It’s no secret that the pandemic changed the working world by increasing telework opportunities for employees. As the options for working from home grew, so did the importance of having a functional and desirable home office space. A dedicated at-home workspace makes it easier to continue completing tasks efficiently and stay on top of career goals.
The early days of working from home came abruptly and left little room for creating a proper at-home office. These improvised spaces were less than ideal, and people wanted more comfortable permanent spaces as working from home became a more normalized arrangement. How do you decide where an office belongs in your new home? And how do you ensure the room is set up for your success? Let’s dive into the importance of having a dedicated space and how to create one.
While a temporary workspace may suffice for a little while, a dedicated home office provides the greatest benefits. The mental clarity that comes with having a physical boundary between work and home is one of the biggest challenges and one of the most important to solve. A dedicated workspace with a door that closes makes it easy to disconnect and leave the space at the end of the day, just like you did at the office. This separation makes it much easier to transition to family time and chores. Conversely, you have a clear boundary away from the rest of the home during the workday. A dedicated office insulates you from potential distractions, such as household noise and interruptions.
Another large benefit of a dedicated workspace is the ability to make it your own, both in form and function. If a traditional office has ever felt sterile or unwelcoming, then you’ll appreciate the opportunity to make a home office more inviting and inspiring. You can add decorations that make you feel at ease, such as plants and artwork. You’ll also have control over the position of your desk, such as putting it near a window to maximize natural light.
This control extends past just aesthetics, however. A well-designed layout that focuses on ergonomics can even streamline your work. Think about how you like your computer monitors to be arranged and where storage equipment and printers are easiest to reach. Understanding what makes you feel comfortable and supported will guide you to the right office furniture and setup.
A dream office starts with choosing a room in the house—and the custom-building process provides plenty of options. Many Schumacher House Plans have layouts that can incorporate home offices without sacrificing your family’s comfort. Choosing a floor plan with at least three bedrooms allows you to use one as a home office, which can be essential if you need a storage closet for work supplies and a closing door for privacy. Using a bedroom also keeps your office out of the main living area. Our two-story floor plans place the additional bedrooms on the upper level, allowing for peace and quiet during the day.
If you don’t want to give up a bedroom that could be used for guests—or simply don’t anticipate needing to be that separate from the rest of the house—a floor plan with a flex room could be the perfect solution. These spaces are often conveniently located on the main floor, giving you easy access to the kitchen during coffee and lunch breaks. Having a flex room with a view of the front door also makes it easy to watch for the school bus in the afternoon, which is a must for some families.
Good lighting is essential for maintaining a positive mood and being able to properly see what you’re doing without causing eye strain. Consider what type of lighting you desire and how much natural lighting you have available. A mix of overhead fixtures for ambient lighting and lamps for task lighting will provide balance and flexibility while eliminating glare on screens.
Power outlets might seem like small details, but they’re vital for home offices and often easy to overlook. And when you’re designing a home office, it’s also important to make sure you have a reliable internet connection. There should be enough outlets to power all your computer equipment and lighting. If your internet connection varies in strength throughout the home, consider installing a Wi-Fi extender or ethernet port to ensure your office has the access you need.
Designing a home office gives you the freedom to consider your ideal environment. What’s the right balance between comfort and stimulation to enhance productivity? Think about whether you prefer to sit, stand or even walk during the day. A standing desk lets you alternate, and adding a small treadmill underneath can help you get those creative juices flowing. If sitting is more your style, look for a chair that rolls easily over your flooring and offers plenty of lumbar support to prevent slouching.
Do you need to manage a lot of documents? If so, make sure you have room for a shelving unit or filing cabinet. One of the benefits of repurposing a bedroom to be your home office is that you can add built-in storage systems designed for office supplies instead of clothing to save on floor space in the room.
Once the furniture is laid out, it’s time to add your personal touches. Determine what you find calming, whether it’s plants and accessories or artwork and family photos. If you have room, a small, comfortable sitting area lets you stay on top of tasks without feeling tethered to a desk.
Lastly, consider how the room location may impact noise levels. Repurposing a bedroom is an easy way to create separation, especially if you work with the door closed. If you’re using a flex room, add doors for quiet and privacy. French doors with windows let you keep an eye on household activities, while solid doors help block out noise.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 25 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.