Floor plans with dedicated home office space are popular. Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Early in the pandemic, necessity led homeowners to switch to remote work and quickly create home office spaces that worked for the time being, but were often less than ideal in the long term.
Post-pandemic, the most popular room in the house is the home office. From location to color to décor, what's key to designing a stylish and productive work-from-home space?
Where is the best place for a home office?
Ideally, a house will have a room dedicated to a home office space, but homeowners should consider floor plans that could accommodate a home office, such as a flex room or extra bedroom.
“The perfect spot for a home office is a space where you can focus without distractions, whether that's a basement, a spare room, or even a study on the main floor,” says Bob Turner, vice president at Allen & Locks.
Consider whether your potential office space is close to family, and ideally “away from the busiest areas of the home to ensure privacy and comfort.” It's also important to ensure the room has plenty of natural light. Lofts and basements are both great locations for offices, says Erica Bell, marketing manager at Miller & Smith.
If your floor plan includes a study or office, it's best to have the room at the front of the home if possible. “That way you have easy access to the front door and windows, and you'll know when appointments or deliveries are arriving. A front office is ideal because it's close to the kitchen and powder rooms,” says Karen Bauger, marketing manager at Brookfield Residential.
Having an office in the front of the house usually allows for privacy without a physical partition, a desirable feature if you host outside clients in your home office.
Home office design strategies
“When designing a home office, homeowners should consider creating a space that's inviting enough that they'll look forward to working there every day,” Turner says.
Remember that your home office is where you'll be spending a lot of time, so create an atmosphere that will lift your spirits and encourage your productivity.
According to design consultants Suzanne Leopold and Kimberly Wylie of Drees Homes, “adequate lighting, doors to separate the space for privacy, acoustic insulation, a good view and a strong Wi-Fi connection are all essential” when designing a home office.
Working from home is convenient, but it can also be a hassle due to the noise, especially with the whole family performing their daily tasks within hearing distance, which is why doors are so important.
French doors are a good choice because they keep noise down but still let light in. Pocket doors are effective, unobtrusive, and offer easy privacy when needed.
home office decorating ideas
Storage and shelving are essential in any home office. Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Your home office design should have functionality and comfort at its core. Think about your workflow and daily tasks, and what design and décor elements will best support those efforts.
First, make sure you have a comfortable desk and chair that has ergonomic support and is appropriately sized for the space you have available. Desk placement is also important – ideally, a desk near or facing a window is best.
Built-in shelving and storage add functionality and visual interest, but be careful when using open shelving: Overloading shelves can make the space feel smaller and can be distracting, especially when used as a backdrop for virtual meetings.
Bauger advises using built-ins “subtly and with color-matching books, small framed photographs, plants, and storage baskets.”
Homeowners who are considering a bolder decorating choice, such as a dark color or rich accent wall, often decide to try it out in their home office first before settling on the rest of the house.
Feel free to experiment, but be aware that bolder decor choices may end up feeling less satisfying and less productive in the long run.
Remember, color has a psychological impact, so “it's best to stick to a warm color palette to maintain a calm, comfortable atmosphere,” says Bell.
But that doesn't mean you have to stick to greige or faded corporate hues in your office: embrace greens, corals, blues, and of course, classic white.
Decorate your walls with a variety of artwork that you love, that inspires you, or that helps you stay organized. “A wall board for documents and a calendar to keep everything visible can help you be more productive,” says Bell.
Use accents to add color and emphasize the homey feel of your home office: consider cozy throws and pillows, stylish bins, coordinated desk accessories, and a patterned rug.
Hang some subtle window treatments that will add to your decor. If you can close your windows at certain times of the day, this will help reduce glare while working at your computer. Combine a striking ceiling light fixture with table and floor lamps to add variety to your light sources.
If you're lucky enough to have space in your home office beyond just your desk and chair, create additional zones that add value to your day, like a coffee or beverage station, a yoga practice area, or comfortable lounge furniture for reading or answering emails away from your desk.
Creating a home office space when you don't have a dedicated room
For homeowners who don't have a defined home office space or who want to turn an existing room into a multipurpose space, creativity is the solution.
Hidden or foldable desks are convenient and can be placed anywhere you have free wall space. A closet large enough to accommodate a desk and chair can be used as a home office with the door closed when not in use. For extra storage, use a ladder desk or install a floating shelf on the wall above your desk. Take advantage of an alcove with a desk with shelves across the opening. If you are using your bedroom as a home office, replace the nightstand with a small desk and place it along the wall next to your bed. Another unused space that can be used as an office area is under the stairs. You may have room for a workspace under the stairs or against a wall. If your workspace is in an open-concept room, use paint, a rug, wall treatment, etc. to visually indicate that this is a separate task-oriented area within the space.
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