Work-life balance is taking over our careers and becoming the focus of our everyday life. Offices are leaving the corporate environment and making their way into our homes. Working from home is a luxury and more popular now than it has ever been. The number of people working from home in the United States rose by 115 percent between the years 2005 and 2015. A well-designed home office can do wonders for your focus and increase your work performance. If you work from home, creating a comfortable, productive office space should be at the top of your list. To help you start planning, Surterre Properties sat down with design principal Rona Graf of Grace Blu Designs, Inc. to find out how to design the perfect, functional home office.
Take measurements
When it comes to planning your home office design, Rona says, “The biggest part is making it feel like a natural extension of the home décor. Try to incorporate the overall aesthetic and feel of the home into this area.” She emphasizes that you don’t want this room to look like an office. “It’s psychological. You want your office to draw you in not remind you of all the work you have to do.” Before purchasing anything or designing, take measurements of the room. “Decide which wall you want your desk to be on or to be facing away from. What is your focal wall going to be when you walk into the space? What pieces of furniture will you need?” Rona also mentions acknowledging the style your office will be modeled after. For instance, is your style contemporary, modern, transitional, or traditional?
Create a focal point
When it comes to creating an area of focus in your room, Rona says to consider what your primary function of the room will be. “An office system should be extremely functional, and the whole room should look like a statement piece. Choose a piece of art or some kind of inspiration to incorporate as the focal point of the office.”
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Pick a functional desk
Selecting a desk can be the most difficult decision in your office planning because it is one of the most important features. It’s where your brilliant ideas come to fruition and where all your work takes place. “Decide what style you like and your primary function. That will help you narrow down the type of desk you need.” Make your desk the centerpiece of the room. “Compliment your desk with a cool accent wall or a unique built-in. If you want your desk to be the focal point, an accent wall can make all the difference. Showcase your favorite art pieces or apply interesting wall paper and textures to make it look less ‘officey.'”
Select a chair that fits your needs
The next step in the process is picking an office chair. “Office chairs are tricky. They either look really cool, or they are ergonomic,” Rona says. Decide if the chair will be more of a statement piece or if you plan to use it frequently. Ensure it slides easily under your desk and sits at the right height for you to be comfortable.
Hide your storage
When it comes office storage, you want to disguise it within your design. “Stay away from anything that has an office ‘look,'” Rona suggests. “You want to choose functional pieces that don’t look like office furniture.” Opt for natural elements like wood shelving or built-ins that camouflage. “Staying away from standard office pieces will add a more welcoming and luxurious feel.” Rona says using a credenza, or a low hutch, as storage is a great way to create functionality and aesthetic appeal. Filing cabinets should be placed under the desk or be hidden in the closet.
Incorporate accent pieces
Although your office is a workplace, it is important to create a relaxing vibe. “Art is a must. For an office, don’t choose something that is anxious. Focus on tranquility art; something you can get lost in.” Accent lighting should be strategically placed. Opt for a desk lamp to highlight your workstation. Spotlights can add beautiful effects along the wall or in your built-ins where you have statement pieces. “Natural light is ideal in the workplace. But, we don’t always work when it is light out. For your accent lighting be sure to stay away from fluorescent bulbs.
Accessorize
“You always want to add some things you wouldn’t necessarily find in an office such as plants, sculptures, and personal pieces.” Rona loves bringing life into her designs. “A room does not look finished until you add life to it. If you add plants or something that shows life it automatically completes the room. Less is more.” When it comes to desk accessories, keep everything uniform, “There is nothing cheesier than mismatched office supplies. Have matching desk utensils, desk mat, pen holder, and trash can. Not keeping these items consistent can break an entire design.”
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Have a reading nook
If space allows, a comfortable reading chair and ottoman are a great addition to any office, “Adding a reading area will boost the overall comfort of your space. It makes an office feel warm and inviting, elevating your personal comfort.” Some accessories to include in this area are a lamp, area rug, soft blanket, pillows, and a small table.
Create luxury
“Layering textures from fabric to window treatments create a very luxurious look and provides depth for your room, making it more attractive.” Adding natural elements such as foliage or stone also constitutes luxury.“Anytime you bring nature indoors it is more appealing to anyone whether it is done in a traditional way or contemporary way.” Another great tip from Rona is to add a fluffy area rug under your desk, so when you kick off your shoes at home, you feel nothing but ease.
When it comes to designing your home office, consider your style and work around it. Remember you want to incorporate the overall aesthetic of the home. Keep things systematic and create a luxury feel by hiding your storage and combining accents, natural elements, and different textures. An effective interior design strategy for your domestic workplace will make all the difference. “If you enjoy the space, you will want to be in there.”
