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
22
724.942.0940 TO ADV E RTIS E
❘
icmags.com
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. ■