According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about one in five or approximately one million Australians work from home, creating a need for a more efficient home office workspace. Because of this burgeoning activity, new homes are increasingly being designed and built with the task in mind, but for those of us with older properties it can be a different story, some people can dedicate a spare bedroom for an office, whilst others have to carve a workspace out of the living room or the bedroom. However, functionality and style should work together, not divide a room and make the office a separate, uninviting space.
Take Advantage of Windows
A window offers an ideal spot to place an office desk. The window brings light into the room, provides a view to the outside and helps to exercise the focal length of the eye thus relieving eye strain. A window also opens up an otherwise dreary, enclosed space and allows a connection with the outside. Fill the empty corner with tall custom cabinetry for office supplies and decor to complement the room or even above the window for that matter, you may consider a library ladder for those hard to get to arears. Match the office chair and the desk with the room’s existing furniture for a more cohesive look.
Pick a Corner, Any Corner
Choose a corner of the living room or the bedroom, and paint the wall a different colour to designate a new space. Place a small desk facing either wall, or install custom floating shelves above the desk for books, pictures or object d’art . Add a clock to the wall beside the chair, and place two clip lamps on the shelves for added light on the workspace. Try to match the desk with other furniture pieces, such as an armoire or end tables. Trestle tables are convenient for areas which may not be permanent or require a more casual ambience.
Transform a Bare Wall
Use the only bare wall in the home as a place to create an office space. Have custom shelves installed on the wall for office supplies, books and decor, and use a living room console table as the desk. Choose a stylish yet ergonomic chair to complement the rest of the room. Place a smaller end table with drawers next to the desk as extra storage space for paper and supplies. Magnetic notice boards are useful and for the younger members of the family you may choose to paint the area in chalkboard paints which come in a number of vibrant colours which will liven up the space and make it more fun – work spaces needn’t always be too serious or grown up.
Use Natural Dividers
Some homes have wall dividers that separate the kitchen from the dining room or the living room. Use this natural architectural detail as a place to put a desk and a filing cabinet for the office. Place whiteboards or corkboards on the wall above the desk to keep track of tasks. Install custom cabinetry above the boards for filing away papers and keeping extra office supplies on hand.
Turn a Nook into an Office
Take an average nook or even a walk-in closet, and install shelves and a work surface for undertaking computing and writing tasks. Custom shelves add a nice touch to the area and provide a place to set books, filing boxes, CDs and more. Separate the work area from the rest of the room with a curtain or the closet door. If the home doesn’t have a nook, apply these ideas to a linen closet or a laundry room.
Create order
Any custom cabinetry should provide adjustable storage spaces; adjustable shelves will accommodate larger books and magazines through to those smaller office items. Custom cabinetry can also provide the integration of hanging filing systems, printers, scanners and other componentry which may cause visual clutter, installation within a cupboard also keeps dust out of the electrical equipment. Providing designated areas for specific items hugely increases productivity. Spare a thought at the design stage for any necessary lighting requirements, particularly task lighting as a good designer can integrate this into the project.
In conclusion, a home office needs to provide an efficient place to work without sticking out like a sore thumb. Having a custom builder with interior design experience helps to create the ideal office that not only offers functionality but also blends in with the room’s aesthetic. A functional home office needs the right mix of storage while keeping a subtle visual feel. In addition, the office should inspire and provide a joyful place in which to work while still enjoying the coziness that the home provides. No matter if it’s the spare room or the corner of a living room, create a home office that is a pleasure to work in, allowing you to work smarter not harder.
