How to Create the Perfect Home Office
If you work from home, you’ll need office space that’s functional and inspirational as well as aesthetically pleasing. The thought of your office shouldn’t make you sigh with despair. It should feel professional and separate from the rest of your home, but be warm and comfortable too.
Here are some ideas to create a personalized and practical home office.
Office Furniture
When you purchase office furniture, it’s important to think about function. Do you need shelves for paperwork, or cabinets to keep photography equipment? Think about what your work entails. A desk is the most important purchase, so consider how much practical work space you require. For example, a writer will require less room than someone who has their own jewellery business. Do you need designated sections of work space to update your website, draw designs, and sew garments? Companies like Furniture Plus offer a huge range of desks and office furniture to suit all vocations.
Clever Storage
If you have limited space, search the web for handmade tutorials and a variety of ingenious storage solution ideas. Use wall hooks to hang finished j
ewellery, staple strips of patterened fabric to an old piece of wood to create a memo board, buy a small table-top unit for storing needles and thread, or use chalkboard paint to create a giant note board. You can also make your own desk and use book shelves for the legs.
The Cupboard Solution
If you live in a small apartment, it can be hard to imagine your vision becoming reality. But even the smallest of living spaces can provide an office. You can turn an alcove or built in cupboard into a small but practical closet office. The key here is to make the most of this limited space. Invest in a simple desk, a foldable chair, install shelving and use under desk storage. If you’re transforming a cupboard, put up notice boards or magnetic strips on the inside of the doors to maximise storage.
Accessorize
Not only should your office space be personal and relate to your profession, but it should also be a source of inspiration. If you’re a photographer, buy old film cameras and display them on a shelf. Or if you design clothes, buy an old Singer sewing machine or use an old fashioned mannequin to showcase design work or as a mood board. Make your office into a giant scrap book and display inspiring quotes and pictures.
Your home office space needs to provide function and fun. Be realistic about how much room you have, buy the right desk and use clever storage to maximise space. Add handmade items and display work for a personalized office that provides heaps of inspiration.
