Reimagining

The Home Workspace

By Heidi Powell

IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS HOMEOWNERS HAVE INCREASINGLY COME TO US NEEDING DESIGNATED WORKSPACES FOR THEMSELVES AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS. THE HOME WORKSPACE CAN BE AN AREA FOR CREATIVITY, PRODUCTIVITY, AND RETREAT.

As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded it changed our work lives and the way many of us use our homes. Two years later this trend is still sticking around. In fact, some leading business research reports that remote work will increase as we progress through 2023. Although temporary office space solutions worked in a pinch, many homeowners are ready to move their desks out of the bedroom corner or reclaim their kitchen table for mealtimes. They are longing for a “headquarters” created solely for their workday’s routine. Being tucked away from the household bustle can certainly foster a more productive, stable work environment.

Maybe you are nodding in agreement and are eager for a per- manent and private workspace to call your own. Perhaps you just need some room set aside for the business of running a household or a cozy nook for reflection, crafting, or reading. To help identify goals for your home office purposes see the sidebar (facing page).

Once we have clarified “the who and the what” for the space then we focus on “the where” i.e. location. Finding room for a dedicated office does not always require additional square footage, it may just be a matter of reimagining existing space. In some cases we have found that clients may have redundant living area; perhaps they rarely use their formal dining room or formal living room. Redesigning one of those rooms into a home office could be a perfect solution!

Recently a client came to us wanting to maximize the use of their entry and create an adjacent workspace. Their front room was a multipurpose area that didn’t have a specific use for the family, it had become a catch-all room that was easily cluttered.

Through the design process we came up with a plan to split the space into two rooms, an open semi-formal entryway and a home office. We removed a half wall and coat closet that separated the original cramped entryway from the front room.

A new office now sits right off the entryway with beautiful French doors, built-in cabinetry, and an abundance of natural light - everything that one dreams of for their home office. This newly remodeled space looks out to the front porch and front yard as well as the pastural side yard where the children frequently play. The office is an ideal location for a moment of inspiration, reflection, and focus. A warm white paint (Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee) combined with the newly installed light oak luxury vinyl plank flooring (Coretec Springfield Oak) runs throughout the home, creating continuity and a neutral

Identify the Use

Things to Consider:

Is this spot just for you, or will you be accommodating others?

How will you be spending most of your time there?

Will you be : making phone calls drawing paying bills writing crafting reading hosting virtual meetings canvas upon which to build. Traditional and schoolhouse style statement light fixtures coordinate with the black door hardware for a touch of contrast.

When working on a project do you tend to spread out over a large area or keep a more consolidated workspace?

How much quiet and concentration is necessary?

The semi-formal entryway that was formed through the remodel was intentionally designed around the homeowner’s baby grand piano -- a real showstopper. The flow created by this entryway is welcoming and ushers you into a beautifully curated home. One other added feature was In the family room where we designed a built-in window seat. This created a cozy nook that is used by all the family for reading and extra seating.

As you consider the various areas of your own home there is so much opportunity to imagine and create a space you can call your own. We hope that everyone can have a beautiful and inspiring place to work … or play.

Will your work need to remain out until complete or do you tidy up at the end of the day?

Will you want a certain sightline or accessibility to another room in your home?