1. Select the Right Space
This really depends on the nature of your work, the household traffic flow, and your personal productivity meter. If you need focus, dedicating an entire room or erecting walls or dividers in a multi-purpose room delineates “work” from “home” space so you are not tempted or distracted by household chores, ensures privacy, and reduces background noise. When you have no choice but to place your workstation in a high traffic area like the kitchen, tuck it far away from entrances and convergent zones. This way, you won’t get caught in the middle of family activity.
2. Design for Comfort
Spending eight hours a day in a cramped space will likely affect your productivity. If you must save on precious square footage, let it be for your desk. You should be able to comfortably move from side to side, stretch your legs under the table, and stand up and sit back down. Invest in an ergonomic chair as well. An adjustable swiveling office chair can help prevent neck and back pain at the end of the day.
3. Make Space for Storage and Organization
Depending on the work you do, make space to store your paperwork, supplies, and reference materials. Shelves, filing cabinets, and baskets will allow you to maintain an uncluttered desk and even eliminate the need for a large one if space is limited. Space is always the biggest challenge while designing a home office. So, make sure you maximize usage of your walls by installing shelving and cabinetry. Reserve your desk for current, immediate, and urgent work.
4. Choose a Space with Natural Light
When you’re fortunate enough to include a home office in the floor plan of a custom designed and built home, situate it where the sun shines the longest within the day, usually south. Studies show that sunlight increases productivity because it raises the “feel-good” dopamine hormone. Also, natural light won’t cause eye strain and headaches like artificial light does and it cuts down on electricity consumption. If you’re planning to remodel your existing residence to accommodate a home office or if you decide on a home addition, be sure to take into account lighting and ventilation.
5. Look Behind You
Video calls are commonplace nowadays, remember that when situating your desk. You don’t want colleagues and clients seeing family members roaming in the background or a messy kitchen countertop, so align yourself so that a well decorated wall or organized shelving is behind you. Also, consider lighting – both natural and artificial – so you are well lit and not back-lit.
LBK Can Help You Design and Build a Professional and Functional Home Office
If you are going to spend a good chunk of your day in your home office, you need to make sure it is Professional, Functional, and Comfortable. To guarantee that it does, hire a design-build contractor like LBK. We have an impressive portfolio of previous clients who can vouch for our performance.
To learn more, schedule a consultation with Nick to discuss your home office needs and how our simple remodeling process can help you get it!
Let’s Talk About Your Ideas - Schedule A Consultation
Tired of your outdated and disorganized home? Schedule a consultation with Nick to discuss your remodeling ideas and how our simple remodeling process can give you a home you love!