While I’m sure we’d all love to have a home office, the reality is that sometimes space is just too valuable to dedicate a whole room to your job or studies. But, that shouldn’t get in the way of productivity at home. In this blog, we’re walking through some top space-saving tricks to grant you an effective workzone, without sacrificing anyone’s bedroom!
Since the pandemic, working from home has become much more widely accepted by workplaces across the globe. As a result, many Australians are looking for ways to create effective home offices.
There tend to be 3 key factors involved in an effective workspace:
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Sufficient light: Natural light is scientifically proven to support productivity. Especially if you’re working on a screen, it’s better for vision and reducing headaches.
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Organisation: Having a logical - and personalised - organisation setup for a workspace reduces clutter and distraction: out of sight, out of mind!
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Separation: A bit of separation from the relaxation zones of your home can do wonders for your focus, and help beat the temptation to work from the couch.
Now, with that in mind, let’s jump into some suggestions to put this into action. Whether you’re doing a quick renovation, an entire knockdown rebuild, or simply have a desk-sized space in your kitchen, these recommendations should fit the bill.
Under the Stairs Nook
Utilising the space under the stairs for a study nook is a creative and space-efficient solution, as it’s a typically tricky area of the home to find other uses for. By making this a seated area, you mitigate the risk of bumping your head on the incline, and gain a bit of privacy from the wall of the stairs.
This area can typically accommodate a long desk and offer ample storage, turning an often-overlooked space into a productive work zone. This type of nook can be customised with built-in shelves or cabinets, for neat organisation.
Under-stair zones are sometimes not built with powerpoints, so speak an electrician about adding one in. It’s a fairly simple process! Otherwise, choose a white extension cord and take the time to affix it to the walls by the skirting board. When done effectively, these are hardly noticeable!
Kitchen Study Nook
Whether it’s a gap between the fridge and the wall, or a cupboard-sized space without a clear purpose, some clever organisational skills can revolutionise this into a study space.
Kitchen study nooks are a popular choice for families with young children. It allows for multitasking: children can do homework while parents prepare meals. And, when the kids are at school, it’s free for use! This setup is ideal for school nights and offers a flexible work area for other days.
A kitchen nook can include a small desk with overhead cabinets or shelves, ensuring necessary supplies are always at hand.
Cupboard Nook
If you’re not planning to use your study nook everyday, or perhaps if you want to keep grubby hands and paw prints from your work, consider adding a cupboard door onto the space.
Choosing a chair that slides in under the desk, or using a dining chair to work when you need to, makes this a functional solution for those who want to hide the mess, protect their space or effectively clock-on and clock-off from work.
Corner Study Nook
If you’re planning for a renovation, consider a built-in corner study nook. Corner desks are great for balancing workspaces with storage. And, if you have the flexibility to add a window here it’s well worth it.
Equipped with a corner desk and shelves - or a built-in desk - this nook provides plenty of space and storage while fitting neatly into communal areas like kitchens or living rooms. These nooks are particularly great for maximising the use of space in smaller rooms or apartments.
Tips for Effective Organisation
Never underestimate the power of a good organisational gadget! When you’re setting up a work zone, it’s worth investing in the proper storage solutions that keep your desk clear of clutter.
Personalise it. If your job requires a printer and a shredder, opt for a cubed shelving unit that lets you stack those sorts of larger items.
Electronics can be a major space invader for those with a small work zone. Choose a cable organiser to keep your underfoot tidy.
On-the-wall storage can also help to keep smaller items such as pens and staplers off the desk.
Prepared for Focus, Organisation & Productivity
Incorporating a study nook into your home design can transform how you utilise space and enhance your productivity at home. And, with some clever planning you can pull it off without all that much space.
The right study nook can serve as a small sanctuary for focus and creativity, blending seamlessly into your home environment.
Homeshelf is Here to Help
Here at Homeshelf, we’re passionate about connecting Australians with the right home builder for their dream-home goals. We have listings for over 400 builders - specialising in flexible floorplans, prefabricated designs, custom builds, and more.
Looking for a floorplan with a built-in study? Here are some of our favourites!
Mink Homes
Mink M1 Design features a generous two-person study nook with a built in desk.
Sherridon Homes
Woodside is an acreage design featuring a study nook crossed with a reading-room.
Mimosa Homes
The Mandurah 287 is a compact single storey design with a dedicated study nook, tucked into a quiet area of the home for maximal concentration.
Publisher Website: www.homeshelf.com.au