Every 11 seconds, someone creates a new home-based business. If you’re among the throngs of pajama-clad entrepreneurs working from home, you probably know that it’s a must to have a dedicated workspace—for both sanity and tax purposes. But what if space is at a premium? We asked Gina Samarotto of Samarotto Design Group for advice on creating a workspace that works.
Now you see it, now you don’t. Invest in functional pieces that can do double-duty and camouflage easily after you close up shop for the day, such as hutches, credenzas, or armoires. “Large armoires can easily be retrofit to hide the workspace within,” says Samarotto. “When your workday is done, just close the doors.”
Samarotto also suggests buying fabric- or leather-covered file boxes to hold paperwork and files: “Tucked into your existing bookcase, they provide aesthetic, and [are] clever ways to hide supplies and paper without having it take over the space.”
Stay consistent with style. If your workspace is part of another room (like the living room or guest room), it’s important to create a unified front, décor-wise. “Choose a desk, bookshelves, and other office furniture that reflects the rest of your home’s style,” recommends Samarotto. For instance, contemporary-loving dwellers might select a sleek glass-topped desk, while those with more traditional tastes could feature barrister-style bookcases or a stack of vintage trunks.
Go wireless. Nothing is more unsightly than a mess of cables and cords, so why not eliminated the need for them? Many office gadgets now have wireless capabilities, including phones, printers, headsets, keyboards, and more. And if wireless isn’t an option, consider buying clips or a tube to streamline your cords.
Follow these functional tips, and watch your workflow grow.
