Over the last few years, there has been a surge of people working remotely, most often from their home. While COVID had a significant impact on this trend, the ability to create a place in your home from which to work has become an essential component for most homeowners.
If working from home is becoming a long-term part of your life, a dedicated space becomes crucial, as it will help keep you organized and allows you to begin each day with a positive outlook. It also enables you to preserve work-life balance, since you will be in a location apart from your home life when it’s time to work. This space may also serve the purpose of a quiet study area for school-age children completing homework or other school projects in the evening or on weekends.
Whether you’re considering an addition, refinishing a lower level, or renovating an existing space (such as the den, attic, or extra bedroom), a home office should be designed to meet your specific needs. Balsitis Contracting offers the following suggestions for creating a home office space that achieves your objectives, while also adding amenities.
To begin, it is suggested that at a minimum, a home office include the following:
- Plenty of natural light from windows, skylights, etc. as well as carefully placed light fixtures.
- A quality desk with necessary space for a computer and work area.
- An ergonomic chair.
- Built-in shelving, drawers, and extra storage.
- A meeting space for guests.
- Artwork, houseplants, photographs, diplomas, and other personal items.
- Whiteboard, calendar, and varied organization tools.
With these ideas in mind, here are some other options to consider when developing your home office space.
Custom Shelving
A great addition to a home office is custom shelving, as it enhances a room’s functionality. For example, if you have a large collection of books, a home office offers a great place to store them while also adding a decorative touch to the space.
Double Office
If your significant other also works from home, consider creating a space that can accommodate both of you. While a larger area will be needed to accommodate two of certain things (chairs, desks, light fixtures, etc.), you will also be able to share in many of the other amenities incorporated into the space, such as natural light, storage, and decorations.
Lounge Area
Creating an area in your office with a comfortable chair and end table offers flexibility when looking to take a break, make a call, or talk with someone who stops in.
Modular Storage
Sectional shelving, which allows for putting up and taking down shelving pieces that all fit together, offers flexibility, as you can modify your storage needs as work requirements change.
Refreshment Area
A location for preparing hot or cold beverages as well as including a small refrigerator to store snacks and beverages allows for being able to stay in the office, avoiding the distraction of going to the kitchen. Coordinate the location with easy access to electrical outlets.
Window Bench
Serving as a spot to relax while working in the sun or as a guest seating area, window benches provide a multi-purpose component to your space. Plus, if they open, they can be used for storage.
To create a home office space that meets all of your work from home needs, call Balsitis Contracting at 262-203-3952, e-mail info@balsitiscontracting.com, or complete our online form.