Trends are changing since the pandemic, with more people working from home than ever before. As a result, creating a home office will be one of the most popular home renovation projects in the next five years. In fact, 23% of Americans are budgeting to design a home office within the next 1 to 2 years.
Though home offices tend to be smaller projects, it’s easy to overlook common mistakes in home office designs. The trick is knowing what not to do during the design process.
Luckily, you just need to keep reading this guide to learn four common home office design mistakes and how to avoid them!
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1. Not Having Enough Natural Light
Having enough natural light in your home office is essential. It improves focus, energy levels and boosts productivity in office workers overall.
So, be sure not to forget natural light in your home office lighting plans. First, if possible, ensure your home office is near a window. You can install shutters to control the light you get during the day.
You can also hang more mirrors since they reflect daylight, making the space feel airier and brighter. Consider installing larger windows or skylights if you’re doing a major renovation.
2. Not Having a Comfortable Office Chair
Don’t forget your home office furniture is a significant part of a home office design—specifically, the office chair you choose.
Remember, you’ll spend many hours in your chair, so comfort is vital. If you work from home for over six hours daily, you must invest in a supportive, ergonomic office chair.
If you don’t, you’ll have back pain and stiffness, which can become chronic.
Take the time to look for quality chairs or stools, like this wobble stool found here, to figure out what works for you.
3. Not Having Enough Storage
In most cases, the space in home offices is limited, so you’ll need to get creative with storage solutions. Many people tend to underestimate the space they need, resulting in a cluttered and unorganized office.
Luckily, the solution to this is simple. You’ll need to incorporate different types of office storage ideas, such as:
- Floating shelves
- Drawer dividers
- Hanging storage pouches
- Pegboards
- Bins and boxes
Finally, vertical storage, like stacking containers and vertical storage racks, will free up even more space.
4. Not Having Enough Color
Many people wait until the last minute to choose a color or don’t incorporate it into their design theme. But the right colors can brighten your space and inspire you during the workday. They can also make or break your overall design.
An excellent way to choose a color is to consider the theme. If you need to focus and sit quietly, grays and neutrals help create a calm environment. Blue is a lovely tranquil color, which can make you feel more positive and happy.
If you opt for mainly neutral colors, compliment it with a darker color. Many people believe darker colors make a space feel smaller, but that’s not always the case.
A deep blue or green accent wall can enhance the space and contrast neutral tones.
Avoid These Mistakes in Home Office Designs
Avoiding these mistakes in home office designs will help ensure you end up with the home office of your dreams.
Remember to keep your design simple and not overcrowd your office with too many pieces. Instead, invest in a few key elements you love to compliment the space.
Make sure to visit the rest of our blog for more inspiring home improvement tips!
