To say 2020 was a whirlwind of a year would be an understatement, and you may now be finding that 2021 has begun quite similarly. With more and more companies opting for remote working, it might be time to consider how your home could function as a workspace too (preferably a permanent set up, rather than lugging your tech equipment to and from the kitchen table…). There are some really creative ideas out there to help reimagine your workspace, and you may be surprised to discover that not all of them require a large house with a spare room. So, if you are in need of some inspiration to help create your own little office within your home, look no further.
1. The perfect office nook
What if we told you that your small storage room in the hall could actually be the perfect spot for a permanent office set up? You may find unwanted ‘stuff’ taking up this corner and, once decluttered, you can transform this space to improve your working from home productivity. One great advantage of creating this workspace is being able to close the door at 5 pm, putting the workday out of sight and ensuring you enjoy a work-life balance.
If square footage is limited, consider built-in shelving and a fold-away chair to best utilise the space. Whether this room is large or small, you don’t need to get spendy with your shelving or desk either. Why not up-cycle some plain MDF board to create floating shelves or a smooth desktop? MDF has an endless list of benefits that make it perfect for the job. It is strong and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday work life. MDF is also a great cost-saving alternative with a smooth surface that is easy to treat, sand and paint, making it an excellent choice for DIY projects just like this.
2. Work from your shed
Never would we have thought that by 2021, some of us could be working our day jobs in the back garden, but there are some great perks of setting up shop here. By ‘working from shed’, you could avoid the typical distractions that can be found in your home such as laundry or dishes - it’s only when you are stationed at your home desk that these mundane tasks become even more tempting.
An office in the garden also ensures you maintain a work-life balance, while giving you the added bonus of some fresh air on your very short commute to the office. If your current shed needs a revamp to make it the perfect workspace, it is a great idea to include plenty of windows to let natural light and nature shine through while you work. Installing internal and external MDF cladding can be another great way to bring the outdoors in, creating a consistent design inside and out that can be personalised with paint colours of your choice.
(Image source: SheShed via Pinterest)
3. Plenty of spare room to play with
For those of you who have a spare room to play around with, this may be where you can get really creative! If you have a whole room to dedicate to your office, there are endless possibilities to create a fully functioning space with no limitations. You can section off different areas by using different coloured wall paint, MDF panelling or even different textures through rugs and wallpaper. Create the perfect working ambience by filling corners and shelves with houseplants or create a picture wall with photographs from your favourite natural spots or family trips. Lighting is another great way to create the perfect atmosphere for optimum productivity. Larger spaces can benefit from spotlights, dimmers, or various lamps in each section of the room for a welcoming glow that isn’t too harsh on the eye.
4. Relaxed working
Not everyone is keen to sacrifice the spare room or storage space to create the perfect home office. If you don’t fancy emptying out your cupboard or shed or are only working from home on a part-time basis, an easier option may be to set up in your communal living room. A desk and chair can easily be tucked into a corner of an existing room without taking up too much space or disrupting lounge time.
Working from your living room is the perfect option for those who still have children or pets at home as it means you can comfortably work while they play or relax beside you. Yes, there may be more distractions here, but you still have the advantage of keeping your other spaces free for any other storage requirements. Make use of wall space by hanging a calendar or photos that motivate you and include a comfortable cushioned seat to tie in with the rest of your living room furniture.
Are you working from home at the moment or are planning to in future? Maybe this post has inspired you to look around your home with fresh eyes to see how you can make best use of the space to create a home office that works for you. View more of our DIY inspired blog posts here, or contact our team if you are interested in updating your home with MDF skirting, architrave, cladding and more.