Show Us Your Hardworking Home Office
Whether a work-from-home setup occupies a spare closet or a spacious room, it faces a common set of design challenges. For example, its cords and cables need to be handy but hidden (or at least neatly organized). Its layout needs to be efficient and ergonomically friendly. And the space needs to be appealing enough for someone to want to spend time in it.
We’ve shared some examples and tips below, and we want to hear from Houzz readers too. Homeowners, how have you addressed the aforementioned design challenges in your home office? Share a photo of your space and all of the details in the Comments.
Pros, we also want to hear about offices you’ve designed for yourself and your clients. Please upload your project photos and share your best home office design tips.
How Do You Stay Organized?
How you organize your stuff and your space has as much to do with your working style as it does the work itself. Some people like to have everything out in the open and at arm’s reach, while others adhere to the “clean desk, clear mind” philosophy. Some keep only digital files and some have floor-to-ceiling filing cabinets. Of course, certain jobs simply require more storage than others.
Tell us: Are you a digital or paper person? Do you prefer closed or open storage? How do you keep your office space neat — especially if you don’t have a room all to yourself? Upload a photo of your home workspace and describe how you control the chaos!
Where Are the Cables?
Wires, cables and outlets are often critical for getting a job done, particularly for those who work in tech-intensive roles. In some offices (such as in the previously pictured project), wires are artfully concealed with undercounter raceways, or channels. In others, they’re more prominent but kept neat and tidy, as in this office. But keeping them from looking like rats’ nests can be a big challenge.
Show us: How have you solved the cord management issue? Did you buy raceways and boxes designed for cord corralling and disguise? Did you purchase a desk with built-in wire management? Did you invest in wireless equipment? Share your photos and tips in the Comments.
How’s Your Posture?
Do you sit or stand at your desk? If the former, do you use an adjustable desk chair or just an extra dining room chair? And if you have a laptop, do you have an external monitor, mouse or trackpad, and keyboard?
Ergonomics experts say that if you spend prolonged periods working on your computer, your screen should be at eye level, your elbows should be bent at about 90 degrees and your wrists should be in a neutral position. However you achieve it, proper ergonomics can prevent strain and injury.
Homeowners: How did you set up your space to protect yourself from — or overcome — ergonomic injuries? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
Pros: Please share your photos of great-looking projects that are ergonomically friendly too.
What’s Your Light Sitch?
The proper lighting arrangement can reduce eye strain and glare in a workspace. It can also impact your mood and productivity. Pros often advise that getting it right involves layering a variety of light sources, both natural and artificial.
Tell us: How do you draw natural light into your space? If your job involves video chatting, how do you orient yourself and your light sources so that you look your best onscreen? What kinds of task lighting works best for you, and what kinds of bulbs do you use? Upload a photo of your lighting setup in the Comments.
Does your home office look intentional? Does it reflect your taste? The aesthetics and energy of one’s home office are important too, whether you use your space a few hours a month, work full time from home or fall somewhere in between. Family photos, diplomas, awards, artwork — these personal touches go a long way toward making your work space feel welcoming.
Homeowners: How have you personalized your office? What’s your favorite feature? Did you design it yourself or did you hire a pro? Do you have a beloved pet who keeps you company while you work? Please share a photo of your office and tell us why it works for you!
Pros: If you’ve designed an office for yourself or a client that you’re proud to share, upload a photo in the Comments and tell us all about it.