5 Tips for Designing a Great Home Office

There is probably no other room in the house that has been more discussed in the last three years than the home office.

The sudden need for many people to have a dedicated place to work out of their homes made them rethink their whole space. For a lot of us, the kitchen bar top or a fold out table in the guest room quickly lost its novelty and functionality. For others, a previously dedicated office space suddenly had to become a work place for the whole family. Regardless of situation, the home office is a space that varies widely between users, and it should, depending on our stage, phase and situation.

For some people, a home office is simply a convenient place in the middle of all the action where they can knock out a few emails and pay some bills. For others, it’s a refuge that not only allows for work time, but also “me-time.” And then there are the spaces that truly serve the whole family by being very flexible. Whatever category or situation your home work space falls into, there are still consistent ways to make the most of it.

Here are my five tips for designing a great home office, that truly works.

1. Start with purpose.  Yes, I know it’s an office, but what else will it be?  A smaller TV room or game room to use when entertaining? A space where you may need to host client-facing meetings (virtually or in-person)? A comfortable retreat for the occasional overnight guest? Even if it is a dedicated office, it should still serve a deeper purpose: a sanctuary for a busy working parent, an inspirational space for a creative entrepreneur, a Zen den of mindfulness for thought leaders.  Being clear on how the space will be used beyond just office work helps you develop the right vision and space plan.

2. Think through the functionality. When I’m working with a client on a home office design, I want to know what their pain points are and how we can alleviate them through smart design. Typically, there are issues with storage and organization, which are important, but then there’s the things you may not think through until after the fact like specific technology needs, lighting, sound proofing, and temperature control. A good designer will make you think about things you wouldn’t have considered on your own and solve problems before they happen.

3. Consider size and location. Without a doubt, this is an easier task in a new build versus a remodel or redesign. But I would challenge you to determine whether your specific needs can be met with one office OR if it makes more sense to carve out a few smaller areas for the different types of work you need to do. Sometimes, multiple smaller spaces can be creatively carved out of existing spaces. Where you meet with clients may not be where you want to store all your work wares. Or the tasks you do for and with your family (homework, household bills, etc.) may not make the most sense in a separate home office. This goes back to the purpose of the space, but pushes you to take that purpose outside of one set of four walls.

For new builds, you have the luxury of considering where your dedicated workspace will be best for you. Do you need lots of light? Do you need it to be quiet and tucked away from other living areas? Do you need it to be easily accessible for clients? These are all things to think about while you’re still in the layout and space planning stages.

4. Let inspiration lead the design. I always want to know what types of things inspire my clients and bring them joy. For some, it’s having a view of nature. For others, it’s a cozy place where they want to retreat. Starting with the things that light you up help us create a space in which you actually want to work. Remember, inspiration can lead to creativity and productivity and home offices are not a one-size-fits-all. If a stark, minimal environment doesn’t make you want to sit down and get things done, then let’s talk about what will. Or if the thought of dark wood paneling, a big executive desk and leather chairs makes you feel smothered, then let’s talk about how to minimize a space to free up your mind.

5. Finally - make it comfortable. Regardless of your personal style or aesthetic, there are universal things that make a work space more comfortable. Ergonomic chairs, standing desks, multiple seating options, good lighting, even easy access to a bathroom can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are in your work space and therefore how much you’re able to get done. There are solutions for all of these things in every style imaginable, and a great designer will help you find the right one for you.

A large part of our personal wellbeing is influenced by our professional environments. Creating a space that instills a sense of belonging, creativity, and joy help bring us balance and gets us to that all-powerful state known as “flow.”