If you’re working from home some or all of the time, building a home office space is the perfect way to boost your productivity, keep you organized, and add sophistication and functionality to your home’s design.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to home office additions. Transform a walk-in closet or attic space into an ergonomic workspace with built-in shelves, create a dual work space for you and your partner or spouse in an existing bedroom or basement, or build an addition onto your home and add square footage with the perfect custom home office.
Why Build a Home Office?
Do you really need a home office? Maybe you feel like you’re comfortable just working from your sofa or dinner table. For some, creating a temporary workspace for a few weeks or months of working from home may do the trick.
But an increasing number of workers are making the switch to working from home at least part of the time. If working from home is becoming a long-term part of your daily life, a dedicated home office becomes essential. In fact, remote workers tend to be more productive than those who work from the office, and a home workspace adds to that productivity.
Having a dedicated home office keeps you organized and puts you in a productive mindset each morning. It also helps maintain work-life balance, since you’ll have a separate place away from your home life when it’s time to work. A home office with a good chair and desk also adds comfort and can save your body and posture in the long run, since you’ll avoid slouching on your sofa or bed with your laptop.
An added bonus? Home offices are generally tax deductible. You can often write off building a home office and even deduct part of your household expenses from your taxes. Just be sure you check your local laws and regulations to be sure.
Home Office Design Ideas
When you think of a home office, you might just picture a repurposed second bedroom with a desk, chair, and computer to make the space usable. That’s just the beginning when it comes to creative ways to add an office to your home. In fact, there’s almost no limit to home office designs!
Here are just a few creative and functional home office ideas:
- Outdoor studio office with an attached kitchenette and powder room
- Creative loft workspace
- In-kitchen bright and airy desk space
- Traditional study with built-in wooden shelving
- Minimalist workspace with a two-person desk
- Finished basement office/craft room
- Repurposed attic office with skylights
- Cozy study with built-in fireplace and armchair
- Greenhouse office with hanging plants and ample daylight
- Multipurpose home office and homework den for kids
The main thing to think about when choosing the right home office design for your home is what exactly you plan to use the space for. Do you have kids who are also in need of desk space to do homework? Think about refinishing your basement or attic space to accommodate multiple desks and workspaces. Do you anticipate feeling claustrophobic or shut in during work hours? Add skylights or lots of big windows and hang plants to make the space feel open and airy.
Your home office should work for you and your needs. It should be a comfortable, usable space that inspires creativity, productivity, and organization. Whatever that looks like for you, that’s the home office you should build.
Things to Include in a Home Office
Planning is key when it comes to designing, building, and decorating your home office. The right space should help keep you focused, productive, comfortable, and relaxed. It should also promote creativity and good health and posture.
The first big decision you’ll make is location. Are you remodeling an existing room or building an addition? Where is your home office in relation to your kitchen? The nearest bathroom? Functionality and convenience are all important elements to consider.
Once you know how much and what kind of space you’re working with, you’ll have all the tools you need to determine things like desk size/style, storage, lighting, furnishings, and other decor.
Here are a few home office features to consider adding to your new space:
- Plenty of natural light via windows, skylights, etc.
- Built-in shelving, drawers, and extra storage
- A small meeting area for guests or clients
- Your favorite artwork
- A comfortable, ergonomic chair
- Carefully designed lighting
- Chalkboard, whiteboard, calendar, and other organization tools
Ready to add an office to your home?
Whether you’re looking to build an addition for your home office, refinish a basement, or remodel an existing space to meet your work-from-home needs, your home office should be designed with your specific purposes and preferences in mind. At Hamish Murray Construction, we go the extra mile and work with you to ensure your space is designed for you. Let us help you build a comfortable, usable home office that you’ll love to work and spend time in.
Have questions about how to get started with your remodel or addition project in the Portland, OR area? Ready to jump right in? We’re here to help! Call us at (503) 460-7203 or send us a message online at any time!