COVID has thrown many of us for a loop. One of the biggest changes that has come from the pandemic is the requirement for employees to work from home. Most people are setting up shop on their kitchen table, bar top or even their coffee table. And let’s be honest, watching soap operas while working is fabulous but not very productive.
While the comfort of working from home is exciting, the distractions around you can often limit your productivity. So, what can we do? Get rid of the kids? Move to Maui? Oh, we wish! But let’s make it easier. Let’s build your dream home office!
Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc. has been creating home offices since its inception, so we know a thing or two about separating work spaces from living spaces. Let’s look at the available spaces in your home...
If you don’t have a kitchen desk nook that can be utilized or a spare bedroom that can convert into a home office, there may be another ideal space that you may not have thought of before. Perhaps you have an oversized bedroom or dining room that can forgo square footage by creating two rooms out of one in order to make your home office. Or perhaps your property has allowable space for an outbuilding. Have you seen those “She Sheds”???
Basements have a lot of potential and are usually quieter spaces from lawn mowers, traffic and barking dogs, which can be a distraction when on a phone call or Zoom meeting. One of the greatest features of a basement office is that when it is time to stop work, you come upstairs and shut the door. Done for the day! And, enjoy the rest of your home as usual on a personal level.
There are many options that we can discuss to find the perfect space for your new home office. Let’s talk!
Once we have secured the perfect location in your home, we will begin pre-construction services where we nail down the details of your home office. We’ll take the time to place your power outlets in the best spots. We’ll focus on the perfect lighting, great floor covering and a paint color that your co-workers will be jealous of! We’ll also ensure to use your space wisely and create a home office that has optimal storage such as built-in cabinets and walk-in storage closet. Then, magic begins… construction.
Once your home office is complete, it’ll be time to focus on getting the most out of your new office space. Take a look at some of the most important things to think about when furnishing your home office.
Invest in comfort and focus on ergonomically correct furniture.
Get a good office chair:
It’s important to invest in a chair that offers adjustability, lumbar support, a swivel wheel base and breathable fabric.
Get a desk that’s right for you:
Do you love to stand? Do you love to walk while you work? Find a desk that supports your needs throughout the day. Focus on comfort, quality, size, style, storage and adjustment.
Create a space that inspires.
Your home office should reflect your personality and invoke your creativity and passion for your work.
Choose decor that best suits your design aesthetic and separates your home office from your living space.
Add the greenery.
Adding plants to your office space brings nature into your home and has been proven to increase concentration and productivity by up to 15%. It is well known that plants reduce stress levels and help to boost your mood. Who doesn’t want to be in a good mood while working?
Some plants even clean your indoor air per NASA’s Clean Air Study (https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077) To name a few, Philodendron, Spider Plant, Boston Fern and Peace Lily may be an ideal choice.
Lights, camera, ACTION!
Okay, this is really only about lighting. But we couldn’t help to say it.
Always focus on your view. If possible, place your desk near an open window to enjoy a view and fresh air. Natural light also makes your space feel bigger, which is always nice. TIP: Be sure to set your desk at a 90 degree angle to the window. If your back is to the window, your monitor will reflect the outdoor light and make it hard to see your screen. If you face the window, the back light behind your monitor can cause additional eye strain.
Add a desk lamp for evening work hours. Add a lamp into a dark corner to brighten the space.
Organization, organization, organization - did we say organization?
Organization is key when working from your home office. Visit The Container store to get some great organizational inspiration. If organization is not your forte, hire a Professional Organizer. (https://www.napo.net/)
Our team would love to assist you in renewing your home to accommodate your home office needs. Contact us below to see how we can Renew Your Life by Renewing Your Home!
