Designing a Home Office for Your New Home Build by Chafin Communities 

Building a new home is the opportune time to create the ideal office space that meets your family’s needs. Having a space designated for school-age kids to do homework, for working from home, or for managing personal paperwork can help separate work from relaxation. Many find that an office space they truly enjoy makes them more productive and motivated. Considering working from home has gained a surge of popularity in recent years, a home office is an area of the home that is worth focusing on. To avoid late-night tears at the kitchen table over difficult math homework or business calls amid a noisy home, let’s explore a design guide that may fine-tune your workspace. 

Home Office Privacy

Location is a pivotal aspect of setting up a home office. It is recommended to consider the level of privacy you will need when planning your office location. For maximum concentration, it is advisable to place the office in a quiet area with minimal foot traffic. The kitchen and living room, for example, are typically high-traffic areas with more noise and people, so it may be best to avoid them. The risk of being easily distracted by the movement or noise can disrupt your focus and productivity in your work environment. However, if you plan on working casually, that may not be as much of a concern. Some prefer to have their office space near the living room to stay in the action. 

Views 

A beautiful view can significantly enhance the indoor working experience, especially during long periods indoors. If you have a scenic view of the sunrise, your favorite tree, or an attractive street view from a certain position in the home, that would be a great place to add your home office. It may seem subsidiary, but just a glimpse of the outdoors can be enriching to your day. 

Home Office Space 

Do not panic if you do not have an entire room to dedicate to your home office. The beauty of a home office is its flexibility. All it really needs is a desk and a little bit of visual zoning. You can create an office out of a nook, or you can add a hideaway desk anywhere in the home. Shelves or accent walls can help define the area, giving it distinction from the rest of the room. 

Organization 

An organized space leads to an organized mind. Plan your office layout with ample storage solutions and efficiency in mind. Try to envision the work that you and your family members will be doing in your office space. Perhaps a desk with a large surface area will help you to spread out many papers, or maybe a desk with many drawers will help hold several supplies. Finding the right desk is like finding the right pair of shoes- you may need to try a few on before you find the right fit. In addition, built-in or floating shelves can help organize and display documents, books, and office supplies. Another small detail that makes a noteworthy difference is cable management. Hiding cords and cables with strategic placement or with cable management systems keeps your workspace tidy and visually appealing. 

Lighting 

There are two types of people in this world- those that prefer natural lighting and those that prefer artificial lighting. If you are the type of person who thrives with natural lighting, placing your desk near windows can boost your mood and productivity. Although, be careful to avoid direct sunlight that may cause a glare on your screen. Artificial lighting placement can be a science as well. It can be as simple as one overhead light, or more complex with layered lighting. Layering could include ambient, task, and accent lighting. Overhead lighting should be bright, yet gentle to avoid a glare, similar to that from window lighting. Task lighting should be positioned to the side of your dominant hand to reduce shadows on your work. Read more on Benefits of Using Natural Light in Your Home.

Home Office Colors 

You can always familiarize yourself with color psychology, and paint your office based on mood and atmosphere. However, your personal taste should not be overlooked. When it comes down to it, it may be in your best interest to paint your office space with your favorite color. Having a likable color in your office space can be uplifting, and it can draw you in. Personal touches make the space more inviting and enjoyable. This can include inspiring artwork, plants, or trinkets. This is your home office. Take advantage of the liberty to design it the way you want it. 

Comfort 

Just like finding the right desk, the right chair is vital. You may be spending long hours sitting in one place, so it might as well be comfortable. Choose a chair that supports your back and encourages good posture to maximize your health. On top of that, ensure your desk is at a comfortable height and your computer screen is at eye level to prevent eye and neck strain. 

Working from home has become much more prevalent within recent years, so the office space has become an essential piece of the home. Designing a home office in a new build is an exciting time. Attention to detail and special consideration of location, organization, colors, and comfort can create a productive and pleasant workspace that benefits the entire household. Read more on Interior Design trends that are here to stay.