Having a home office is a must these days for the majority of us. Even if you don't work from home, you still need a place to keep your computer and paperwork in order to pay bills, do your banking online and so on.
Finding a place for a home office can be difficult if you're in a small space. If you don't have a spare bedroom or den to use, you have to be creative in seeking out an area that will address your home-office needs. That's not always an easy task but it can be done.
A simple plan
Keeping the office design simple and streamlined will be helpful if you're tight on space. Plain and simple furniture is a good start. In our sample office pictured here, a minimalist desk is functional but keeps the office area visually clean. The rolling file cabinet is painted the same colour as the wall so it blends into the background. The modern desk lamp is sleek yet practical. In a small space, less is more both literally and visually. No ornate decorative elements or elaborate items, just plain and simple.
Nooks and crannies
You don't need an entire room devoted to a home office. A small home office can be tucked into a nook under a stairwell or set up along a wide hallway, for example. The home office pictured here could be set up in the corner of a bedroom, along a wide hallway or even on one wall in the living room. If you choose a more open space, such as in the living room, then adorn the office area with a punch of colour but keep the mechanical stuff uncluttered and low key. By mechanical stuff I don't just mean printers and fax machines but also the paperwork, discs, supplies and such. Keep these items in closed storage if possible so they are not in plain view all. Purchasing a laptop versus a personal computer would be a good option in an open setting.
If you can find a space in a less open area, such as under a stairwell or in a large closet, you have the option to hide or close off your office area. In this case you don't have to worry as much about the aesthetics because you can either close the door or disguise the area with a decorative screen when not in use. The space will be tighter in a more hidden area like this but if you have good lighting and can comfortably fit a proper chair and desk in the space, you're well on your way. If, say, you use a space in the basement, under a stairwell or in a closet, use bright colours to keep the space from feeling gloomy. A punch of bright yellow or orange will stimulate your creative juices and keep you energized for the task at hand. Be sure the space is properly ventilated and comfortably heated during colder months. Tucked-away spaces, especially in older homes, usually are not the warmest areas in the home. A piece of thick carpeting for your tootsies and a small space heater will keep you toasty while you work.
Call a professional
Out-of-the-way areas such as an attic, for instance, can be a great space for a home office but might not have the necessary electrical supply needed to suit the modern-day home office. If this is the case for you, don't take a pass on the area just because it doesn't have a sufficient power supply. Hire a professional electrician and a contractor to review the situation to see if the space is usable and if outlets can be installed in the space. If so, have the professionals do the work to ensure everything is done correctly. It might cost you up front but it outweighs what it would cost you to rent a space for an office outside of the home. It might be worth it to pay a little to get a space in your home that suits your needs. Having a home office is a good selling feature as well, so the investment will pay off down the road.
Keep it simple
Small spaces are not conducive to oversized, ornate antique desks. Small modular pieces, like the ones in our photo, can be rearranged easily and meet the general home office needs. A comfy chair is paramount if you spend a lot of time at the computer, so splurge on this item if you can. The ergonomic design in office chairs has come a long way, so you can get a pretty comfy chair for a reasonable price. If you do purchase a good chair, you're going to need a smooth, durable surface on which to place it so it can roll easily. Our display photo shows durable flooring from Tarkett Residential Flooring that is both attractive and functional. If you are considering new flooring for your office area, make sure it can withstand the wear and tear of your chair.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to decorate your home office successfully. A punch of colour is sometimes all you need to define the area. Our home office here has a large canvas frame hanging above the desk, which is covered in a rich red fabric. It's simple but effective, inexpensive but rich looking. For a similar result, you could also paint the entire wall (or a large area of it) in a vibrant colour to add a little drama. No doubt the canvas in the photograph could also be used as a note board, giving it a dual purpose. Items that serve a dual purpose will make your small home office more functional. If this were my home office, I'd probably paint the facing side of the bookshelf with chalkboard paint so I could make quick notes on the side of it as I worked. This would give the bookcase two valuable purposes without it taking up any more space (like a chalkboard would).
Having a home office is not out of reach just because your space is limited. A little creative problem solving will help you with this dilemma.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
