Emerging technology is changing the landscape for some American workers. As more companies embrace communication through instant messaging and conference calls, more employees have the opportunity to do their jobs away from offices.
“More people are working out of their home,” said Gina Sims, principal designer of Gina Sims Designs, Decatur, Ga. “Their spaces need to be functional and look great too, because they are spending more time there.”
Almost half, 43%, of America’s workforce spent at least some time working remotely in 2016, according to Gallup’s State of the American Workplace report. That’s four points higher than in 2012.
With an increasing number of homeowners working an increasing number of hours from home, there comes a need for quiet, productive workspaces within houses. In some cases, space or budget may not allow for a whole room to be dedicated to an office, so remodelers redesign an existing room to include an office. Whether that is done by adding a space in the guest bedroom, converting an unused dining room, or creating a nook in the kitchen, it gives homeowners who work remotely a much-needed space to complete their tasks free of distraction. Here are five rooms that could fit the bill:
Guest
A guest room is a necessity for families who don’t live near their extended relatives, but it also may not get used very often. Homeowners may opt to redesign this room to be an office but without sacrificing its original purpose of housing out-of-town guests. “It shouldn’t read as a bedroom when you open the door,” said Jean Alan, co-principal of Alan Design Studio, in Chicago. Rather, the primary purpose should shift to creating a private space where the homeowner can complete work-related tasks, store files, and relax in their off time. From Murphy beds and sleeper sofas to futons and day beds, there are ways to include a bed in the room without it being the focal point.
Dining
Formal dining rooms also can go unused for their purpose, except around the holidays. Architect JP Ward at Maryland-based Anthony Wilder Design/Build completed a project where the client’s dining room also included an office space. Two sliding wood doors open to reveal a small desk, shelves, and space for a printer. When the doors are closed, glass shelves on either side showcase some of the homeowner’s collectibles. “The dining table can be a place where you can spread out papers,” said Ward. “Then, in the evenings and on the weekends, you slide the doors shut and it becomes a space where you can have your Thanksgiving dinner.”
Utility
Homeowners with large utility spaces can choose to add a desk space next to their washer and dryer. Instead of making a built-in folding station or household storage, consider a built-in desk with shelving that matches the existing cabinetry. The space is private enough to make phone calls and also can be a good addition for a multitasking client, who could do their office work and household work simultaneously.
Closet
Offices in closets are a little less common, but nonetheless some homeowners add an office to an existing storage space. Designers have converted hallway closets to include a small, custom-made desk and upper shelving. Bifold doors can remain open while someone is working and be closed when the space is not in use. Other industry experts, including Ward, have seen walk-in closets with windows transformed into office spaces. “They have clothes all around them and they have a desk surface next to the window,” he said. “That’s where they can get away to get physical work done.”
Nook
Similar to the closet concept, space underneath stairs or in kitchen corners can be used to create a workstation office. This smaller, minimalistic approach usually includes just the basics, but it still gives homeowners a space to work and store items. “Storage is essential, but bulk storage is not,” said Sims. “People are using laptops opposed to desktops. Things are just lighter.”
Other Options
Clients with finished basements, or plans to finish the basement, may choose to design an office downstairs. This kind of office will offer a quiet environment, but might lack natural light and telephone reception. Other homeowners look into remodeling their attic. Angled rooflines could add some visual interest and coziness to the space. The only downside to this option is its price: Building stairs and adding drywall are not small projects.
As society moves toward paperless alternatives and smaller devices, office spaces will continue to shrink. Smaller work areas give remodelers some flexibility to be creative and design a functional office in many different areas of the home.
“People that are getting actual work done will squeeze it in wherever possible,” added Ward. “It’s really capturing those spaces that can be dual function.”
