Home Office Design Tips – Part 1

Nowadays, it seems more people are working from home than not. When the pandemic hit, it forced people to work from home, and this was quite an adjustment for many. The dedicated office space at work was often traded in for a couch and portable desk or a corner of the bedroom. I can assure you, that is a recipe for failure when it comes to working from home.

Identify the Space

First and foremost, you must have a dedicated space, especially if other people are living in the house. This has to be an area where you can lay out your office, and all of its needs, as well as be assured that space is off-limits to everyone when you are working. It is work, after all, and you are not doing laundry, making dinner, watching the kids, or taking the dog for a walk when you are in the office, so that should not be the case here, either.

Once the space issues are settled, here are some design and organizational tips to consider…

The Desk and Chair

My experience has taught me that when you are working from home, do not skimp on the desk and chair. Because space is usually limited, get a desk that has enough of a work surface when you can have just about everything you need. My home office has a 6’ x 3’ desk with an electrical hookup for a printer in one of the cabinets. I have everything I need within arm’s reach.

As far as the chair goes, spend the money. You will be in the chair all day, so make sure you have something that will be comfortable and kind to your back.

Create a View

Whatever you do, try to avoid putting yourself in an area where all you can see are four walls. If your desk is facing a wall, it should be one with a window nearby so you can see outside. If a window is not an option, create a view with some artwork or a fish tank. You will be amazed at how much a “view” helps during the course of the workday.

Get Creative for Storage

As noted before, you are probably going to be challenged for space compared to a normal office setting unless you can actually dedicate an extra bedroom or den as the home office. That being the case, think vertical and horizontal for storage and office equipment.

Use a vertical inbox for the desk to keep your most important papers nearby. A small filing cabinet can also be used as a stand for a small shredder. If your desk is facing out, making use of the space behind your chair to install some shelving as additional storage.

So, that is about it for space, but we are going to continue this thread later with more ideas about aesthetics and organization.