In our previous blog, 5 Reasons Why Interior Office Designs Matters for Your Business, we discussed the importance of design in the workplace. Now we are going to discuss home office ideas you can use.
What if your workplace is in your home? Whether you work from home full time or just need a place to organize your papers and pay bills, you want a spot that will be practical as well as appealing.
No matter how much space you have to dedicate to your office, you want to make the most out of your workspace. These home office design ideas should help you start to think about what you want your office to include.
Working Full-Time from a Dedicated Home Office
If you work from home full time, you want an office that you can call your own whenever possible. Being able to shut the door (and shut out the world) may be necessary at times.
Here are some questions to answer:
1. Do you ever see clients in your home office?
Many accountants will likely answer yes to this question. If clients come to your home for business purposes, you want a dedicated, professional, yet comfortable space to receive them.
Will they need to be able to sit with access to your computer screen?
Is the area free from clutter and distractions?
The photo below shows a home office with comfortable chairs to accommodate clients. Warm, rich wood tones bring a professional feel, while photos add a personal touch on the credenza.
2. Is your space large enough to accommodate any office equipment you require, as well as for storage and supplies ?
Think about storage space for files, fax and copy machines, drafting table, and desk space (especially important if you need two large computer screens. There are also tables today that can go from a sitting to a standing position to help you get up from your seat while working. Ergonomics incorporated into the design can help your productivity and health.
3. How is the lighting in the room/space?
If there is not ample overhead lighting, what would you like? Some people prefer standing lamps while others want a small desk lamp.
4. Does someone else work in the office with you?
Home office ideas for two can help accommodate the needs of two people into one small space. Whether you need to separate desks or one long workspace with two seating areas, the design of your workplace will meet your business needs.
The most important aspect of the home office design layout for someone who does all his or her work from home is accommodating all your needs in one location. If you must keep running to another room or garage to access files, you may lose a lot of time out of your day.
In the photo below, you can see how the design for this spec house features ample storage space, both on shelves and inside closed cabinets.
Home office photos by HK Interiors
Home Office Design Ideas for Small Spaces
What happens when you do not have a dedicated room for your office?
This is when the help of your interior designer will make a significant difference in your life.
First, determining the best place to make into your dedicated space may require some out-of-the-box thinking. It might be as simple as rearranging your living room or family room furniture to carve out that unique location for your office.
Artwork may wind up hiding a fold-down desk, and shelving on the wall can hold important files. Designer styled boxes blend with the room décor but keep papers and supplies out of view.
If your dining room table doubles as your desk, a china cabinet can do double duty as a place to store your papers and supplies. Drawer organizers not only separate silverware, but they can also do wonders for your pens, paperclips, and other supplies.
You may even be amazed at how your interior designer can create astounding home office ideas on a budget. Transforming your workspace into your personal haven is not as difficult as you think.
How to Accommodate a Home Office and Guest Room All in One
Finally, you desperately need a dedicated home office, but you cannot sacrifice your guest room to accommodate that need. What can you do?
One of the modern home office ideas that allows you to have a professional dedicate workspace without giving up a comfortable sleeping area incorporates a pull-down Murphy Bed. The office in the photo below provides plenty of storage space along with a complete bed system that stores away when not in use.
Let HK Interiors help you design a home office that reflects your style and business needs. Call us today at 954-401-8542 for a consultation.