Design the right office area - home or business
Working from home has become the new normal for so many of us and staying organized and productive in a beautiful workspace is a top priority. Organizing experts have often noted the correlation between tidy, well-functioning, organized spaces and increased productivity coupled with an overall sense of well-being. With the current shift to remote work and schooling, it has never been a better time to tackle a home office makeover.
The first step is to carefully assess your needs: consider what you will be doing in the workspace and how it needs to function. The key to a functional workspace is to develop a solid plan to meet your needs both now and in the future. Consider working with a professional to ensure a successful project.
Desktop: Think about how you will use the desktop surface. Will you be working only on a laptop, or will you need space for several monitors, keyboards, or printers? Does your work require room to spread out large documents? These are important considerations when planning your work surface. Oftentimes we underestimate how much horizontal space we need to work effectively, so it is always better to plan for a little more room than you think you will need.
Drawer space: Take stock of your drawer inventory. Plan for a dedicated space for the "smalls" - writing utensils, tape, etc. Shallow drawers work best for these items, while deeper drawers are used to house bulkier items such as envelopes. If you keep files, are they standard or legal size? If you will be adding filing drawers to your workspace, do you prefer to integrate them into the desk area for quick reference or is a credenza a better solution for you? This is a good time to take a realistic inventory of your current and future filing needs and make a long-term filing plan.
Cabinet space: What will you need to tuck away to ensure your workspace remains organized? Oddly shaped, unsightly, or rarely used items are perfect candidates for cabinets. Keeping these things behind cabinet doors allows you to work in a visually pleasing, uncluttered environment. Be sure to measure the items during the design process to ensure they will fit with the doors closed. Adjustable shelves within cabinets are also a useful feature to incorporate.
Multiuse spaces: For those who need their workspace to also function as a guest room, Murphy Beds are a great option. Tucked away behind integrated panels when not in use, Murphy Beds are a fun and easy solution to maximize small spaces or unused bedrooms. Creating an adjacent workstation is a practical work-at-home solution that also adds value to your home. Murphy Beds are excellent for occasional visitors or grandchildren, as well as your own children or college-aged students. Available in several sizes, Murphy Beds are simple to set up for sleeping, then quickly and easily fold up and away to free up valuable floor space during working hours.
Floor space: Often overlooked, floor space is an important consideration when designing your home office. Is there enough room to comfortably pull your chair out from your desk area? If you will be working near others, will there be enough walking room for others to pass?
When the time comes for you to get started on your work, home or multiuse space complete with a Murphy bed, a professional designer from Closets by Design will bring to life your vision!