While many workers have headed back to the office, there are also large portions of the population who work remotely or maintain a hybrid work schedule. It can be tricky to find a suitable space for your office when you don’t have a dedicated area for it already. Thanks to space-saving furniture and portable technology, your dream remote workstation may be closer than you think.
Large Closet
When most people picture working in a closet, they’re likely not conjuring the prettiest of images—think claustrophobia, poor lighting, and no flexibility. You may be surprised at how fun a “cloffice” space can be. You don’t even need a walk-in closet; removing clothes and racks can free up a ton of space for you to set up a desktop or other workstation. Add some custom lighting and paint colors to liven up the space. Artificial plants or plants with grow lights can make the closet office feel less cramped as well. You won’t be able to fit giant office equipment in most closets, but you can take an hour to have a quiet meeting away from the kids or consult with a client without worrying about what’s going on in the background. You can even work with a closet designer to make your remote workspace even more tailored and comfortable.
Section Off the Living Room
You may not have the space to free up a closet or spare bedroom, but you can sacrifice a small section of your living room instead. Choose a corner of the room or a nook off to the side. Add some partition walls or panels for privacy as needed. Place your desk or workstation in a comfortable spot. A desk lamp or floor lamp can provide you with more illumination when desired. You won’t get the soundproofing you need when there are other occupants in the home, but sectioning off the living room can work as a temporary solution.
Climate-Controlled Deck or Patio Space
Many remote workers overlook the potential of their backyard as a workspace. With some climate control and ergonomic outdoor furniture, you can take your meetings outside on a nice day. You’ll want to start with a decent patio or deck foundation, with access to covered electrical outlets. Custom patio or deck builders can make your outdoor space as covered and high-tech as you like. While many homeowners opt for outdoor fireplaces and entertainment systems, you can also include a portable workstation for laptops and other tech devices. There are custom outdoor space contractors across the country. Deck builders in Florida can give you a custom remote workspace on your oceanfront property. In New York, outdoor kitchens and entertainment spaces are popular on decks. A well-known deck builder in Franklin, TN, can include custom masonry for your workstation. Colorado deck builders can make the space comfortable even in harsh winters. Think about what you’d like in a remote workspace; contractors in your area can likely come up with a great solution for you.
Garage Workshop
The garage is an underutilized part of the home, as it typically isn’t a finished space with climate control. When you add some climate control options, however, a garage can make an excellent remote workspace, especially if you need large tools or equipment for your job. You can set up a desk and hang up tools on hooks in the space. If you park a car in the garage, you can take advantage of vertical space when needed. Add some extra windows for natural lighting; otherwise, layered artificial lighting works excellently for any work application.
Quiet Nook
There may be some square footage in your home that has the potential to be a tucked-away open-air office. A quirky half-room at the top of the stairs, extra space at the end of a hallway, or a flex space near your kitchen may be the perfect spot to focus on work away from the hustle and bustle of your home. Some partition walls can work wonders in these semi-private spaces.
Guest Bedroom
If you have a spare room for guests or older kids who have gone off to college, you can use that space for a quick and private work session. You can even section off a bedroom to be a part office and part spare room. You can also transition the space as needed. Foldaway beds can provide space for a portable desk and office chair. Extra shelving can store work tools and files as well as bedside books and other bedroom comforts. Desks can even be folded and pushed into a closet or into a corner when not in use, giving a guest the full space of the bedroom.
In-Law Suite
If you’re one of the lucky few to have an in-law suite, you can convert it to an office when the space isn’t used up by guests. Just like a guest bedroom, fold-up desks or beds can help you save space and make the room multifunctional. If the suite is separate from the house, add a “break room” snack setup to save you time.
Backyard Shed
If you want to make a custom home office space from scratch, a backyard shed doesn’t take up much of a footprint at all. Adding air conditioning to a small unit is fairly affordable. Add some shelving, a desk, and electrical hookups to make a private, quiet, and comfortable workspace in the comfort of your own property. Solar-powered sheds can help you conserve both money and energy.
Conclusion
There are many areas of your home, indoor and out, that can make a solid remote work area. You can even section off a bedroom or living room using temporary walls and foldable desks. Your outdoor space can make an excellent office with a climate-controlled converted storage shed or a custom covered deck patio. When in a pinch, a quiet nook or a converted closet can give you home office privacy when needed. Walk through your home’s entire floor plan, including the exterior, to start planning where your workspace can go.
