As we’ve started to work from home a little bit more these days, many of us are realizing the complexities of our at-home workspaces.
While planning them might be daunting at first, dedicated workstations add creativity and positivity to your workflow. Unlike in a traditional office, your home office can be designed exactly as you want it. There is no limit to how it can be set up, what you have in it, or the aesthetic direction that you take.
Read on to discover the benefits of a home office space and why your kitchen is a great place for its construction.
An Overview of Home Offices
Beyond the excitement and possibility that comes with your home office, there are real reasons having a designated workspace bolsters your productivity.
Why is a dedicated workspace important?
- Reduce distractions: Unlike your workspace in your office, your home is likely not designed around being productive. This can lead to a lot of distractions around you. Having a dedicated space in your home which is intended for work will help you stay focused, inspire creativity, and boost productivity.
- A place to come to and “get in the zone”: One of the best things about going into the office every day is that it gives you an opportunity to get in the right mindset for work. With your own home workstation, you can keep up the same routine that you do in the office.
- A place to leave your work supplies — and your work energy: Having a place ready for you when you are mentally prepared to start work goes a long way toward being productive. It also means at the end of the day you don’t have to move things around. When you finish, you can leave your work — and any workday stress — at your workstation.
What makes a good workspace?
So you’ve decided that you want to have a permanent, dedicated space to work in your home. That’s great! But what makes a good workspace? Above all else, it needs to be….
- Comfortable: You’ll want to make your workstation physically — and mentally — comfortable for you. You’re going to be spending a lot of time in the space. You should feel comfortable while you are there!
- Functional: While your space should look great, it also must allow you to do what you’re there to do. You’ll need a solid surface to work on your computer, cabinets and other storage for your supplies, a comfortable chair with proper support, a home for your printer and other peripherals. And think about cable management!
- Conducive to creativity and productivity: Being able to exercise creative thinking can help with your productivity. While creativity is different for everyone, it often includes your favorite artwork, natural light, and a peaceful atmosphere.
A home office in your kitchen
Having a separate home office may not be ideal for everyone; many homeowners just don’t have a spare room or the budget for a full home addition.
If this sounds familiar, your perfect option could be to turn a section of your kitchen into a permanent home office workstation.
Your kitchen is an ideal place for you to get in the zone and get down to work. Modern kitchens are designed and built to inspire homeowners — so what could be a better home office?
Why a kitchen is the perfect place
- Lots of natural light: Many kitchens have big windows and open layouts, which lend an uplifting spirit to your workday.
- Plenty of surfaces: Work stations need surfaces and there is likely no place in your home with more of them than your kitchen.
- Thoughtful design: Since kitchens are among the most used rooms in the home, families tend to put a little more care into their function and design.
- Close to the coffee machine: Who doesn’t need a little pick-me-up mid-day? Your kitchen gives you easy access to a snack and a break.
Remodeling strategies for a kitchen home office workspace
While there are many options for a kitchen home office remodel design, there are three primary directions you can go.
All of these strategies work great as part of a larger kitchen or home remodel!
Home office nook
Rather than adding a completely new space or having your workstation in the middle of the kitchen, you can alter the room just enough to accommodate the station. This is a great option as it is a simple remodel and does not disturb the overall flow of your kitchen. Without extensive work, you’ll have a quartered-off section for quiet, privacy, and freedom from distractions.
The nook can then have built-in desks or cabinets (more on these below) or you can decorate it with your own selection of office furniture. Whatever fuels your creativity and passion!
Built-in desks and cabinets
While not as quartered-off, built-in desks and cabinets provide a great option for adding a work area to your kitchen without disrupting the flow and layout. Even small spaces can have a big impact! Built-ins take up less space than stand-alone desks and office furniture, and fit aesthetically with the rest of your kitchen.
Built-ins can be designed and built to your exact specifications, so whatever your tastes, preferences, and requirements, we can build it!
Stand-alone room off the kitchen
As the most advanced of our options, a stand-alone room is an exciting possibility for those who have the usable space, whether it’s repurposing and remodeling an existing room or adding a new room onto your kitchen area.
We particularly love these offices with french doors and big windows as these elements can be integrated seamlessly to provide a cohesive design allowing for light, flow, and inspiration. A perfect complement to your kitchen!
Accentuate your creativity and productivity with a dedicated office space in your home
At Godfrey Design-Build, we help homeowners achieve their home remodeling goals. Whether it’s a new workspace or full home remodels, we’ll work with you to create the perfect space for your family.
Contact us today to learn more and discuss how a kitchen workspace can help improve your at-home productivity.