an office, but that does not mean it is impossible. In such cases, it is important to prioritize your top needs and requirements to achieve your daily tasks. Select a desk that focuses on the workspace instead of decorative details since they can take up unnecessary space. Some designers recommend using transparent desks or chairs to create the illusion of more space. If possible, utilize wall space either with built-ins, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, or shelves. Each will provide you with storage and a place to put family photos.
Home office must-haves
There are just some things that are indispensable to working from home. Since many of us use our phones and laptops on a regular basis, having a charging station is essential, but it does not have to be super obvious. There are multiple ways to tuck them away out of sight when not in use. A comfortable chair is another item on the list since we will be sitting a lot unless you opt for a standing desk. A filing cabinet is a key player for those who work on multiple projects at the same time. An organizer for your writing supplies is another good option, just in case you need to jot down a quick note during a meeting or phone call. Putting a few thoughtful accessories in your office will help save time and keep things running smoothly.
Home office nook design
Ideally, it would be nice to have a complete room set aside for a home office but sometimes the limited square footage available makes it impossible. There is, however, a way to carve out a little nook that can be transformed into the perfect little office. Under the stairs, an old closet, or a place near the kitchen can all be great locations for simple office needs. The emphasis will be on keeping the essentials such as a place to put your laptop and a few paper supplies. Having a little office nook is perfect for doing homework or taking care of bills.
Home office storage ideas
An organized office is a productive office, so be sure to take time to inventory all of the things necessary to accomplish all of your tasks. Creating a specific place to store them makes it easier to keep track of it all, plus know if anything is running low. A desk with drawer space is ideal since you can store the items you use on a regular basis within reach. Decorative bins on shelves and cabinets are the perfect storage units for paper products and files.
Home office with two desks
Traditionally, home offices are built with one person in mind but sometimes there is a need to share. When designing for two, start with the desks and position them where it will be most effective and productive for each person. Some may want them side by side or on opposite ends of the room. Adding personalized storage areas is also a good idea so that each will know exactly where their items are and there is no mix-up.
Home office organization hacks
Clutter is a friend to no one especially in areas like the home office since it is a place of production. Limit clutter by immediately throwing out things you don’t need like junk mail or an old form once you are done. Keep drawers organized with trays or miniature bins that store push pins and paper clips. Create stations for printing by keeping extra reams of paper and ink in one drawer or cabinet. Having a system in place will help you stay on top of your stuff and keep clutter away.
Lighting for home office
Lighting is critical when designing a home office because of the amount of time we will spend there and the tasks we are working on. Because we stare at a screen for large amounts of time, consider where the natural light will pour into the office and the placement of your other lighting sources. If not thought through, a glare can happen, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to work. This is also important to remember if you participate in multiple Zoom meetings. Opting for various light fixtures such as table and floor lamps paired with ceiling lights will help eliminate shadows and can reduce eye strain.
Home office floor plan ideas
The layout of the home office matters. Begin by evaluating the space, what needs to go into the room, and where is the placement of the window. The answers will determine where the placement of the main furniture goes such as desks, chairs, and any built-ins or cabinets. Make sure that you can easily get in and around your desk since this is the main piece of furniture that will be used. If you want to use the wall for storage with cabinets or other options, be sure to place it away from the door so there will be no blockage.
Designing a home office
A home office is the perfect solution to upping your production levels and keeping those creative juices flowing. Crafting a space that is tailored to your specific needs will make “going” to work more enjoyable and provide you with a space with limited distractions.
Check out this blog by Grid + Glam for Home Office Inspiration!
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Walker Woodworking