The past couple of years have made millions of people realize how important it is to have a home office. Even if you spend most of your time in the workplace now, the flexibility of having a comfortable space to work from home has become a necessity. A home office solves that problem. If you’re not sure where to find the space, we’ve got some ideas that will help you brainstorm the right solution for you.
How Do I Turn My Room Into an Office?
Turning a room into a home office is a great way to improve your use of the space and ensure that you have quiet and focus for productive work. Here are a few ways that you can convert an existing space into an office, or even make a new one.
1. Convert a Guest Bedroom
Has it been a long time since you had a guest? Does your guest bedroom sit empty 99% of the time? You might benefit from converting it into a home office. Bedrooms are a great option for offices, as they already have a built-in closet for storage and a window for natural light. If you want to make it a combo room, consider upgrading to a Murphy bed. That way, you can put the bed away when you don’t need it, leaving more room for a desk and equipment.
2. Find Unused Space
If you haven’t remodeled your home in a while, you probably have some unused space that could become a home office. Homeowners are often surprised by how much they can get from a corner of the basement or an unfinished attic. Finishing these spaces includes adding walls, insulation, lighting, heating and cooling. They don’t have to qualify as a bedroom, so you can be choosy about what you want for windows or storage.
3. Remodel a Closet
Walk-in closets are popular, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to use them to store clothing. If you have a large closet that is a disorganized mess, tidying it up might reveal enough room for a home office. The best part is that your storage is already there. Looking for a place to spend lots of time? Upgrade the closet to add an HVAC vent, and think about adding a window if the closet has an exterior wall.
4. Create a Multipurpose Room
For homes that are already fairly efficient in use, it might be time to consider a multipurpose room. Multipurpose rooms are popular for kids’ spaces, because they can convert quickly from a playroom to a homework space and back again. If you have a game room that gets heavy use on the evenings and weekends, but sits empty otherwise, it might be a perfect choice for a home office. A simple room divider allows you to organize your space for productivity, without a ton of visual clutter.
5. Consider a Whole Home Remodel
If the solution isn’t immediately apparent, you might want to rethink the way that you use your home. Sometimes, the floor plan is generous, but the layout simply doesn’t work with the way you live. That’s an excellent time to consider a whole home remodel. Tailoring the whole space for your current lifestyle can make you fall in love with your home all over again.
Wonder if you can live in your home during a whole home renovation? We’ve got tips.
6. Make a Home Office Addition
For homes with limited space, the most obvious solution is a home addition. Additions are a great option because they can solve a problem without forcing you to remodel the entire house in the process. Home offices tend to be smaller additions, which can help you stick to a tighter budget while you get all the extra room you need.
How Do I Make a Small Work Office at Home?
Making a small work office at home can be pretty simple, depending on the option you choose:
- Convert a guest bedroom
- Finish the attic or basement
- Remodel a closet
- Create a multipurpose room
If you need more space than your home currently provides, it’s a good idea to look into a whole home remodel or addition. Looking for ways to control project costs during the design phase? We have answers.
How Do I Setup a Home Office Without an Extra Room?
Although many homeowners prefer to have a dedicated room for a home office, it’s not required. You can use a variety of tools to maximize space in your living room, dining room or kitchen. A floating desk makes it easy to pull down a table for work, then fold it up when you are done. You can even buy options with added storage, so that you can keep everything you need for work close at hand.
Want more ideas for your next remodel? Check out our projects.
How Do I Set Up Home Office With No Space?
Setting up a home office with no space takes some creativity. You’re either going to have to minimize what you need from the home office, or you’ll have to expand it sustainably. When you hire an expert design-build company like Corvallis Custom Kitchens & Baths, you get the benefit of our experience in helping you to create a solution that works best for your home. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.
