The home office is essential part of the modern family home. As well as enabling you to work from home, it provides the space necessary to organise family paperwork. It can double as a cosy spot to retreat to for a quiet read or for those moments when you just need to be alone.
If you’re lucky enough to have the space, designate a room as an office. Alternatively, a guest room can double as a workspace.
If neither of the above options is practicable, a little more creativity and planning are perhaps all you need to transform a quiet nook into a useful work area.
1. Desk Location
Some people love to face a view while working, while others find this distracting. Consider the position of your window; from which direction is the light coming? Position your computer so that light doesn’t fall directly on the screen.
If you intend to receive clients in your office, consider placing the desk so that it faces the door, in the so-called ‘power position’. Your arrangement will also need to be flexible if it’s to acommodate colleagues for collaborative work occasionally.
2. Be flexible
Most guest rooms are used only a couple of times each year. Make the most of yours by designing it to be a multifunctional area.
3. Lounging Around
If space allows, include a comfy chair to your workroom where you can put your feet up, relax and enjoy a coffee in between times.
4. Funky ideas
Here are some current, fun and creative ideas for a live-work-study space. Of course in a few years time, we might be printing our desks on 3d printers! Who knows what lies ahead.
See that all you need for your work is easily accessible. A few personal photos or inspirational images will help create a positive atmosphere so that you can thrive in your workspace.
Thank you for all your support during the year. We are looking forward to some exciting projects in 2017 and continuing to share some tips and ideas with you for your spaces.
Hi Maria,
I have just bought my first home – a one bed apartment in Dublin – and would like to put a desk in my bedroom to work from home occassionally however I have a limited budget. I loved your funky ideas and would like to do something slightly “outside the box”.
I appreciate that it is difficult to price in the abstract, however would it be possible for you to give a rough cost estimate for a 85x55cm desk with some shelving?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Elaine