The Flufftastic Fairy Says: Make the Most of Your Small Space - the Home Office
We live in a small house, just over 1000 sq feet. It was built in the '40's and has a lot of character, that's why we love it!
More and more people are now working from home! What's not to like? I've been doing just that since 1988! There's no boss breathing down your neck, literally, and if you need a break, you can actually go sit on the deck and listen to the birds, instead of traffic!
Here are some ideas to make your small Home Office more efficient! (Here are some tips for your Living Room, Kitchen & Dining Room, Master Bedroom, Bathroom)
Paint the walls and ceiling in the same shade, that way corners and boundaries disappear. If the space is tiny, only use one colour and no pattern. If there is no window use light, warm colours.
Many homes have a nook or cranny that can act as a work space. Depending on how organized you are, your work surface doesn't have to be large; less than 3 feet square can hold a computer and a place for papers as well as a chair.
A fold down shelf and a stool can work, even tucked into a closet.
If you need inspiration while working, try your workspace near a window,you should make sure there are blinds or curtains to control glare.
If your desk is to be in the living room, a console table behind a sofa works well not only as a desk but as a serving surface for parties!
A wall unit or armoire in the dining room or living room can hide an entire office. (I had a wall unit way back when that had a fold down door that was marketed as a mini bar. I used it as my sewing center when I was making costumes and if company came over I could slide the sewing machine and fabric back inside, close it up and no one knew the difference! No fuss, no muss!)
Remember the days of the cinder block shelves? Well an office can be made just as easily with two filing cabinets topped with a work surface like tempered glass or a counter top from a wholesale cabinet maker! 2 Kitchen cabinets with pot drawers can function as a desk and printer/fax storage the same way.
Go paperless and use USB's and your computer calendar!
Shelves will always help in an office situation, baskets can hold loose paper and trays or bins for files.
Cork boards or a section of wall painted with chalkboard paint can help with memos and notes.
Earth magnets can hold notes to your computer's metal parts, but don't block that fan!
Make sure you have task lighting, no one can work in the dark. Swing arm lamps free up desk space and if your desk is by a wall, mount the lamp there!
For the health conscious; use a workout ball instead of a chair. I use one in my sewing room, I can stitch and work on my core at the same time!
If you want to conceal your office; a drawer for the keyboard and a piece of leaning artwork for the monitor! Or a lovely decorative screen can hide a multitude of things!
Don't forget carpet and drapes to keep the space cozy. It will also help with sound quality. Head phones will also help with distractions.
And remember; a lap top can fit anywhere!
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