Five Tips to Designing a Functional Home Office

Working from home has certainly become a new normal for all of us. The provision of personal computers and internet connectivity allows working within the comfort of the home. From a small nook to backyard offices, a space specially designated to work has become an essential feature. A functional, practical, and comfortable office remain key to a productive workspace within the home.

To fully enjoy the comfort and convenience of working at home, the following are a few tips to design an office.

  1. Invest in a beautiful and functional backyard office

Backyard home offices remain the perfect way to keep work and home separate, offering a secluded corner within the comfort of the home; a backyard is an ideal place for any home office. It provides the normalcy of leaving home for work to encourage a routine during working hours. If distracted by noise and activity happening within the house, backyard offices remain the perfect option.

If worried about the expenses of building a new structure in the backyard, there are some other cost-effective solutions. Some great examples of sheds, greenhouses, and gazebos turned into the coziest and inviting home offices. A few touch-ups and the right furniture can convert any existing structure into a functional office.

Also, with the advantage of enjoying a great view of landscaping and garden, offering the complete package, backyard offices have emerged as the most popular trend. It helps to maintain a distinction between work and office, and most importantly, it enables privacy, security, and comfort while connecting with nature and the world outside.

2. Brighten up the space with maximum natural light

To promote an efficient and healthy work environment opt for windows and openings that let in maximum daylight. Natural light can instantly brighten up the space to vouch for an open, airy, and breathable workspace. It is also a great way to avoid eye strains and headaches due to poor lighting conditions.

Reminder: Keep the computer in a way so that there is no glare.

Lastly, natural light has proven to be one of the best sources to boost mood and well-being. Natural light can especially do wonders in bringing a small office to life-extending the visual boundaries of space. It can achieve a highly functional home office. Daylight can give the illusion of a larger area to make the home office feel more open and airier; an abundance of natural light remains a must.

3. Windows and openings that allow for a great view

A great view can truly transform the working experience. It is a good idea to strategically design the office to allow enjoying a great view from outside. It could be an interesting view of landscaping, garden, or even a personal collection of plants. The idea remains to connect with nature and the world outside to get instant relief within a hectic and stressful workday.

With backyard offices, it is a great opportunity to explore different views of the workspace. Here, windows and openings can play a major role in defining connection with the surrounding. If the backyard has breathtaking views, glass panels and sliding doors can instantly lend a contemporary appeal to the space while connecting with the beautiful landscaping outside.

Extensive use of glass may impose privacy issues for some individuals. In this case, French windows can offer a great solution. While adding traditional charm to a backyard home office, the windows maintain a level of privacy. Also, have the option to customize windows and openings as needed. Play with the space of different shapes and sizes to vouch for a playful configuration that offers security and privacy. The placement, size, and materials used for windows play a crucial role in defining the home office’s view, look, and feel.

An untidy and cluttered workspace can certainly add to a load to an already hectic day. To keep the office area small and compact, keep home offices clutter-free by opting for space-efficient storage solutions. One of the best ways remains to utilize the area is vertical space. Floating shelves can easily keep papers and office equipment off a desk. If requiring extra storage, floor-to-ceiling shelves are a great way to organize the office area.

Smart additions can also help to manage storage and keep home offices clutter-free. Invest in vertical file folders and hanging pinboards on managing and organizing all paperwork—office equipment such as printers and scanners into a drawer. For notes, emails, and small knick-knacks lying around the desk, always consider adding a basket to the desk. A clear working surface can take some load off and increase productivity.

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