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. ■
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