Organization is Key to Optimal Home Office Design

By Kristen Beckman

The home office has taken on new importance since the onset of the pandemic. Millions of people working from home proved the viability and often the benefits of remote work, and many companies are now implementing or considering implementing hybrid work models that allow flexibility for employees to work from home beyond the pandemic.

AGartner survey of human resources professionals conducted last year found that 60 percent of employers plan to allow their employees to work from home occasionally, about half anticipate designating certain days for work from home, and nearly one-third plan a permanent shift to remote work arrangements. As hybrid and remote work arrangements evolve from temporary to permanent, so too should the physical space people are using to work remotely, whether they are using a dedicated room or office or carving a workspace out of another room in the house.

Beyond setting up an office with optimal lighting, noise control, and connectivity, incorporating all of the equipment, materials, and supplies needed is perhaps the

biggest challenge of designing a home office that promotes focus and efficient work, but doesn’t clutter living areas. Creating a functional home office is one of the biggest requests professional organizer Beth Blacker has received from clients since the start of the pandemic. Blacker is founder of It’s Just Stuff, a home organizing and move management company serving the Denver metro area.

“There are inherent challenges because the space available just may not be conducive for a productive work area especially if there isn’t a closet or shelving already in place,” said Blacker. “A cubby system like the ones sold at Target and Walmart is definitely an inexpensive but highly efficient way to organize a lot of supplies in a very contained manner if you have the room to implement one.”

“Now more than ever, the home office is essential to our daily lives”

If floor space is limited, Blacker suggests installing floating shelves on office walls.

“That is prime ‘real estate’ that a lot of people tend to not think about,” said Blacker. “Bins and baskets will be your best friend for keeping likeitems together whether on the shelves or in the cubbies.”

Ashlie Adam, owner and principal designer at Ashlie Adam Interiors, a local full-service design firm specializing in residential renovations, is also a fan of using baskets for office organization

“Now more than ever, the home office is essential to our daily lives,” said Adam. “No longer are we leaving the clutter at the office because our office is in our home.

“A key to good design is bringing in texture,” said Adam. “Baskets are one of my favorite ways to add texture in any room. Woven baskets are perfect for home office organization. You can hold office supplies, documents, or your favorite snacks for break time in a basket. Neatly lining up the baskets on an open shelf or below a credenza or desk will create a design rich in texture and will be clean and free of clutter.”

Creating a functional, organized, and appealing office space doesn’t have to be expensive. “Obviously The Container Store is a one-stop-shop for all of the things you might possibly need and while they tend to be more aesthetically appealing, they aren’t cheap,” said Blacker. “Believe it or not, dollar stores often have great organizing solutions so if you aren’t looking for what I often say are the most Instagram worthy options – meaning that picture-perfect look – you may be pleasantly surprised with what you can get for much less money if you are willing to shop around a little.”