WFH Never Looked So Good
Approximately 22.5 million people in the US work from home these days. In our local community, about a quarter of the Austin workforce is remote. Home offices used to be a extraneous luxury reserved for the “one percenters” so to speak. But today, they are as common as a guest room, probably more-so, and in some homes, they’re one in the same. Whether your spaces are multi-functional or keeping it strictly business, creating a functional and stylish home office has become essential for productivity and comfort. A well-designed home office can boost efficiency while reflecting your personal style, but most importantly, helping you keep work “at the office.”
Start with a Plan: Define Your Home Office Needs
Before diving into the design, it’s crucial to define your home office needs. Consider how much space you have and what functions your office needs to serve. Do you operate on a laptop or full-sized PC with monitor? Do you need storage for paper files and supplies? A meeting area for meetings, or a nice backdrop for virtual conferences? Understanding your specific requirements will guide your choices in designing the right combination of cabinetry and shelving for your custom built-in home office.
Invest in Custom Cabinetry: Tailor-Made Functionality
Cabinetry plays a pivotal role in home office design, offering both storage and a streamlined appearance. Custom cabinetry allows you to tailor your office storage to your exact needs, whether it’s a filing system, a printer station, or a place to store office supplies out of sight. Opt for cabinetry that matches the overall aesthetic of your home, whether it’s sleek and modern, rustic, or traditional.
Built-in cabinets can also help you maximize space, especially in smaller offices. Consider incorporating upper cabinets to store items you don’t need on a daily basis, leaving your desk area free of clutter. You might also include drawers with dividers for organizing smaller items like stationery or tech accessories. By investing in custom cabinetry, you create a workspace that is both efficient and aligned with your personal style.
Incorporate Built-Ins: Seamlessly Integrate Storage and Style
Built-in bookcases are a smart choice for home offices, offering a seamless integration of storage and style. Built-in shelving units are perfect for displaying books, awards, or decorative items, adding personality to your workspace while keeping it organized. They can be tailored to fit your space, from wall-to-wall units to corner shelves that make use of every available inch.
A built-in desk is another excellent option for a polished, cohesive look. This not only saves space but also allows for a continuous design flow throughout the room. Built-in desks can be customized with storage solutions like drawers and cubbies, pull-out trays for printers, file drawers and more, ensuring that everything you need is within easy reach. If space allows, consider adding a built-in bench under a window, with storage inside, providing a spot to relax, take a phone call, or read a book, while keeping extra items neatly tucked away.
Add Personal Touches: Blend Functionality with Style
Once your cabinetry, built-ins, and storage solutions are in place, it’s time to add personal touches that make your home office inviting and inspiring. One beautiful way to customize your workspace is with a luxe accent desktop/countertop. With options ranging from butcher block for a rustic look, to a variety of natural stones like granite and quartzite, to luxurious leather, that horizontal surface is often the largest single space in your office – let it stand out. Additionally, be sure to choose a comfortable chair that supports good posture, and consider adding a rug to define the space and add warmth. Decorative elements like artwork, plants, and personal mementos can make the space feel more like your own, while still maintaining a professional atmosphere.
Lighting is another crucial aspect of home office design. Ensure your workspace is well-lit with a combination of natural light, overhead lighting, and task lighting. Lighted book cases, or undermount worklights in a hutch provide very utilitarian, yet low-profile illumination. A stylish desk lamp not only provides functional light but also adds to the overall design aesthetic.
Gone are the days where the “home office” is just Dad’s clubby study. In today’s mobile workforce, having a functional workspace at home, that blends in with the rest of the décor and aesthetic in your home, is essential to maintaining work-life balance, keeping your home – and life – organized, efficient, and peacefully productive. Who doesn’t want that?!