Make the home office perfect for your specific requirements.
Have you noticed that even if you have tips and tricks for designing it, planning your home office still feels difficult?
You may find yourself just sitting there, wondering…will the office prove self-sufficient for me to do my work? Will it give me the inspiration and creativity I need?…and so on.
To help you through this, and plan a space that’s awesome to look at, comfortable to work in, and inspiring enough to boost your productivity, we’ve listed out some essential questions that you should ask yourself before starting your home office design.
Where should you locate the home office?
Of course, the most important question in designing a home office is, where should you locate it?
What are some of the considerations that go into placing your workspace?
One essential thing to consider is whether the space allows plenty of sunlight.
Natural light is essential to maintain your health and wellbeing, so make sure your home office will have plenty of daylight. We will revisit this in a while.
Comfort is another crucial factor as you will be spending long periods of time in your workspace, and to maintain productivity it is essential that you be comfortable.
Privacy is another important consideration.
One final thing to think about is – what’s the size of your work desk? Will it fit into your chosen workspace?
Do you have children to take care of?
If you have children to take care of, it’s crucial to consider their safety and well-being when designing your home office.
A good idea is to locate your workspace in an area where you can keep an eye on your kids while working, like the living room or a shared space.
This way, you can attend to their needs and ensure they are safe, especially if they are young and need constant supervision.
What budget do you have?
Here’s the thing – if you don’t keep the budget in mind, you could end up planning a far more expensive office design than you can afford…and find out with your walls ripped out that your budget won’t allow the rebuilding.
To avoid that mess, you should have a clear idea of what kind of budget you can afford right at the beginning.
How will you design the office?
You basically have three options:
- Design it yourself – You can simply do the measurements and designs yourself. Should be a quick and affordable process, and works best if you are aiming for a small workspace.
- Use an online tool – Many online design tools are available that will help you visualise and design your office. However, you may find it difficult to get the best use out of them if you’re not a professional designer.
- Consult/hire an interior designer – Consulting a trained designer is the best way to go. Even if you don’t want to hire them for the complete project, they will be able to draw up a design plan that you can follow.
What will it be used for?
When designing a home office, it’s crucial to consider the purpose it will serve.
If you’ll mainly use it for computer work, you might want to prioritise the room’s aesthetics to create an environment that keeps you focused and motivated.
On the other hand, if you’re an artist or a crafter, your focus will be on creating a dedicated workspace that supports your creative process.
Take some time to reflect on your daily work routine and consider your needs and preferences.
You can create a mood board to visualise your ideas and ensure that your home office meets your functional and aesthetic requirements.
Will you have to make calls from the home office?
Why this specific question?
Well, sound can be a major issue in a home office, especially if you need to take calls or hold video conferences.
To ensure clear communication, consider installing soundproofing panels or using noise-cancelling technology.
Once you’ve addressed this issue, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to work in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
Will you make presentations from there?
If you plan on making presentations from your home office, you’ll want to ensure that the space is designed with this in mind.
Think about what type of presentations you’ll be making and what equipment you’ll need, such as a projector or large monitor.
Make sure your desk is positioned in a way that allows for easy visibility, and that there is enough space for any equipment you’ll be using.
Additionally, consider the decor of the room, as it can impact the overall impression you make during presentations.
A professional-looking office with minimal distractions will help you make a lasting impact on your audience.
Will you meet people in-person?
If you need to host face-to-face meetings in your home office, there are several additional factors to consider.
You will need to provide comfortable seating for your guests, ensure they have access to a bathroom, and make sure the overall atmosphere of the room is professional and welcoming.
These details can make a big difference in how your clients or colleagues perceive you and your business.
Is there sufficient storage?
When designing a home office, storage is a key consideration, even if you’re trying to go paperless.
You’ll need easy access to your materials, so ensure that you have adequate storage. A combination of shelves and cupboards is ideal.
This will allow you to quickly grab frequently used items from the shelves and keep less-used items hidden away in the cupboards.
In addition to storage, shelves can be used for displaying plants, ornaments, and pictures, which are essential for creating a welcoming and inspiring workspace.
What kind of surface space do you need?
This might seem an oddly specific question, but as interior design experts in Dhaka, we know that people don’t generally think about how much table space they’ll need till the last minute.
It is vital to consider that, though.
For example, if you work with a lot of paperwork or drawings, a large desktop would be ideal.
On the other hand, if your work is based around screens (like working on laptops), you can make do with limited tabletop area.
Is the lighting good for working in?
As we said before, availability of natural light is one of the primary considerations in deciding where to place your office.
However, lighting requirements for a home office go beyond just access to sunlight.
You also need to have adequate overhead lighting to brighten up your space, lift your spirits and boost productivity.
Task lighting – increased or intense light for specific tasks – is equally important to ensure ample illumination for work and prevent eye strain.
So, make sure to design your workspace to have lighting sufficient to create a comfortable and productive environment.
Do you have requisite window treatments in place?
As much as you should prioritise natural light, it’s important to prevent glare on your computer screen by placing your desk away from direct sunlight.
You can also install a window treatment that allows you to control the level of light coming in.
A Venetian blind is a good option as you can directly manipulate it to let in daylight as per your needs.
Do you have a comfortable chair?
Natural light is one of the factors crucial in maintaining your health and wellness while working at your home office.
The quality of the chair that you will use is another.
Select a seat that supports your back through long periods of sitting. This is crucial to prevent back problems and spine issues.
With today’s furniture market in Bangladesh, you can look beyond traditional work chairs for stylish and appealing models.
Take your time and explore your options.
You can also get in touch with a custom furniture maker in Bangladesh to get a chair design that suits your needs.
Can you stand and work?
The latest opinion in workplace design suggests that you should be able to stand and work sometimes, or occasionally take small breaks and walk through the room a few times.
This is to avoid obesity and back pain issues.
You can do this by having an adjustable standing desk and by having your office space in a room that has space for you to pace through it.
Questions to ask when designing a workspace at home – conclusion
Designing a home office is an exciting project, but it requires careful consideration to ensure that the space meets your needs and promotes productivity.
By asking yourself these 11 key questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a home office that is comfortable, functional, and inspiring.
Remember to take into account factors like lighting, soundproofing, storage, and seating arrangements, as well as your personal work habits and preferences.
With a well-designed home office, you’ll be able to work efficiently and effectively, no matter what your job requires.
Check out our blog post on home office design tips and tricks for more inspiration!
