Create The Office Of Your Dreams

CreateThe Office of Your Dreams

in Your Own Home

By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer

More and more we are working from home, a trend that exploded last year and may well become the new normal. Once you’re used to it, a lot can be said for it. And it works very well for a lot of people, whether working for a company or as a self-employed businessperson.

So you need a home office, right? Or maybe you already have one. Is it time to freshen it up? What are the latest trends in styles and storage? Sam Beachy of Reliance said, “Yes, home office spaces are making a strong comeback. This allows those working from home to still have a quiet work space within the home and not be working from the dining room table.” Beachy went on to say, “It’s also important to create an inviting office space that has a window for natural light, so one does not feel so secluded when working alone.”

In most businesses these days, the pandemic has created complications that are still occurring. Materials take longer to manufacture and ship. Beachy said, “The majority of materials and products are a challenge to get, along with long delay periods for almost everything. Windows are 12 to 20 weeks. Siding takes eight to 10 weeks, while some appliances take four to six months. And generators are in short supply, taking six to eight months.”

Beachy went on to say, “I tell our clients that today’s projects will take longer and they should be willing to be flexible on product choices. Otherwise, the project will take even longer.”

He continued, “The current trend is to have clean bright spaces with a window. Space and size vary on the individual,and how they work.” Some offices might require a very compact space, requiring only a desk and a phone and not much else. Others would need room for cabinetry and sample books, perhaps a drafting table and file cabinets, possibly even a small seating area if you will have clients coming to your office. Reliance works with local architects and designers, along with an in-house design consultant, to be sure you are getting exactly what you want and need for optimum satisfaction and results.

As to the finished appearance of your office, Beachy said, “Cabinets are best for storage, as they will hide clutter. Shelves are great for displaying items.” You might require more of one than the other.

If you think it would be easy to set up a home office, it involves more than just emptying out a previously in-use room. According to

This window seat would give not only natural lighting, but an interesting focal point for the entire room. You could put your desk in front of it and use the seat for books, printers, whatever you need.

Photo courtesy of Reliance, Nappanee Photo courtesy of Reliance, Nappanee Beachy, “The difficult part is where to find a space that has natural light without giving up a current bedroom.” Also, finding a space within the home away from the daily visual and noise from the family, if other members are at home during the day. We have all seen the Zoom calls where children enter the room and call for the parent that is working. The challenge working from home is that home life and work life become muddled and there is no time away from either.

Consider if you want your office to be near the kitchen or near a bathroom, depending on how well you handle a break in concentration. Will you allow pets in the room or not?

Rather than seeing these as a series of problems or challenges, just remind yourself that most workers are assigned offices or cubicles, with little to no input as to how it will look and how comfortable or efficient your work space will be. This is your chance to create the office of your dreams, right down to wall colors and floor coverings. n

This loft space could make a very interesting home office and the built-in shelving is a wonderful asset. Don’t be afraid to consider an unusual space such as this.

Photo courtesy of Reliance, Nappanee

RESOURCE:

Reliance, Nappanee, 574-773-4308, www.reliancedbr.net