SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
Home Office Space Ideas
An uptick in self-employment and
flexible workplace settings are allowing
home offices to become one of the most-
used areas in the house. But dedicating an
entire room to an office may not always
be doable. Be creative when designing a
home office and look for underutilized
spaces. Clear out space in a finished attic
for a desk, chair and some added lighting.
Better yet, shut the door for some real
quiet time. No attic space? Dedicate a wall
in the basement as a workspace by adding
a small area rug under a desk to warm up
the room. Be sure to schedule laundry at
a different time to avoid distractions. If all
else fails, a niche in the family room can
be a dedicated space to get work done.
With the right accents and furniture, any
area can make the perfect home office.
• Less is more: It’s impossible to have a
clear mind with a cluttered workspace.
Keep home offices simple to avoid the
desire to keep unnecessary papers and
books piled on top of a desk. Create
a home for everything on your desk.
Set aside a space for writing utensils,
notebooks, and hardware that is neat
and tidy. A filing cabinet is best to
organize papers and store supplies.
• Multipurpose surfaces and
furniture: Finding multipurpose
furniture for small office spaces is
key for optimal use of space. Mobile
furniture makes packing up after a long
day of work a breeze. Use wall space as
storage, with desks that fold back into a
wall mount. Avoid purchasing furniture
that looks like it would be found in
an office. If you’re utilizing a room for
several different purposes, shop around
for furniture that complements the
look of the entire room.
Home trends are shaping up to add
comfort and value to homes. Focus
on accenting natural features both
inside and outside. Smart homes look
to be the future, but these innovative
technologies will bring a new dynamic
to homeownership, with challenges of
maintaining security being top of mind.
Find a balance in your home-decorating
style by adding features that bring out the
very best in you and your family. Whether
it’s a pop of color in your kitchen, or a
fantastic feature in your backyard, make
your home your own this year. ■
Th