Tag: small spaces

Working At Home: Tips for Creating the Perfect Home Office

Tax time is looming, which brings to mind deductions –and a great home office space.

Whether you work every day from home, occasionally telecommute or simply need a space for paying bills and answering email, a comfortable floating desk and aesthetically appealing home office is a fundamental room in your home.

A comfortable and aesthetically appealing office space, such as this one at The Grand Del Mar, is a fundamental room in your home.
A comfortable and aesthetically appealing office space, such as this one at The Grand Del Mar, is a fundamental room in your home.

Following are some tips for creating an efficient but attractive home office:

Pick the right room. A spare room is a logical location for a home office but look around your home for other options from a large closet to an attic to a converted garage. When choosing your space, consider functionality, comfort and lighting. Additionally take into account how the office location will impact your family or housemates. Will you work at night? Will clients meet with you here?

Maximize space. Most home offices are fairly small, so maximize your available space. Use furniture that serves multifunctional purposes and install built-in bookshelves and furniture which can provide much needed extra space and storage.

Clear clutter. An organized and uncluttered space is more conducive to work and also appears larger than one filled with many accessories and knick-knacks. Designate specific storage areas for office supplies and materials. Keep your design simple and avoid unnecessary frills.

Functionality rules. Remember this is a working environment, so while it should be aesthetically appealing, functionality rules. Essentials – such as calendars, files, computer, printer and more should all be easily accessible.

Your chair should have adjustable height and arm rests, like this functional chair from Herman Miller.
Your chair should have adjustable height and arm rests, like this functional chair from Herman Miller.

Pick the right desk and chair. Your desk should be practical and able to store what you need, while simultaneously occupying a small amount of space. Because so much information can be stored electronically, a small writing desk may suffice. Your office chair is critical, as you will spend much time here.  Make sure it has low tension in the back so you can recline slightly. Your chair should also have adjustable height and arm rests.

Lighting is key. Ideally, your home office will have plenty of natural light. Since good task lighting is fundamental, don’t pick a light fixture because it is pretty. You should have overhead directional lighting from behind you combined with incandescent lighting (such as a table lamp), LED, halogen, etc.

Get motivated. Personalize your workplace by decorating with selected items such as pictures and mementos that motivate and inspire. Hang photos of friends, colleagues and family; frame encouraging quotes or your children’s artwork.

Home office furniture, such as this chair from A. Rudin, should be comfortable yet functional.
Home office furniture, such as this chair from A. Rudin, should be comfortable yet functional.

Prepare for technology. Plan ahead carefully to facilitate equipment and technology needs. Most importantly make sure the number and placement of electrical and phone outlets is adequate.

Color counts too. Color is a personal decision, and colors can inspire people differently. By all means, choose a color scheme that energizes and motivates you. I suggest pairing rich colors with a neutral trim. Carefully consider what works best with your furnishings and accessories.

Above all, keep in mind this is an essential space that you will most likely use every day for long periods of time. Create an area that is comfortable, functional and, most important, appeals to you personally.

Are you reading this blog from your home office? Take some pictures of your work at home office space and we’ll post them on our Facebook page. Now back to work!

WritingDesk2
A writing desk can provide a distinctive alternative to standard office desks.

When Size Matters: Tips for Taking on Small Spaces

For many reasons some homeowners choose to live in smaller homes or townhomes – for lifestyle, convenience, budget and more. Yet a compact residence need not limit your design options. There are many techniques to make a tiny space appear larger. Following are a few tips to bring out the very best in a small space:

  • Use light colors and neutrals in a monochromatic scheme. While dark colors can provide a “wow” factor, they are not ideal in a small space and can make a room appear smaller than it is. The lighter the shade of the room, the more airy and open it will feel.
A compact residence need not limit you design wise.
  •  Choose one unifying paint color. Using one color makes a room appear more expansive, so keep contrasting colors to a minimum. For example, draperies should ideally be a similar hue as the wall. Also consider furniture that blends seamlessly with floors and walls.
  • Let the light in. An abundance of natural light can especially enhance a small space. Use window treatments, blinds and shutters sparingly. If you’re remodeling, build in extra-large and well placed windows.
  • Stripes widen a space. If a space is ultra small, not all types of rugs will do, a good remedy is striped walls or flooring, e.g. a striped rug or painted/contrasting wood can make a room feel larger.
  • Vertical lines lengthen. Vertical lines can also make a room feel taller. For example, purchase a four-poster bed. Or Install crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling – this will draw the eyes up.
  • Use glass. Since glass gives the illusion of space, incorporating glass tabletops, doors and glass cabinet panels pulls eyes beyond the glass.
Glass tabletops, doors and glass cabinet panels pull the eyes beyond the glass.
  •  Pocket doors. These doors conserve space by sliding in and out of the wall, so you don’t have to leave space for doors to open.
  • Clear clutter. A clean, uncluttered space appears much larger than one filled with accessories and knick-knacks. Keep your design simple and avoid unnecessary frills.
  • Mirror, mirror. Groups series of mirrors together or place an oversized mirror behind a key piece of furniture to create depth. If you are feeling bold and really want to make your room look larger install a mirrored wall.
Mirrors create depth and make a room appear larger.
  •  Multifunctional pieces. Use furniture that serves multifunctional purposes, like a platform bed with large drawers underneath or an ottoman that can be used for storage.
  • Built-ins. Built-in bookshelves provide much needed extra space in a small room and can meld beautifully with a room’s overall design.
  • Limit pattern. If you really love patterns, try smaller prints. Too many patterns in a small room will overwhelm the space.
  • Purchase a few quality pieces of furniture.  Avoid large, overstuffed pieces. Furniture with legs feels less heavy and cumbersome than pieces that sit directly on the floor.  Do opt for a few lightweight pieces that are portable.
Mirrored cabinet backs help give the illusion of space.

Most importantly, when you design a small space, look at everything with an editor’s eye. If you own an accessory or a piece of furniture you’re not crazy about, give it away or donate it.

Remember, less is more – especially in the case of a small space.