When our elder daughter took her first steps, many years ago, my husband and I were thrilled. However, as our home had an open staircase that was not designed with a toddler in mind, this also meant that our previous interior design scheme was no longer appropriate – we either needed to move house or remodel it.
Life changes often mean a new design is required. That is something many people face today, when COVID-19 has forced them to work and look after children at home. Houses have become offices and schools first, and homes last.
If you don’t have a home office, redesigning your home to make space for working has become a priority. But you need a clear strategy to avoid chaos.
For a great home workspace ask yourself the following questions:
- Will I have enough natural light?
Plenty of natural light boots productivity and well-being, so it’s very important to prioritise this factor.
Image: Andrea Davis
- Where will the natural light come from?
Glare and shading can occur, particularly due to direct sunlight. So, it’s worth experimenting before deciding where to put your desk.
- What artificial lighting do I have?
You don’t need to be bound by your room lighting. As long as you have handy sockets, desk or floor lamps can help to provide enough light for working.
- Will I have enough space to put a work desk and chair?
Architectural guidance suggests that the minimum space for a desk and chair should be 1.5 m x 1.5 m and if you’re looking at an area with restricted head height, you need somewhere at least 1.4 m high.
- Can I still concentrate despite distractions?
Some design sources and magazines suggest creating a mini-office space by setting up your desk and chair in a niche – for example under the stairs. It’s not a bad idea – but only if you can work as other members of the household move around behind you. Secluded areas can have other distractions. Expropriating your kid’s playroom, with scattered toys, pink walls or superheroes, makes it just as hard to concentrate.
- Is the furniture appropriate?
If you feel more organised and motivated in a room with formal arrangement, then living room or reception room could be an option, providing you find a space for a desk and ergonomic chair. Forget the images in magazines – if you try to make do with furniture designed for relaxation and conversation, like armchairs, coffee tables and footstools, your back and neck will certainly not thank you.
Image: Karolina Grabowska
- What equipment do I need?
Now so much work is electronic, it’s amazing what can be done with just a laptop. However, not everyone can have a minimalist working environment. You may need to think of a place for papers, stationery, printers and the like. Electrical items will need charging points or sockets without wires snaking across the room.
Finally, you don’t have to struggle along yourself. An interior designer can make your home better for working, not just better looking. The lockdown is temporary, but a well-designed working area will stand the test of time.