How to create a home office without losing a room

Working from home is the new norm for many of us, and it looks like it’s here to stay! It does have its advantages, however if you are struggling for space in your home it may create some problems for you. An extra room for a home office is a luxury that only a few may have, so how can you create a working from home space that allows you to be productive?

Think outside the box

If you are lucky enough to have a spare room in your home that is used mainly for storing neglected items or piles of ironing, you can easily revamp it to function as a welcoming bedroom for when guests come to stay, and a lovely workspace.

The first step is to take out or repurpose anything that you don’t need. It can become a habit to keep old items that you may think you need in the future, however ask yourself if you will ever find a use for it.

If you have a double bed that is taking up lots of space in the room, replace it with a sofa bed or a day bed. You can turn the dressing table into a desk, while a chest of drawers can house a printer and other necessities.

Have a walk around your home and identify where you can make room for multi-purpose items. Could you squeeze a desk and chair into your kitchen or living room? Not only will this use up wasted floor space but it also offers a practical solution.

Under the stairs office

The space under the stairs can often be overlooked, however it can be a great solution to needing a home office, and using up the space that it provides. In my house, the previous owners even crafted a built in wooden desk under our staircase in order to use up the free space. Just make sure you it is well lit so you don’t strain your eyes.

Call in the help of professional electricians from FantasticServices.com to make sure everything is wired up safely.

Utilise outdoor space

If you have a summer house or a garage, these can be transformed into a dedicated home office. Summer houses are also great for the winter. Just add a heater and invest in a secure locking system to keep your items safe, and you’re good to go! For a garage, this may be slightly more expensive, but will work all year round. To start, cover the concrete floor with rugs or a fitted carpet to warm up the space and pay attention to the walls, as these may need insulation.

Consider an expansion

While working from home was initially introduced as a temporary measure, its widespread success for both employee productivity and happiness means that it may well become more commonplace in the years to come. As a result, you may want to consider finding a more permanent space for your home office – complete with all the furnishings and technology required for you to get the job done. While this may seem OTT, having a designated space in your home for working (which can also double as a homework spot for your kids) will do wonders when it comes to heightening your ability to focus when working from home. This is due to the fact that it allows you to physically distance yourself from any distractions. 

If you have decided to add an extension to your home, then you should look into Arcitectural Services in your local area. This way, you can ensure the projects are carried out in a timely manner by professionals who know exactly what to do to create a home office that works for you. Extensions also come with the added benefit of adding considerable value to your home – which is excellent for those who may be considering moving or selling their property in the future. 

A popular choice amongst homeowners who are now working from home permanently is adding a garden office.

For us Brits on a Budget this is a more economical choice than adding an expensive extension. An outdoor work space generally does not require involving an architect or paying for Planning Permission. That’s an immediate saving, plus the builds are generally cheaper because they’re not connected to your home.