Have you started working from home more or have you decided to become self-employed? If you’re working from home on a regular basis, the first thing you need to sort out is a dedicated work space. You may have a rose-tinted vision of typing from the comfort of the sofa in your sweatpants, but the reality is that you won’t be able to concentrate if you don’t have a workstation. Whether you’re looking to create an office, a studio or even a workshop, here are some tips to get you started.

Choosing the right space

When you’re planning, think about the space you have available, and the type of room you want to create. If you have a spare bedroom that you never use, you could convert it into a study or a studio. If you need all your bedrooms, but you’ve got an attic lying vacant, it may be worth considering a renovation project. If the house is packed to the rafters, but you’ve got a large garden, a garden room could be an option. It may also be worth considering converting part of the garage. The choice you make will depend on how quickly you need your office, your budget, and your long-term plans. If you’re not sure that working from home will be a permanent feature, you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Planning your renovation

If you’re changing a bedroom into a study, you’ll only need to make cosmetic changes. Once you’ve moved the existing furniture out, you may want to think about changing the color of the walls before looking at desks and chairs.

If you are weighing up the option of converting a basement or making an attic room, the planning process will be more convoluted. If you have the time and money available, this is a great option, as it will give you extra space, and add significant value to your home. Before you think about the aesthetics, you’ll need to contact building firms and get some quotes. It’s also essential to tackle problems that could set your plans back. If you have damp patches or mold in the attic, for example, it’s best to address these issues as a priority. If you search online, or use a telephone directory, you should be able to find local experts who can help. Make sure you get a few quotes for the project so that you can compare prices, and get some different ideas.

Decorating your work space

Once you’ve got a shell, it’s time for the fun bit. Use your imagination, and create an area that inspires and motivates you. Don’t go too crazy with colors or prints, as you need to stay focused, but try and be original, especially if you have a creative job. If you need inspiration, take a look at some interior magazines or browse sites like Pinterest. If you are looking for some retro modern furniture, you should defintly check out the EMFURN website!

If you’re going to be working from home more, it’s important to create a work space that enables you to be as productive and efficient as possible. You can’t focus when you’re sat at the kitchen table with papers scattered everywhere. Consider your options, get some plans together, and tailor the space to suit you and your job. Good luck!