Stay productive and inspired with Tina Davis’s expert home office design tips.

Home office spaces are becoming more important as schedules have become more flexible in both the workplace and the family dynamic. Creating an inviting work space is sometimes challenging and should be based on who’s using it and what type of work is being performed. Planning is the key. Items to consider include storage needs, electrical requirements, layout, finishes, and the ability to maximize workflow. 

First, consider the space allotted and how many people will need to use it. Don’t try to put too much into a small space. Plan to create storage areas for printers, shredders, and cords. Stowing these items away is important. Keeping small spaces tidy will help foster productivity and keep the area more user friendly. Having pullouts for each area, along with file storage, is a must. Using built-in cabinetry is an easy way to accomplish this. 

Make sure the number of outlets is adequate for your office equipment. Place outlets behind the rollouts that house printers, CPU’s, and other items. A USB port in an outlet is a handy way to always stay charged. Over-planning for all types of connectivity needs is crucial, as technology is rapidly changing.  

Internet, VoIP, and conference call features should also be part of this planning. If you have an area that has too many hard surfaces, conference calls and calls in general will be difficult due to echo issues.

Overhead LED and under-cabinet lighting are great ways to put in additional lighting right on the work surface. If natural light is available, use it. Keep in mind that this type of light could put a glare on some of the screens, so be mindful of how it will impact the work space when complete. Consider which way the desk faces.

For smaller spaces, a creative use of floating shelves keeps things open and keeps items easily accessible. Whether you add photos, sports memorabilia, awards, or educational achievements, use the wall space and other shelving areas to create a personal touch.

With luck, the space will provide room for seating or a collaborative area outside of the desk space. This allows for multiple-person use and makes the area more inviting. A comfy chair with a fun print, an ottoman that has a shelf for stowing additional books, or an area rug to help add color and reduce sound are all great ways to spice up this type of space.

Sit-to-stand work spaces are becoming increasingly popular due to the ability to help with back pain and many other health benefits. A desk space that allows for flexibility will increase work performance as a whole.

Use of color and texture can also help with the overall look and create an atmosphere that improves work efficiency. Do your homework where color is concerned. Trends are nice, but if the color is not soothing to your work productivity, consider neutralizing the palette and put color into artwork, furniture, and accessories instead. These can be easily changed to reflect trends if you’re someone who likes to update.

Many offices are planning for easy access to snacks or beverages by adding small refrigerators, coffee makers, and counter spaces. This allows your work to take center stage, rather than all the things that can distract you, like going to get one more cup of coffee (and throwing a load of laundry in on your way).

Finally, have fun with it! No matter how big or small, the perfect home office can be created by simply planning to maximize everything. Space, storage, electrical requirements, and lighting are all necessary components you need to help take your work to the next level, even at home. 

Tina Davis has been creating distinctive designs for over 20 years by adding a personal touch to each customer’s home or office. She creates unique and affordable spaces for each happy client.