Turning your Living Space into a Working Space: The Perfect Home Office

As high school graduates head to their first year at university and college graduates leave the nest, many parents are finding a bit more breathing room in the family home. Maybe a bedroom in your home has opened up and is ready for repurposing. Imagine the possibilities: Your newly emptied bedroom could become a den, a library, or even a media room.     

One of the most popular ways to keep that now-free room functional is to create a home office. With solid planning, it is possible to create a home workspace that you will actually want to work in, whether it is a comfortable, organized space to pay household bills or the headquarters for your home-based business.

When approaching this room transformation, it’s best to begin with a floor plan. Get some graph paper and draw the setup you want. On paper, you can move elements around a number of times until you find the fit that is right for you. Remember to include the locations of electrical outlets, phone jacks and other hookups in this planning stage. There are also computer software programs available if you prefer a mouse to a pencil.

This is a good time to list what you have and what you need to make your design a reality. Keep in mind that you may be able to find some things around the house, while others will require a purchase.  

While the office can be as simple or high-tech as you like, there are several basics for every home workspace. A table or desk you can work at is a must-have. In addition, a comfortable chair that fits with your desk or table is important. Comfort is key in selecting these basics. A lamp is essential if you work at night or the lighting in the room isn’t sufficient.

Organization is important in making your office run efficiently. Desk organizers to hold pens, pencils, paper clips and other office supplies are great and help cut down on desktop clutter. Filing cabinets are helpful to keep track of important paperwork, and they come in many sizes. If you start out organized, you are more likely to stay organized.

Make sure that you can connect to the Internet from your chosen room. There are a multitude of service providers that can provide Internet options for you. Shop around until you find one that fits your needs and budget.

The addition of a second phone line may also be considered, especially if you work from home. It can be a great way to stay in contact with business colleagues.

Remember, even though it is a workspace, your office should reflect your personal taste. If there is a certain type of décor you like, use it in your office. Paintings and photographs can add a personal touch to a home work space as well. A bulletin board or a small chalkboard also can be useful for posting important information or essential telephone numbers and mail addresses.

Don’t feel pressured to buy everything for your office all at once. Get the room set up and try working in it for a while. The more time you spend in your office, the more you will realize what you need to make it function better. Creating a home office can be a great way to maximize your newly created space. Office supply stores can be a great resource, as can many furniture stores, in finding what you need to get started. With thoughtful planning, you can count on a functional and comfortable home workspace.

This article has been provided by the Metropolitan Builders Association, a non-profit and non-partisan association which represents the building industry in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. The MBA develops and offers education for consumers as well as members. By establishing business ethics and industry standards, the MBA has earned a reputation as a trusted resource. Consumers enjoy our promotions for housing and housing products, while members take part in our professional and social activities throughout the year.