It wasn’t long ago that the home office was an afterthought in the home design process. With remote work now the norm, many homeowners spend multiple days a week working from home, making home office designs a top priority when planning a home build.
But what makes a great home office? Is it the space, the location, the storage, or a state-of-the-art setup? The answer depends on your occupation, lifestyle and design preferences. Whatever your situation, your home office should be a comfortable and productive space you actually like spending time in.
This month, we explore how to design a home office you’ll love.
What to consider when designing a home office
Identify how your home office will be used and workshop a floorplan
From working parents to entrepreneurs, the home office must be as dynamic as the lives of those who use it. Workshopping a thoughtful floor plan helps ensure you have enough space and can transform it into a versatile room that works for everyone.
The first step is determining how the space will be used. Your profession and lifestyle will guide your home office design and help you make decisions. For instance, a technology company director with three children may need to make space for three wide computer screens across two desks. They may also install soundproof walls to block out household noise.
Here are a few things to consider when working on a floorplan with your home designer:
Office space
We recommend allocating 10 to 20 square metres. This provides enough space for a comfortable desk setup, storage, and additional seating with room to move. A larger area, such as 20 square metres, would suit those who plan to use the office for meetings or multiple workstations.
Flexible, multi-use spaces
One practical home office idea is ensuring the office can function as a guest bedroom. This can be achieved through built-in cabinetry with fold-away desks that conceal workstations. When guests arrive, the room can quickly transform. Such multi-functional home office designs allow homeowners to maximise usability without sacrificing style or efficiency.
Open vs. closed office designs
Choosing between an open or closed office will impact how the space is used. Open-plan home office configurations offer flexibility and movement, ideal for those who value collaboration or need to transition between tasks. In contrast, closed home offices are perfect for those who require privacy and quiet, helping to minimise distractions.
Consider home office placement
The workspace location significantly impacts productivity and comfort, so office placement is important.
Create a quiet zone
For most people, a quiet environment is necessary for focus. It’s ideal to place the home office away from high-traffic areas like kitchens, living rooms, or noisy play areas. A serene, quiet corner at the back of the house, perhaps near a garden, is ideal. Incorporating soundproofing and double-glazed windows can further isolate noise.
Maximise natural light
As custom home builders, we understand the importance of natural light. Natural light makes a space more pleasant and can significantly boost productivity and improve mood. Large, strategically placed windows allow for ample daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting. For offices that don’t have access to exterior walls, skylights are a good alternative.
Separate entrances
If you regularly meet with clients, a separate entrance can be valuable to your office house design. It provides privacy and professionalism, ensuring that clients can enter and exit without disturbing the rest of the household. If you opt for a separate entrance, positioning the office at the front or back of the house allows easy access.
Home office ideas to maximise space
Not every home design can feature a large, open-plan office, especially when you’re building on a small block. But there are plenty of small home office ideas that will help you maximise space. At Stannard Homes, we can help you optimise even the smallest spaces to ensure your home office is functional.
Compact offices
Sometimes, the best home offices are in overlooked spaces. Hallway alcoves, corners of larger rooms, or even under-stair spaces can be converted into compact yet highly efficient workspaces. Built-in desks and shelving can allow homeowners to transform these areas into stylish workspaces without sacrificing any of the home’s square footage.
Vertical storage
One of the best ways to maximise the area is by building vertically. Custom-built shelves that reach from floor to ceiling provide ample storage without wasting valuable space. Recessed shelving and floating cabinets can further save space while maintaining an open, airy feel to the office.
Loft conversions
If you’re short on horizontal space, consider designing a loft. A loft can provide a quiet, tucked-away office space free from distractions. Enhancements like skylights, custom-built desks, and creative storage solutions can ensure your loft is a fully functional and comfortable workspace.
Designing home offices for optimal functionality
Home office functionality extends far beyond the physical structure. While layout and location are essential, there are several other key considerations that play a significant role in creating an optimised workspace.
Elements such as flooring, technology integration, and climate control contribute to the overall comfort and efficiency of the workspace, ensuring that it’s not only practical but also a place where you’ll want to spend your time.
Home office flooring
Flooring is an important but overlooked aspect of office house design. Hardwood floors or laminate provide a professional, easy-to-clean surface, while carpeting offers comfort and sound absorption. If your office is near a high-traffic area of the house, sound-dampening underlays beneath the flooring can further reduce noise, creating a quieter workspace.
Convenient technology integration
A common issue in older homes is the lack of electrical outlets. In our modern home office configurations, we ensure the design includes plenty of outlets for computers, monitors, and other equipment. This ensures your workspace is equipped to handle all your technology needs.
Climate control
Comfort is closely tied to productivity. Insulation, independent temperature controls, and properly placed heating and cooling systems will help ensure your home office remains comfortable all year round.
From a functional floor plan and thoughtful room placement to additional considerations like natural light and climate control, designing the perfect home office is easier with the help of an experienced home designer.
Design a home office that supports your work with Stannard Homes. Book a consultation.
