Interiors.qxp_Layout 7 08/07/2020 11:16 Page 1
INTERIORS
Feeling the squeeze?
If lockdown has had you yearning for more room for your files, computer and work paraphernalia, Inna Hart has some ideas for creating a cosy, private office space
M
any of us are still working from home, often without the luxury of a dedicated workspace. Dining tables, sofas, kitchen counters, garden sheds, bedrooms – you name it – have all become home offices. No wonder so many of us are thinking about having an actual space that’s fit for purpose. What’s more, many companies have realised that working from home is good for business, the environment and work-life balance. From now on, anyone looking for property may well have an additional requirement – space for a home office. But where to start? If you’re in the position to move and have been flipping Rightmove pages, perhaps look for properties with: an extra bedroom, an extension or the potential to extend, a converted garage or one that could be converted, quirky nooks (in between floors or as part of an irregular floorplan), or an outbuilding/space that could be converted. To create a comfortable space to work, you will need at least two square meters of floor space. Consider box rooms, space under stairs, landings if large enough to accommodate your workspace without obstructing the walkway; a guest bedroom. Swap the double bed for a sofa bed and add home office furniture. (You’re not a hotel, right? Besides, there are super comfortable sofa beds on the market.) Ideally you want a window. Make sure you can accommodate a desk with storage and comfortable seating; declutter and rearrange furniture. With home office space increasingly popular, there are many trendy quality items available. Wayfair.com alone has thousands. The Range, B&M and B&Q have great stock and have social distancing measures in place in England. If you don’t feel like spending time deciding the style and trying to match things up, there are furniture packages available from your local interior decorators. For example, IH Interiors offers a free consultation with every office furniture package bought. If you’re on a budget, why not try Facebook Marketplace or eBay to find something antique or vintage. You could even have a go at painting or restoring an old desk using tutorials on YouTube. 66 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
|
SUMMER 2020
|
No 191
Of course, a separate dedicated working space is an ultimate goal, but if you simply don’t have a spare room and every square inch of your home is utilised, why not invest in an outbuilding? In warmer months, working in a specially created space overlooking your garden is perfect. There are a few things to consider – electricity, reliable wi-fi, heat, waterproofing. By winter, you will have had the chance to improve the insulation and add appropriate heating and security – be it a summerhouse or a garden shed with a window. You will certainly benefit from a window close by, as working in a light space will only have a positive impact. If your workspace has no natural light (if it is under the stairs, for example) then illuminate using spotlights and daylight lamps. Good, speedy wi-fi is a must in any home these days, but many broadband providers also offer various speed and coverage boosters. There are a lot of deals, so make sure to explore your options and look into switching providers. Obviously, having an adequate electricity supply is very important – for light, to power your equipment or simply charge your phone. If your space is a part of another room, use similar colours and accessories to create a cohesive look. It is a good idea to decorate your office in the same tone as the rest of your home anyway, even if it’s a separate space. Your office needs to be functional, so make sure most of your decorative items have a purpose. These can include boxes for storage, stylish prints with a map or time zones, a clock, handy books and directories, lighting, decorative trays, jars and containers. I would definitely add a small (or hanging) plant. Key to a productive working day in your home office is to keep it clear of clutter. It is a space where your mind must go into a working mode, so make sure you create the right environment for that. If you are stuck for ideas, head to houzz.com to find a local professional. The site is also a source of visual ideas, with thousands of pictures of real homes and space solutions to inspire you. ■ • ihinteriors.co.uk
