HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE
One of the more recent additions to the ideal property ticklist is a home office. Many more of us are working remotely and we desire a dedicated space to set up and crack on with minimal disruption. However, few of us have an empty room, therefore, part of my role as an interior designer is to identify and equip suitable work areas. Here are my tips on how to create the perfect home office.
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Finding a Work from Home Space
When I launched my interior design business, it was from the kitchen table. I progressed to a desk in my son’s room when he headed off to university. Then, when my daughter moved out, I converted her room into my perfect home office.
I am one of the 22.6 million people* who work from home exclusively or as part of a hybrid arrangement. That equates to about 41% of the UK adult population, so it is no wonder that people are seeking properties with a home office.
Technological advances have made it easier to work from home, yet most houses were built before remote working was a thing. As a result, we need to think creatively when planning a home office space. However, whether you are working from a cupboard under the stairs, a nook in the hallway, the corner of a larger room, the guest room or a building in the garden, there are some essential considerations.
Priorities for Home Office Design
Connectivity - I’ve yet to come across someone who doesn’t require access to a power supply and a reliable WIFI connection to work. So, a good starting point is to seek out where these essentials are available in your home.
Space - Of the potential spaces, which offers room for a flat and stable surface for a laptop, computer monitor and screen or other equipment? Fortunately, there are desks of all shapes and sizes to help you optimise space. In a tight nook, a clever piece of joinery can deliver a surface tailored to provide working space and above-desk storage.
In many homes, a home office is not a dedicated space. You might be working in the kitchen or a bedroom. In these situations, flexible solutions are key. Some options include foldable desks that can be tidied away or used for other activities when your work day has finished. Equally, you can use wall paint to identify the work zone within a room. An example of this is shown in this Dulux WFH article.
Light - Natural light is ideal for working, yet, you want to avoid the light being directed at screens. If you can find a space near a window, it is ideal. However, if this isn’t an option, make room for desk lamps and other lighting features that illuminate the space. Try John Lewis or Lampsy for some excellent quality task lighting.
Comfort - Comfort is a priority in any workspace, as you are likely to spend considerable time there. Comfort encompasses temperature control, items in easy reach to avoid extended reaching, and an ergonomic, supportive chair. If you are converting a garage or constructing a garden building as your new office, ensure it is well-insulated!
Storage - Files, stationery, books and spare ink cartridges are just a few of the items that you need to store when working from home. You don’t want paperwork getting muddled up with home administration or memory sticks being used for a school homework project. Therefore, you need a dedicated storage space. This could take the form of free-standing drawers, shelving or a lockable box, but it needs to be factored into your home office design.
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A Desirable Place to Work
So far, we’ve considered the practicalities, but aesthetics are important in creating a desirable place to work. Bland offices of white and grey can feel clinical and boring, so what are the alternatives?
Paint Colours for a Home Office
When working from home, the colour choice is yours. However, there are reasons why certain palettes are selected for walls and fittings in workspaces, for example:
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Natural shades of green are calming and gently stimulating
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Warm yellow sparks positive thinking and aids memory
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Blue promotes cognition and productivity
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Muted pinks drive creativity
You may love deep dark tones or vibrantly bright colours, but my recommendation is to use these as accent colours rather than the dominating shade, as they can become overpowering.
Home Workspace Personalisation
Why not liven up your home office with items that inspire you? How about an image of what you are working for, such as your family or a dream holiday? Or, is there a meaningful quote to hang on the wall or pin to your corkboard? You may have a vision board or a couple of books that you need at hand. In my opinion, there are many benefits of adding houseplants to enhance your workspace, including improved air quality.
My Home Office
As mentioned, I had to be patient and adaptable, but I have now created my ideal home office. The layout meets my functional and aesthetic requirements and I can honestly say that I enjoy being motivated and productive in this space. After time at the kitchen table, I appreciate the lack of distractions and not having to completely clear things away at the end of every day.
Your Home Office
Can I help you create your perfect home office? If you are seeking fresh ideas or need someone to specify and source furniture and fittings, get in touch. As part of my residential services, I advise on ways to align your home with your lifestyle. We all spend considerable time at work, so let’s create a space that you enjoy working from.
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/1207746/coronavirus-working-location-trends-britain/
