As working from home becomes the norm for most people today, the importance of a home office grows. The number of remote work-from-home jobs in Raleigh, NC such as freelancers, customer service representatives, or even accountants, continues to grow. Whether you work as a freelance graphic designer or a telecommunicator, having a dedicated home office is a guaranteed way to increase your productivity and comfort. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips on how to design a home office that suits your work style and needs, promotes productivity and comfort, and enhances your overall well-being, and how we can help.
I. Assess Your Work Style and Needs
Depending on your work style and needs, your home office should be an extension of you that best serves your needs. When it comes to assessing your work style and needs, some questions you might as yourself include:
- What are my biggest distractions and challenges?
- What are my favorite work environments and spaces?
- What is my preferred work style?
Your Work Environment
If you are someone who prefers a quiet, distraction-free environment while you work, a quiet, calm, and relaxing office space is probably best for you. Minimal design and color might also contribute to a less distracting environment. On the other hand, if you enjoy ideation and brainstorming (or if your job requires those creative processes), you may find that a stimulating or inspiring work environment is a good choice for you. A stimulating environment might incorporate brighter colors or an abstract gallery wall.
Previous Home Office Challenges
Assessing some of your previous challenges might also be helpful in designing your home office. Some work environment challenges may include insufficient natural lighting, not enough storage space for documents, or a lack of comfortable seating. These can be fixed quickly with a little remodeling and a good design-build partner like Oak City Remodeling. If your home office lacks natural lighting, you may consider adding a window, or — if you have an unfinished attic space — relocating your office to an attic and adding a skylight or dormer window.
Image Source: Architectural Digest
Additionally, there are several different work styles that you may want to keep in mind when it comes to designing your home office space. A few of these include focused, collaborative, and creative styles. If you relate to a focused work style, you may need a distraction-free environment where you can work in private. Likewise, if you relate to a collaborative work style, you may need a more open office space and creativity boards for collaboration. Ultimately, assessing your work style and needs will help you tremendously when it comes to designing your home office.
II. Plan Your Office Layout and Furniture
The layout and the furniture and decor you include in your office will truly add a lot to your work environment. These can also be considered in the context of your work style. A well-planned office layout can maximize your space, promote your workflow, and minimize your stress. Likewise, the right office furniture can support your posture, enhance your aesthetics, and improve your functionality. Some office layouts may include:
- Linear layout
- U-shaped layout
- L-shaped layout
- Corner layout
Linear office layouts may extend the length of the room, providing an illusion of more space. U-shaped layouts are great if you prefer to have storage, tools, and desk space within arms reach. L-shaped layouts are great if you prefer to have those same things in arms reach, but prefer a more open layout. Finally, a corner layout will be great if you prefer to use as little space as possible with your desk area.
With a corner layout, you will maximize the space for furniture such as armchairs, bookshelves, or a small table. Contrastingly, a U-shaped layout will take up more space. Ultimately, it mostly comes down to how much space you are permitted and how you’d like to use it.
Image Source: Architectural Digest
Certain furniture pieces will work best with certain layouts. For example, an L desk would best fit an L-shaped layout or even a corner layout. For a linear layout, you may be able to incorporate more space for seating.
III. Enhance Your Office Atmosphere and Inspiration
Your Personalized Home Office
Enhancing and updating your home office is a great way to boost productivity and inspiration. Your home office is your personal space, and it should reflect your personality, style, and aspirations. Adding personal touches and inspiring elements can help boost your creativity, motivation, and well-being. Consider adding some artwork, posters, or photos that inspire you or make you happy. Plants can also help improve the air quality and add a touch of nature to your space.
Ideas for Inspiration
If you require or prefer more simulating decor and inspirational elements for your work space, you might consider vision boards, brainstorm maps, graphics, art, and affirmations. Thought-stimulating decor is a great way to add personal touches to your space while also contributing to productivity. Additionally, elements like bold rugs, accent walls, and unique seating can contribute to a more relaxing work environment — especially comfortable seating for those well-deserved breaks.
Image Source: DigsDigs
IV. Oak City Remodeling’s Design-Build Service
At Oak City Remodeling, we understand that designing an at-home office space can be a tough task. Designing requires lots of thought about layout, finishes, functionality, furniture, flooring, and even colors. That is why we offer Design-Build.
Design-Build is a process we use where we work with a professional and trusted interior designer from the beginning of the remodeling process. This best helps both us and the designer in understanding your wants, needs, and preferences when it comes to your office. Color schemes and lighting are great predictors of your productivity and comfort. If you prefer a darker office design with deeper colors, this is something that we can begin brainstorming with you from the beginning of your project. Our main focus during the remodeling process is your comfort and satisfaction.
V. How We Can Help
Overall, home office spaces are wonderful opportunities to tailor your work environment to suit your needs. If your home does not currently have a space for a home office, you may consider finishing your attic or basement, or even deciding on an addition. All three options are proven ways to add value to your home and your lifestyle. With our Design-Build service, we can help you design your home office so that you’ll never want to leave.
Oak City Remodeling is a licensed and insured remodeling company who specializes in home remodeling. With our knowledge and expertise in home remodeling, we can make the process of your new office smooth and comfortable. If you live in the Raleigh, NC area and are ready to design your home office, we will be here to help.
