What to consider when adding an office space to your home
3 min read
Having an office inside your home was once known as a luxury, but now they are becoming an essential part of many homes in order to provide us the flexibility to work from home. Whether you are renovating an old space in your home to reimagine it as an office, or if you’re planning a completely new house with curved walls and exciting new features, It is important that when you start to plan your home office that you take a few things into consideration.
How do you create a space with a productive atmosphere?
You can start by thinking about what the purpose of your home office is going to be. If you are working from home on a daily basis then you may need to create a space that has dramatically different aesthetics and features from the rest of your home to help you clarify a different space and inspire focus. Alternatively, an office space that is partly for studying or homework, and is also a place for the desktop computer and phone lines then you may want to keep the decoration and interior style the same as the rest of your home. If you have an open plan scheme then it is best matched to the rest of the house, and you may just wish to install timber screens in order to separate the space.
Choose the spot that suits your working style.
Think about your working style and what type of work you do. If you need a lot of peace and quiet in order to work, then aim for plenty of privacy and potentially in a room where you can shut the door and be away from the rest of the house. You could consider a garden office, loft conversion or garage conversion for a private office alternative. If you run a small home business but still need to be keeping an eye on the kids, then you may need a space that is closer to the living room, cupboard workstation are ideal for this. The most important thing here is to think about where the home office is going to be located in order to suit your style of work and life.
Design your office with your tech needs to be integrated.
Bespoke units allow you to choose how many power points you need and where the cables are going. Remember you need power for things like computers, chargers, printers’ lamps, and music systems. If your desk is placed in the middle of the room then you need to think about safety here and where you are going to run the cords, so they aren’t a hazard. Get yourself a smartphone with a dual-purpose lamp that comes equipped with wireless charging for your phone. If you are working remotely at a call centre then you could consider a mini-fridge and kettle, so you don’t need to leave the room often.
Get rid of the clutter.
Clutter is distracting when it surrounds you. Make sure your office area is kept as tidy as possible. Important papers need to be kept somewhere that is easy to access but also kept private if they contain personal information. Look for some solutions in home office storage like shelving and filing cabinets or plastic containers to try and keep everything organised and tidy.
Get a notice board to help keep you organised.
Notice Boards can be a great way to see your achievements, goals, and deadlines all in the one spot. You’ll never miss your appointments when they are organised and pinned to a notice board. Make it part of your routine to check the noticeboard daily to ensure you know what that day holds.
Whatever your situation, whether you are building something completely new, or converting a space, try to keep these tips in mind. The most important thing is to achieve a space that you can be productive in and achieve your goals.
