The Mid-Hudson region of NY has initiated Phase 3 of the reopening plan and so far things are going in the right direction. As we continue to work through the next phase of reopening, some people will start to go back to work in a traditional office setting. However, for the majority of people, many will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future. Even those that will be returning to the office, it will likely only be a trial and on a part-time basis. So, since we’ll all be working from home for a while, it’s important we all establish a functional workspace.
As someone who has been a remote worker prior to all of this, I know first-hand how important it is to have a defined work space free of clutter and *separate* from the rest of your living space. When you’re working from home, the blurred lines between work and home often creates unnecessary distractions, and having a dedicated work area can help you stay focused and more productive. Although some people are fortunate enough to have homes with a separate room as an office, many people aren’t as lucky, and others may have two people trying to work at home at the same time right now. We spoke with Kerry Jacobs, of Manor+Woods to help you get creative and create functional and dedicated workspace solutions within your home.
Transform a guest room into a home office. Unfortunately, out-of-town guests are unlikely in our near future, so this is a great way to make an otherwise unused space a functional home office.
BEFORE
Transition a coat closet that typically goes unused this time of year into a hideaway workspace. When possible try to choose a closet that you can close the door to, and one that has lighting and power outlet near by. Designer Ursula Carmona (@homemadebycarmona) posted great advice on working from home and homeschooling. She recommends choosing a space you can close the door to (walk-in closet will do) “not to be disturbed is ideaL…If your kids are little, you may have to settle for a space you can have one eye on them from afar.”
Turn a nook, or other empty space, into a work area. We had a client that removed a pointless cabinet tucked in the corner of her kitchen and added a small bench and shelf. When we added a little fun wallpaper it was the perfect office nook.
Use a less-trafficked room and install a set of shelves that can be styled to also function as a desk area when needed. There are plenty of shelving systems out there that have shelves deep enough to act as desks. Most of the time you can store a stool under the shelves or pull in a desk chair when needed.
Shift your bedroom furniture to make room for a desk/small working space. Many of us have a corner chair in our bedrooms, which typically go unused (or acts as a catch-all for your clothes), switch it out and make room for a small desk. There are desks of all sizes out there (see list below) choose one that has enough counter space for your needs.
Some great desk options for your new home work space – sourced by Kerry!
West Elm, Parsons Desk with Drawers – $399
Ballard Designs Margaret Desk – $499
West Elm, Mid-Century Mini Desk – $399
West Elm x PBT Mi-Century Desk – $699
CB2 Runway White Lacquer Desk – $399