We all need a workspace that is as practical as it is stimulating, either to take care of our finances or to sit at the computer. But we don’t always have the room! Here is how you can take advantage of every available square inch.
Use the Whole Wall
From floor to ceiling, walls are a great canvas just waiting to be filled. You can install bookshelves, or rustic shelving, file cabinets or even a tack board for memos. To keep the space looking good, give it some style with accent colours and add trendy decorative items like candles, vases or frames.
A Well Planned Bookshelf
A high or wide bookshelf may be indispensable in a small room. You can use it to store a number of items that are essential to your work. Try not to overload the shelves and arrange the items in a balanced manner (unless you don’t really care how it looks).
Hurray for Chalkboard Paint
Black paint that imitates school chalkboards is ideal for writing notes with chalk. And it takes up a lot less room than a real board! You can apply this trick all over the house, especially in the kitchen where it is convenient to have a place to leave reminders. Psst! For best results, use a quality product and apply several coats.
Forget Imposing Pieces of Furniture
When setting up an office area, we often automatically opt for a big item of furniture offering lots of storage. This is not a bad idea if you have a lot of room, but if not, it’s probably better to seek alternatives. For example, install a sufficiently large wall shelf for the things you need to work. Or you can choose a piece of furniture with smaller proportions even if, at first glance, it is not your typical office furniture item (use the empty china cabinet, for example).
Opt for Smart Storage
Baskets, rolling file cabinets, wall hooks, recycled apple boxes… be creative when it comes to storage! Remember that you can never have enough. Also keep in mind that you want a streamlined look. For example, avoid see-through cabinet doors that give a cluttered impression despite how organized the space may be.
Set Boundaries
Everyone knows that when it comes to design, dividing a room into zones will make it feel bigger. If you must put your office in the living room, for example, arrange the couches, television and coffee table as a separate group. Then set up your workspace facing the other way. If the room is too confined, set boundaries with paint. Psst! Area rugs are perfect accessories for delineating zones.
Let There Be Light!
Don’t forget the lighting. A well illuminated space will appear larger than a dark one. You should also choose light colours for the walls and accessories. The window dressings should be airy and let sunlight through (sheers are always a winning choice!). If this is not possible, add more light sources.
Use Tall Furniture
Is the surface available for your office space less than two square metres? Look up! If you’re handy, you can convert a tall dresser by removing the bottom drawers and using the top shelves to work. Plus, you can hide the mess by closing the cabinet doors.
Choose an Atypical Location
This workspace doesn’t have to take over an area that is already occupied: it can be placed in a totally unusual or unused location! This can be under a stair case, a wall cavity in the bedroom, under the attic’s sloped ceiling, at the end of a hallway or even in a large entry way! Walk through your home to discover the ideal location!
Make It Inspiring
Your little corner must be stimulating. Imagine having a difficult task to carry out in a gloomy workspace. Hello procrastination … and depression! Try to create a welcoming, convivial and energizing environment. Accessories, colours, textures, gadgets… Treat yourself!
We’ll bet that you will be more creative and productive in your new space! Get to work!