Many of us are now studying or working from home. In both cases, we need to find a pleasant spot to concentrate on our tasks. And yet, we may feel that our house doesn’t have enough space for an office. Or maybe we just aren’t aware of all the possibilities!
Whatever its configuration, you can always find a place in your house to set up a desk and chair even though you may need to brainstorm a little to find the perfect spot. Need inspiration? Great timing, we have lots of ideas!
In the Laundry Room
Setting up your home office in the laundry room may seem like a strange — even depressing — idea. But this doesn’t have to be the case! You can have a laundry room that is just as sleek and stylish as any other room in the house. By designing it with care — plus a touch of flair — and adding furniture, you will be able to create a comfortable living space. Plus, you’ll never again forget to put a load in the dryer.
In a Large Multi-Use Space
Modern homes often feature an open concept layout, meaning large multi-use rooms. To delineate different zones, simply arrange furniture into groups. For example, an office chair, a desk and a painting (placed together) will make up a home office. Our advice is to choose a logical space for your work area and decorate it in the same style as the rest of the room, including using neutral or similar colours, so that it blends in.
Behind a Divider
It would be unwise to set up a home office in the middle of a large room that serves many other functions: it would stick out like a sore thumb. There is a solution: add a dividing wall near the desk to fully ground it into the space. And no need to erect a real wall! Hardware stores sell all kinds of room dividers, especially in wood. You could also upcycle old louvre doors; they are very attractive when arranged vertically like a folding screen. Another idea would be to suspend stained glass windows or decorative panels from the ceiling using chains or ropes to form a hanging partition.
In Front of a Bookshelf
Walk through your home to see if you don’t already own a bookshelf or decorative ladder with a step deep enough to accommodate your computer. The remaining shelves can be used for storing your office supplies. You can leave the chair there permanently if space permits; otherwise, store it elsewhere when not in use and let the home office fade into the background. Awesome, right?
Under the Stairs
Did you know that over the past few years designers have been having a lot of fun reimaging the space beneath the staircase? It can be transformed into a children’s secret playroom, optimized for storage and, of course, turned into a convenient office. Once the doors are closed, it is out of sight, out of mind for the weekend.
Inside a Closet
Not every bedroom needs a closet; sometimes, a dresser is enough for storing clothes. If this is the case, then how about converting the empty closet into your ideal home office? Simply remove the doors and rods, paint the walls to your liking and insert your office furniture. Or, install a wall-mounted table or shelf to place your computer on. You could also apply blackboard paint on one of the surfaces for writing quick notes and reminders.
What If All You Need Is a Small Table to have a home office ?
Are none of these suggestions appropriate for your home? How about simply placing a small table in the corner of your choice? Today, with wireless technology, you don’t have to have a big office area. A chair and wall-mounted table might be all you actually need (and it’s easy to find a spot in your house for one of those!). The printer can be stored elsewhere, as well as the files you rarely need to open.
So, have you figured out where to set up your home office? The important thing is to have an ergonomic layout that motivates you to work. Happy brainstorming!