Designing a Stylish and Hard Working Home Office | Key Residential

When it comes to design, the home office can be an often overlooked room. But don't undervalue the importance of design for this room, especially when you consider just how much the room is used. It's the room where you take care of a lot of your household business. Perhaps you also get to use it to work from home. It is also probably home to a lot of your books and a computer or two. And if you have school age children it can be used as a quiet place for studying and homework. Here are a few things to think about when designing your home office to ensure that is is a well functioning and stylish room that works just as hard as you do.

This curved desk works perfectly for this office. There is plenty of space
for two monitors without having to sacrifice all of the desk. Drawers also
provide some much needed out or sight storage.

DESK

What is the most important piece of furniture in a home office? If the desk is not your first answer then it should at least be high up on your list. The desk is a hard working piece of furniture that can serve multiple purposes in an office. The most obvious is as a place where you get work done, whether that is working from home, household business, or homework. There is a good chance it is home to your family computer, or at least the place where a laptop or tablet is often set up. It could also be serving some storage functions as well. Make sure to pick a desk that will serve your needs, whether it is a small desk with no drawers, an L or U shaped desk with plenty of work space for multiple people, or something in between.

This office includes two arm chairs plus an ottoman for extra seating.
Who wouldn't want to curl up with a good book on one of these chairs?

SEATING

A desk cannot be complete without a desk chair. Don't overlook comfort in favor of fashion when it comes to a desk chair. If you're designing for a more professional aesthetic then it shouldn't be too hard to find a chair that both matches your aesthetic and is comfortable (think office style chair with plush leather). If that is not your design aesthetic then there are still plenty of stylish ergonomic designs. But don't commit to something just because it looks good. Comfort should play an important factor in your choice. And don't forget about additional seating that you may need for the room. If you have several school age children then you will probably need multiple chairs for them. A plush, upholstered chair or even a full couch or loveseat would be the perfect addition if you are an avid reader and want a quiet and comfortable place to curl up with a good book.

This office combines bookcase storage and closet storage
by having a hidden closet behind one of the bookcases.

STORAGE

The home office is a prime location for various types of storage. You will more than likely want a bookcase or two to house your book collection. Plus, bookshelves an also be a good place to display photos, house plants, souvenirs, or other smaller design pieces. A good filing cabinet would also come in handy, and there are many options to choose from that don't look like the bulky metal cabinets found in business offices. Unless you are going for an industrial look, in which case metal cabinets may be exactly what you want. You may also want to consider some type of storage like cabinets or a closet where things can be kept out of sight. they will also make cleanup easier if you're in a hurry before guests arrive. The home office would also be a good location to put a safe for more important or sensitive items.

This office takes advantage of the large windows and the natural light they
will let in.But there is also a desk lamp for additional light if it is needed.

LIGHTING

You will probably want multiple sources of light for your office. Overhead lighting, desk lamps, floor lamps, and track lighting are all good to consider. Figure out what you plan to use your office for and add lighting that will allow you to accomplish your tasks. And while you probably want to minimize distractions as much as possible in a home office to increase your productivity, don't use that as an excuse to shut the room off completely from the world. Natural light could help increase your productivity and having a view of nature will give you something fun and refreshing to look at when you need a quick break or have hit a mental road block. Poor lighting can make it harder to concentrate as you have to work harder to see what it is you are doing, so don't skimp in this area. 

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