At Work at Home: Home Office Interior Design
By Kathy A. Johnsonkathy.johnson@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
Home-based work continues to grow in popularity with more than 44 million Americans performing some kind of work from home. While the type and amount of work differs, the need for an efficient home office is constant. As an interior designer, you can help clients put together a functional, attractive home office.
Before interior designers begin a new job, they consult with their client to see what type of work will be done and how the office will be used. Sometimes a home office must share space in a room used for other things, thus making space planning and organization a priority. Whether clients have a room dedicated to a home office or must make do with a corner of the guest room, here are three elements of home office design to keep in mind:
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- Workspace. The workspace should be laid out in the most efficient way: the items the client uses most often, such as phone, computer, or file drawers, should be easily reachable. If the client meets with his own clients, he will need certain features, such as a conference or seating area and sometimes a dedicated separate entry.
- Lighting. Both overhead and task lighting should suit the type of work the client does. Consider type and placement of lighting along with workspace design.
- Storage. The client will probably need both filing cabinet space for paperwork and storage for office supplies or tools used in his profession. If the home office is shared space, concealing working materials when not being used will be a priority also.
If the popularity of working at home continues, your next interior design job could be a home office design. Keep these factors in mind and help your client create the home office of his dreams.
Sources:
Lowe's Commercial ServicesThe Basics of Small or Home Office Design
Interiors & Sources
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.
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