Creating a Home Office Design that Works

By Vincent E. O'Connell

Interior design forecasters are seeing homeowners continue to struggle with integrating a home office into their homes. With the growing number of electronics available, and almost every home having a computer system, placing components aesthetically and efficiently can prove to be challenging.

When selecting an office space design, creating a budget will help determine what options are feasible. For a limited budget, a small office can be achieved by using an existing part of the home. This may be a corner in the kitchen, bedroom or living room, or a built-in niche in a hallway. An effective laptop desk that measures only 24" - 26" in-depth can be the jumping off point for your design. A mobile file cabinet paired with a small credenza and hutch may be all that is needed to complete the look and handle necessary storage issues. With larger budgets you may suggest building a loft, remodeling the garage or putting an addition onto the home. A designated space used only for work also counts as a tax deduction. If the office will be set up to meet with clients, a separate entrance and a nearby bathroom is advisable. When equipping a home office, a careful analysis of how a client works is key. What type of business? What will be the specific storage and special needs? How many people will be using the office? Floor planning, lighting and electrical outlets should be discussed in advance. The client's computer systems needs should be measured or upgraded if possible. Where will the fax and laser printer end up in relation to the office chair or the workspace?

Furniture manufacturers have always been challenged in keeping up with technology, but they have made huge strides within the past few years. Many office furniture pieces now have surge protectors built-in, not just to give you the additional outlets for your computer and its peripherals, but to protect your equipment as we One furniture company in Virginia offers a $10,000 connected equipment warranty in the event of an electrical surge or lightning. Well-designed office furniture can create an effective office environment, incorporating technology while efficiently using the available space.

The variety of office options available start with desks, modular office systems and computer workstations. Cable management, innovative keyboard surfaces, locking drawers and file cabinets are some of the important features available. Office desks and credenzas are now offered with wrap-around or pocket doors to accommodate pullout shelves for printers, fax machines or scanners. With a drop lid drawer-front design, keyboard surfaces can now feature a more generous and aesthetic work area. They also can come with an additional storage area behind the keyboard, or with a built-in document stand. Metal grommets are also seen strategically placed on sides and tops of office pieces, with channels for wires. Once in place, all wiring can be accommodated without having to move base units away from the wall.

The most important piece in a home office may be a well-chosen, ergonomically correct chair. There are a wide variety of leather and fabrics to choose from. Clients will want to invest in a quality chair, one that allows them to change various positions to minimize stresses on the body. Clients who use their computer mouse for long periods of time should look into chairs with height-adjustable armrests. Keyboards also are now designed ergonomically with features to reduce wrist flexion, such as "tent structured," contoured boards, as well as expandable boards that can adjust to the user's shoulder width.

Style, form, design and comfort all play an important part in creating a space that is more than just a work environment. There are furnishings to complement just about any workplace, from elegant work centers, to elaborate, yet space-conscious modular systems only limited by your imagination. Finding the right design for a client that will fit their sense of style, yet provide the ideal functionality, can now be an exciting and rewarding experience for all involved.

March 2006 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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