Room by Room Design- The Office

The home office is taking on a whole new meaning. So many are now working  from home. A place were you can focus and be creative is key to a functional office. Of course a well-designed office is a plus. 
Here are five tips for getting a functional and aestically pleasing home office. 

The best way to start planning your office space in your home is determining what you need to efficiently do your work. Do you need more than one monitor, are you doing a lot of Zoom calls/videos, making private phone calls, etc. The answers to these questions will help you plan your space.

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​Tip #1: Planning
In design we always start with a plan. Once you know what you need to do your job, you can plan a space to accommodate those needs. If you need 2 monitors, you are going to need a large desk. If you need to do videos, it is best to design a backdrop that looks good online. (Not the virtual background! No hovering heads.) If you have younger kids, you may need to be able to close the door or maybe you need a space that can entertain them while you keep an eye on them.  Make a list of all the things you need to accommodate your work needs. 
Tip #2: Storage
You know the saying, ‘a place for everything and everything in its place.’ Your storage needs may change over time but starting organized is key to staying that way.  If you have paper files you may need a filing cabinet. There are plenty colorful and nice cabinets that are not the old metal heavy piece of furniture. How do you handle incoming mail or receipts? Obviously going digital with these items are the best, but what is your process to record these items.
Are you a ‘stacker’ or a ‘filer?’ You will need a tier tray or hanging file.
What items are you storing? I had a client that sold make up, so we used large vertical storage units that could hold plenty of product.  

Tip #3: Location
If you have a designated room in your home that is considered an office, that’s great (and I am very jealous;).  Most people have to repurpose a room to get that home office space. I know someone that built a she-shed to get her office space. A spare bedroom not in use is the best alternative.  If you don’t have a spare bedroom, it’s time to take over another room.  If your dining room is only used twice a year, then converting it to the office would be a better use of the space. One room that would be a last resort for a home office is where you sleep. If you are sharing it with someone else, especially not, but also, I can’t imagine staring at my desk from my bed, I would never be able to fall asleep.  
Tip #4: Layout
So, you have the items you need to do your job; large desk or small desk, backdrop for videos. Your storage needs; filing cabinets, vertical storage, or no storage. And where your office will be, its own room or the corner of a room. Now it is time to layout those items you need in the space you have. You may need to get creative and use furniture that has dual purposes. Like a filing cabinet with a tabletop.

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Tip #5: Design
Now that you have all the components of a functional office space, how do you keep it cohesive and aesthetically pleasing when purchasing all the items you need?
​Color and style. 
Choosing a color palette is the best way to keep your design cohesive. No more than 2-3 colors that coordinate well together, and that are calming. Style is a little harder to define. If you want vintage and unique, I would stay away from IKEA products. If you like modern and simple lines, IKEA would be a great fit. 
When you purchase items and furniture make sure it fits the style and chosen colors.
Neutral walls and colorful accents are how I suggest designing main living spaces. In smaller spaces like an office, I think going bold on the walls is a great way to add personality to a space.  A bold wallpaper would make a great backdrop, make sure you pick the wall opposite of a window for the best natural light. 
 
What above tip would be your hardest to implement? 
My hardest one is a place to have an office, right now it is in the corner of the living room and it is not working. Seriously considering a she-shed ;)

If  you need a professional to help you design your space, local or online, we have options for you to create the best design.
gather, transform, gain
​gina t graham