These days, it's more common than ever to have a remote or hybrid job schedule. When folks reach out to us for help finding Chicagoland homes for sale, one of the most requested features is a dedicated home office space.
If you already own your home, you might be wondering how to create or get the most out of a dedicated workspace. Our real estate agents are here to help with that too! These are some of our favorite home office design ideas of 2024.
Choose Minimalism for Focus
The minimalist look is more than just a trendy design aesthetic. Minimizing clutter and limiting the color palette in your office can also create a clean, distraction-free space that makes it easier to focus and stay productive. In addition to paring down the decor in your home office, use wireless technology to reduce the visual clutter created by cords and wires.
Embrace Nature
Office spaces can sometimes feel sterile and lifeless, and bringing in some greenery is a great way to improve that. House plants quite literally bring the space to life, and can make time spent in your home office more enjoyable. Plants also enhance the quality of air, are good for mental health, and according to at least one study, can make you up to 15% more productive.
Utilize Nooks and Crannies
Not everybody has the option of turning a whole room into a home office, so you might be interested in ways to turn smaller areas into workspace, like a breakfast nook, closet, or that weird space under the stairs. Even a relatively small space can become a surprisingly effective office with a little creativity and DIY know-how.
Let there Be Light
If you have the option of choosing a room with a window for your home office, take it. As this 2019 study found, natural light improved both mental health and productivity in the workplace. That's just as true at home as it is in a traditional office.
Don't Get Stuck at Your Desk
Variety is the spice of life, and not everyone does their best work when they're stuck in a single spot all day long. One advantage of working from home is that you don't have to be nailed to the same desk and cubicle from 9 to 5. Mix it up if that helps you stay fresh and creative. If you have enough space, create a home office that has multiple seating options. A couch, love seat or cozy chair in addition to your desk can make your work-from-home experience more productive and enjoyable.
Design a Backdrop
These days, working from home tends to involve taking a lot of video meetings and conference calls. Take some time to design the space behind you so it works as an effective backdrop when you're on camera. Windows are perfect, and book-lined shelves are a classic choice. Art-covered walls and minimalist backdrops work well too.
Create Division in Multi-Use Spaces
If you only have the ability to use part of a room as an office instead of an entire room, find a way to create separation between work space and living space. Using cabinets or shelves to section off a room within a room is one way to do this, and something as simple as painting your "work corner" a different color can help maintain boundaries.
Contact us today to learn more about getting the most out of your home in Chicago. We're also here to help you find a home with all your dream features, like a perfect home office space.
