As we come to the realization that we will be working from home for the foreseeable future, creating a functional, inspiring and productive home office has become a priority for most of us. Following the increased need of creating a work space in the home, we have been assigned a few home office design solutions for our clients. We wanted to round up our most requested items, our most frequently presented dilemmas and our solutions to each.
We've seen our clients struggling to make it work from home sprawled out on their dining table or taking meetings from the playroom floor in order to give their kids a proper learning environment in the house. If fortunate, the home offers a den or a study that we can carve out custom built-in solutions to create multiple work stations. We've also been able to help reconfigure the homes floor plan to add some flexibility to the current function in create ways that craft a home office option. Read on to see our most requested features and our tips to making a proper home office happen in your home.
MOST COMMON HOME OFFICE REQUESTS
Small but functional spaces: Our clients are often turning a small spare bedroom, or even a small closet into their home office space. The key is making that space the most functional it can be. With most work being done digitally, a desk's footprint doesn't need to be as large as it has in the past, but you'll still need ample storage.
Storage is non-negotiable: Even with most business functioning entirely online for people these days, it seems every home office needs ample storage. Carefully editing what you have in your home office is the first step. Then, creating clear, designated for storage is key. One of our favorite tricks-of-the-trade is to capitalize on vertical space. In our #RDHbungalowreno project, we ran custom bookcases all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage space. The same could be done in even the tiniest of offices.
Ergonomic solutions: Somehow "work from home" means earlier and earlier meeting times and longer hours. Long hours require ergonomic solutions, so we've been receiving many more requests for standing desks (or adjustable desks) and comfortable, yet beautiful chairs.
Great task lighting: One of the things we notice most quickly about clients' home office space is their lack of proper lighting. We find great lighting solutions that can provide efficiency throughout the day, in changing light and even changing forecasts. Additionally, we make sure to have at least three lighting sources in a home office, to allow flexibility dependent on the task or energy level needed.
Aesthetic appeal: Our clients want their home office to seamlessly blend into the rest of their home. We believe one of the most appealing benefits of working from home this year is the flexibility to make your workspace custom to your needs and tastes. A home office can have a much more luxe feeling than a standard corporate office, and we're excited to help our clients create that.
Privacy: With kids distance learning, multiple adults working from home, privacy has also been a key concern. We need to find a possible solution for a quiet place to take phone calls or Zoom meetings without disturbing (or distracting) the rest of the family.
Olga Kondratova
5 TIPS TO CREATE THE PERFECT HOME OFFICE:
Select a monochromatic color palette that can be applied throughout the space. It doesn't have to be neutral, but it shouldn't be distracting.
Create an organization system specific to your needs. Options from the Container Store or California Closets can be tailored to your exact space, maximizing space. Don't be afraid to use your vertical storage.
Bring in an area rug and proper rug pad to add texture, create a more cozy feel and help absorb sound.
Layer your lighting between three different sources: ceiling or can lights on a dimmer, task lighting as table lamps or floor lamps near a reading chair, plus a natural light source preferable to allow a restful ambiance
Don't sacrifice style for comfort, or comfort for style. Office furniture can be both stylish and ergonomic. Focus on chair height, firmness of seat, lumbar support, and arm rests for proper posture, but don't limit yourself to just a traditional desk chair.
ROUNDUP OF OUR FAVORITE OFFICE PIECES
Rosen Kelly Conway Architecture & Design
OUR FAVORITE OFFICE CHAIRS
OUR FAVORITE BOOKCASES
Athena Calderone
OUR FAVORITE DESKS
OUR FAVORITE SCHOOL SUPPLIES
