What are the essential elements of a home office?
For Katie Schroder of Atelier Interior Design, the key elements of a home office are “a spacious desk and ample storage to keep everything organized—like having a dedicated spot to hide away papers and a printer behind cabinet doors.” On top of that, Zoe Feldman of Zoe Feldman Design notes that “good task lighting and a comfortable desk chair” are workspace must-haves.
Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors thinks an attractive Zoom background is a worthwhile consideration when it comes to home office ideas. “Whether we focus on a specific architectural element of the house itself, plan a gallery wall, or design office walls to carry that weight themselves, the meeting background is definitely still one of our most requested design features,” she shares.
Schroder believes that the overall aesthetic of the home office space is integral to its success. “The most important aspect is tailoring the office’s style to the person using it,” she explains. “A workspace that sparks joy and inspiration fosters a positive mindset, which, in turn, creates a more productive and motivating environment. Simply put, loving where you work helps you work better.”
How much space do you need for a home office?
“Honestly, not much space is needed for a home office,” says Feldman. “They can be surprisingly efficient. You don’t need a whole room—just enough space for a decently sized desk and seating for one person. Smart storage, built-ins, and multifunctional furniture can make a small space work harder for you.”
Oholendt completely agrees, specifying that “somewhere around 8 feet x 10 feet is adequate if the goal is a built-in desk and storage, while somewhere around 10 feet x 13 feet is necessary if you want to float a desk and still have cabinetry space for the unsightly needs of an office.”
What is a good place for a home office?
Of course, the most obvious place for a home office is an extra bedroom. But if you don’t have an existing room to spare—and you don’t want to work at the dining table—you can make over an unfinished attic or garage into a home office, something Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors is no stranger to. “When our clients were looking for dedicated work-from-home offices, it made more sense to convert the unfinished attic space than to take over already assigned spaces downstairs,” she explains.
For Sallie Lord of Greyhunt Interiors, the best option was combining her home office and laundry room into one multipurpose space, which can be replicated with a pantry or a guest room too. Even a well-situated corner or alcove can become a small home office, according to Rebekah Zaveloff of Imparfait Design Studio. “A little landing provides the perfect spot for a simple home office in a space that would otherwise be overlooked,” she says.
