These days, a home office is the norm, not the exception. It’s not only entrepreneurs that need a work area at home. With the world shifting from a 9-5 mentality to a more flexible, individual perspective, many people are working from home. Even if your boss isn’t so progressive, it’s important to have a pleasing area to pay bills and take care of other personal business. When planning a home office addition or office renovation, your approach can make the difference between an inviting productivity powerhouse and a dismal, distracting productivity pit. Follow the tips below to optimize your home office design.
Measure and Sketch. Any successful home remodeling project begins with careful planning and extensive sketching, dreaming, imagining, and general mulling-over. Measure the space where your home office will go. Use graph paper to draw out the space. Then, cut out shapes to represent your desk, filing cabinets, and any other major features. That way, you can move around the various office elements until you find an arrangement that maximizes space and utility.
Design According to Use. The more you think about your needs, the more likely you’ll be to enjoy your home office design. Will your office double as a guest bedroom or a play room for your children? If so, think about how you can block off and protect your work, such as with a roll-down desk or an elegant screen. Will clients visit, requiring extra seating? Fold-up or roll-away seating that you can store in a closet is a space-saving option if so.
Technology Considerations. As you think about where to place your desk, printer, and other major pieces of technology, don’t forget to think about cords and electrical outlets. You’ll need to place your fax machine near a telephone jack. Same goes for any computer that requires USB connectivity. Be sure you have surge protectors so that you don’t lose any data in case of an electrical spike. Finally, a professional-looking office includes conduit material to hide any wiring.
Maintain Your Home’s Style. Home additions see the greatest return on investment when they match the look of the rest of the house, and home office additions are no exception. Future homebuyers will be less likely to buy if there’s a jarring difference between any room and the rest of the house. Strive for a seamless home office addition design, so that the average person can’t tell that the room was added onto the rest of the house.
Maximize Space. Many home offices feel cramped and cluttered, which limits productivity. As you design your home office, look for opportunities to double-up on space. For instance, you’ll probably need some cabinets to store supplies. Installing under-cabinet lighting can turn what was a dark, useless counter space into an inviting place to work.
Choose a Focal Point. A key concept in interior design is that there should be a special focus for every room. A fireplace, beautiful view, or stunning piece of artwork can take center stage in your office renovation. A focal point gives the eye a pleasing place to rest. Additionally, when you know what you want to highlight, it’s easy to choose accessories, colors, and furniture that accentuates that element.
By following these tips and taking the time to carefully plan your home office remodel or office addition, you can ensure that your personal work space is perfect for your needs. Like any other remodeling project, home office renovations shine when the owner prepares and plans well.
Photo: Louis Hall
