Our search led us to the basement. Under the staircase, there were a series of closets that were installed during a previous renovation. They took up one side of a hallway. I asked my client if working in the basement could be a solution. I wanted to know how important it was to be isolated, away from the fray?
Her answer surprised me. She said she wanted an office space that would accommodate her pre-school children, too. A space where she could keep an eye on them, but this would be a no-toy zone. The request was for a cozy nook where they could be close, but involved in a quiet activity like reading.
The Solution was easy to see
Looking at the angle of the stairs, we decided we could take out the full-sized closets and add a fantastic reading nook under the stairs. It’s a cozy space for the kids to hang out while mom tackles her work.
Customized built-ins addressed the need for a workspace while also inviting children to be close. Since this part of the basement doesn’t have windows, we kept the space bright and well-lit. It doesn’t feel like a typical basement. We love how the office and reading nook are distinctive, yet fully together.
Creating a dedicated home office space is a great way to enhance productivity and focus. Here are some tips to help you make space for a new home office:
Assess your available space : Start by evaluating the available space in your home. Look for areas that can be repurposed or rearranged to accommodate a workspace. This could be a spare room, a corner of a room, or even a closet that can be transformed into a compact office.
Declutter and organize: Before setting up your home office, declutter the area and remove any unnecessary items. Create a clean and organized space to promote concentration and minimize distractions. Consider investing in storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, or storage boxes to keep your office supplies and paperwork neatly organized.
Choose suitable furniture : Invest in ergonomic furniture that provides comfort and promotes good posture. A sturdy desk and an adjustable chair are essential. Ensure that the desk is spacious enough to accommodate your computer, paperwork, and any other necessary equipment.
Assess your available space : Start by evaluating the available space in your home. Look for areas that can be repurposed or rearranged to accommodate a workspace. This could be a spare room, a corner of a room, or even a closet that can be transformed into a compact office.
Declutter and organize: Before setting up your home office, declutter the area and remove any unnecessary items. Create a clean and organized space to promote concentration and minimize distractions. Consider investing in storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, or storage boxes to keep your office supplies and paperwork neatly organized.
Choose suitable furniture : Invest in ergonomic furniture that provides comfort and promotes good posture. A sturdy desk and an adjustable chair are essential. Ensure that the desk is spacious enough to accommodate your computer, paperwork, and any other necessary equipment.
Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for a functional workspace. Place your desk near a window to maximize natural light during the day. If that's not possible, invest in a good desk lamp or overhead lighting to provide adequate illumination.
Privacy and noise control: If possible, choose a location for your home office that offers privacy and minimizes noise. Consider using room dividers, curtains, or noise-cancelling headphones to create a quiet and focused environment.
Internet connectivity
: Ensure that your home office is in close proximity to a stable internet connection. If Wi-Fi signals are weak in that area, you may need to invest in a Wi-Fi extender or consider using a wired connection.
Personalize your space
: Make your home office a pleasant and inspiring place by adding personal touches. Decorate with plants, artwork, or motivational quotes that reflect your style and personality. A well-decorated space can boost creativity and overall mood.
Electrical outlets and cable management: Check for nearby electrical outlets to ensure that you can conveniently plug in your devices without relying on long extension cords. Use cable management solutions, such as cable clips or cord organizers, to keep your cables tidy and prevent tripping hazards.
Consider acoustics: If your workspace has hard surfaces that may cause echoes or reverberations, you can add acoustic panels or rugs to help absorb sound and create a more acoustically pleasing environment.
Remember, everyone's space and needs are unique, so customize your home office setup to suit your preferences and work requirements. Having a dedicated workspace will help you establish boundaries between work and home life while fostering a productive and comfortable environment.