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  • Writer's pictureHeather Holcombe

Home Offices & Study Spaces Are More Important Than Ever.




Happy New Year! Here's my first post of 2021, and I'd like to start by wishing you all the best for the coming year. There were countless lessons learned in 2020. Among them was a heightened appreciation for a comfortable and pleasing home environment, including a home office for the adults and a learning/studying area for the kids.


If you're reconsidering the design of either of these spaces, I want to offer some simple tips to help you create a beautiful, efficient space in which you will feel comfortable.


Key Factors to Consider:

Privacy: Home office and study spaces ideally need to be separate from other areas in the home. Privacy is critical, as is a quiet place away from the home's high traffic areas.


Comfort: Creating a comfortable space is important. Who can work or study while sitting in an uncomfortable chair or drafty room?


Use of space: Consider the following factors:

  • How you use the space should factor into the design and layout. Is it for children, teens, or adults?

  • How much storage space do you need for files, printers, computers, etc.?

  • Will you see clients or colleagues in your home office?

  • How many children will use the space to study?

  • Do you already have a dedicated office or study space, or will you need to convert a room in your home?

Once you've answered these questions, you can begin to formulate a plan. It might be as simple as moving furniture around or ordering a few items like office chairs, file cabinets, or desks.


Converting an entire room, like a little-used guest room, or revamping your old office, can be a daunting task. For the best results, it might be best to work with an interior designer. We know how to optimize the space, create a design plan, lighting plan, and even an electrical plan if needed. We can also assist with ordering new furniture.


Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Insufficient storage: People tend to underestimate how much storage space they actually need. Do an inventory of what you will store (and where) before you purchase any furniture or equipment.

  • Poor placement: The placement of furniture, electrical equipment, and cables are critical to the efficiency of a home office and study area for children. People often forget to consider furniture dimensions, location of electrical outlets, bookshelf placement, and so on. A comprehensive design plan can help avoid pitfalls.

  • Insufficient lighting and placement: Good lighting and its placement are critical. Yet, it's often overlooked when setting up a home office. Lighting is even more crucial these days when so many of us are doing video calls. Consider desktop ambient lighting with dimmers.

  • Buying for aesthetics alone: Don't purchase vanity pieces! Buying a beautiful desk that doesn't have drawers when you need drawers is a bad idea. Be practical. It is possible to find beautiful but practical pieces. Consider pieces like filing cabinets and bookshelves that are both practical as well as beautiful.

I hope these ideas have been helpful. If I can be of any assistance or even just answer a question about your home project, please feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to answer questions about interior design!


All the best for 2021!

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