How to Set Up a Multifunctional Office Space at Home
Office spaces that do it all!
Although we have had plenty of practice over the past year, working from home can be a challenging transition for those who are used to commuting to a dedicated office. Many homes are not equipped to support effectively working from home, and often there isn't a specific room to serve as a full-time office. This is especially true if you're home schooling or if there are two people working from home, taking calls and conducting video call meetings.
Here are a few tips on how to create a multifunctional work-from-home space without compromising your living areas.
Multifunctional Furnishings
If you don't have a dedicated study area or space for a desk and need to create your work space in an existing room, you may consider repurposing an existing piece of furniture. A side table in your living room, a nook bistro set or a dining room table could easily become a desk during the day, and it doesn’t need to be oversized if you are only using a laptop.
If you need a desk but don't have a dedicated office space, buy one that goes with the rest of the furniture in the room so that it looks as if it was planned from the start. Before purchasing a desk, ensure it’s the right depth and width for your computer to fit easily and for you to comfortably sit all day.
Also make sure the desk comes with lots of storage so that it looks tidy and stylish whenever you're not working. Be selective about what stays on display and choose an attractive lamp that fits well with the existing room scheme. Adding an ergonomic chair that is good for your posture could add some style and comfort to your interior scheme as well.
One of the main challenges of working from home is the paperwork, files and to-do lists that can quickly stack up. If going paperless isn’t an option, consider incorporating storage boxes for all your paperwork and office supplies. Coordinate the boxes with your room's colour palette for a cohesive aesthetic. This will allow you to place boxes on open bookcases along with photos and accessories for the ideal amount of personalization and functionality. A storage box on casters can easily be tucked away under a desk or in a closet so your office can be transformed back to a bedroom or living space at the end of the day. This type of organisation is key to avoiding an ongoing office look if your home must serve multiple purposes.
Convert a Bedroom
A bedroom can easily serve as an office, especially if it’s a guest bedroom. A vanity, console or dressing table can double as a desk, while extra storage boxes can fit into a closet or armoire. A playroom can also serve as a study during the day while children are at school. Do you have a gym space but hardly ever use it? Move the equipment around to accommodate a desk or put the gym equipment in the garage to create a larger office.
Additional Space
If budget isn’t tight, an attic space or over-the-garage studio could be converted into an office. If large enough, an office in a detached area could become an at-home cinema in the evenings and during weekends. Alternatively, you could convert a loft space into your office but also furnish it with a sofa bed so that it can be used as a guest room when needed. Make sure you have the right planning permissions in place to do this sort of work. Once complete, the space can add value to your property.
Built-In Office
Some people want to be in the heart of the home and in the middle of the action when working. Building a desk as part of your kitchen cabinetry can look really smart. It can be hidden away behind doors or open for all to see. Consider the same concept in other rooms, like built-in cabinetry and a desk under the staircase. Or build in a desk within your wardrobe, on a landing, in the dining room or wherever there’s a little nook or cranny that could be filled in to give it a better use.
Moving forward, working from home is likely to become the norm for a vast number of people. So be sure to incorporate good lighting, plenty of storage, and something really comfortable to sit on for your new stylish multitasking space.
With over 25-years of experience, Kerrie Kelly is creative director for Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, an award-winning California interior designer, author and contributor; product designer and multi-media consultant, helping national brands reach the interior design market.
Eager to learn more? Then why not check out our tips on the best standing desks for your home office and how to utilise lighting when you're working from home.
