Can a stylish, thoughtfully designed home workspace make you more productive? Wherever there’s work to be done—in the home office, creative studio or craft room—smart organization can keep you on track. Add in a healthy dose of style and personality, and suddenly you’ve got a space that makes work feel less like, well, work. After all, who says fun and functionality are mutually exclusive concepts?
Ready for a workspace overhaul? Consider these smart tips for better organization, comfort and style from two Central Pennsylvania design pros.
Step One: Plan Your Space
The first step in creating your home workspace is to determine where it should be located within the home. This depends largely on your unique needs, according to Valerie Betz of Harrisburg-based StudioVB. (www.studiovbdesign.com). Some questions to consider: How much space is needed? What type of work will you do there? Will your office be private or will clients visit? Will you share this space with family members?
A home office is really an extension of your home. It should reflect you and your style and be comfortable.
In creating your floor plan, it’s best to start by positioning your primary work surface. “I typically begin with the placement of the work surface, as most of the client’s time is spent here and almost every other function revolves around that one point,” Betz says. From there, organize your systems and storage around your typical workflow.
“Start with the functional part—the work surface—and make sure there’s adequate room to do what you need to do,” recommends Jeffrey Orr of California Closets in Mechanicsburg (www.californiaclosets.com/harrisburg). “Keep items you’re going to use frequently accessible from a seated position.”
A lighting plan is often overlooked but critical in any workspace. Illuminate with a layered lighting plan that incorporates ambient (or “overall”), natural and task lighting. Be sure to address any glare from windows and light fixtures on computer screens, Betz says.
Step Two: Get Organized
Designate a specific space for all your supplies, equipment and files. Get creative with storage, using cubbies or baskets to keep items out of sight yet easily accessible. “Just because you need these systems for productivity doesn’t mean that your home office must be a sterile, cubicle-type work environment,” says Betz. She also advises to leave room for future storage needs.
Orr emphasizes the importance of customizing your organizational systems. In one craft room, a drawer dedicated exclusively to keeping ribbons organized was critical to the client.
“For a lot of folks, organizing ribbon wouldn’t be a big deal, but when you’re dealing with these materials regularly, a custom solution makes a huge difference,” he says.
Step Three: Inject Style and Personality
“A home office is really an extension of your home. It should reflect you and your style and be comfortable,” says Betz. Substitute typical office supplies and furnishings for more “homey” options that are both practical and decorative, like woven baskets for file storage, a comfortable wing chair as your desk chair or a decorative mug as a penholder.
Colorful desk accessories, framed art and family photos are all ways to incorporate a bit of personality in your space. And don’t forget natural elements. “Bring in some life with plants or flowers,” Betz says. “You typically spend lots of hours working indoors—it’s nice to bring the outdoors in.”
In the craft room or creative studio, use your materials and supplies to inject color into your space. For a client who makes greeting cards, Orr recommended Lucite drawers that allow colors and patterns to peek through.
With a little planning, better organization and your personal sense of style, you can create the perfect environment for amazing personal, professional and creative pursuits—right at home.
