Create a Home Office

By Boaz Architects  

A home office should be as unique as you are. The key is to design and create a space that is functional and efficient for your personality and line of work while keeping costs within your budget and finishing on time.  

Needs VS Wants

As an architect I work with plans printed in A0 format, thus a small pop up desk will not create sufficient desk space. We are also a happy family with three beautiful children, but that creates the challenge for a quiet area or room for a home-based office. In my scenario, we need to create a home-based office in a separate room with enough desk space to accommodate my plans.  

Your requirements might be vastly different from my needs. You might be single or living with your partner, thus a quiet separate area in your home should not be a problem. All your documents and files might be in soft copy, so you only require a small desk to accommodate your computer or laptop and maybe a notebook.  

If the above describes your needs a home-based office can be created in a cranny or corner, living room, nook under the stairs, dining room or hallway space.   

Minimise the Mess  

Available space can be used wisely and creatively. With the correct design applications, you can design a space-saving study and storage solutions to accommodate your individual needs.  

Secondly, the aesthetics of your working environment directly impacts your productivity. A home-based office should be renovated and redesigned to reflect your personality and should play to your strengths. Aesthetically the following should be kept in mind: Lighting, colours, material selection and furniture.  

Let there be Light

Natural light is your friend. A clean, bright and sunny workspace can double your productivity. Direct sunlight might be a problem with screen glare, so position your screen in such a way as to receive indirect light. Also, fresh air will keep you awake during the mid-afternoon “Slump”.  

Stunning views will keep you motivated. If you are unable to see nature from your window, a good idea is to frame inspiration in the form of family pictures, artists and motivational prints. A bookcase filled with your favourite books is also a fantastic idea.  

In a fresh and clean environment pops of colour is also a fantastic motivator. Orange stimulates concentration and boosts creativity. Purple is a restorative colour that calms and re-energises. Key factors in choosing the right professionals are financial implications as well as relationships.  

Find the Right Professional

Your vision should come to reality through professional designers and contractors. Based on the requirements of your project, you might require both. Financially, the cheapest quote is not necessarily the right choice. Do your homework and ask for alternative quotes. When you can determine the average, you have the leverage to negotiate.  

Trust is the building block for any business relationship. Any professional that you employ should start with a relationship of trust.   

With the right professionals, you can create synergism and exceed your expectations.  

Take a Deep Breath 

The size of the project can range from an internal renovation to a new addition, a few days to a few months.  Any renovation project interferes with your daily routine. Dust, noise, workers and escalating expenses due to unknown factors can increase stress. Your chosen professional will help you with a survival plan. Tackle one project at a time. Failing to plan is planning to fail.  

Go with the flow, be flexible and keep a positive outlook. Expect the project to take longer, and cost more, and plan accordingly. If you are overwhelmed, there is nothing wrong with asking for help!  

Get in contact with us if you require assistance turning your home office into a worker’s dream, contact BOAZ Architects.   

 You can also call Carina Botha on 082 920 3158 or email her at carina@boaz.co.za.  

Mamela sengoloa sena ka SeSotho mona (Listen to this article in SeSotho here):