Trend: Home Offices & Workspaces

With major employers now stating that their employees will be working from home for the foreseeable future, many homebuyers have adjusted their list of desirables in their next home. Some not only need to plan for a home office space, but also need to accommodate the homeschooling or distance learning needs of their children as well.

Real Estate

This is impacting the way homes are marketed and the type of features that have become important to buyers at all price points. Of course, homebuyers with larger budgets have the luxury of seeking homes with extra bedrooms or offices and dens already included. But many buyers are not as fortunate and need to find the needed space in more creative ways.

The easiest way to add working space is within the bedrooms. This offers the ability to close a door for privacy. Larger bedrooms (both in master and secondary bedrooms) have been a top priority for homebuyers. Another important feature is an open floor plan which features a Great Room design. For generations, kids have done their homework at the kitchen table, and a spacious kitchen/family room combo makes it easier for home learning without becoming cluttered. Another option for homebuyers is a separate formal dining room which could be converted to a workspace.

Design

When you do find a spot for your new home office or workspace, spend some time designing & styling your space so that inspires and motivates you to do your best work!

• Comfort.  Of course, you should select furniture pieces that are ergonomically correct and that provide you enough neck & back support.  However, try and find pieces that are also beautiful and go with your personal style, as it will help make you good about going to work (or school).
• Liven up the walls.  If you have a dedicated office space, consider painting or installing a wallpaper-accent wall – or all the walls – with a fun color or pattern.  Choose an energetic bright color or pattern to liven up your space.
• Room with a View.  If you can, place your desk in front of your window.  It will help you bring a bit of the outdoors in, as well as provide you some direct light facing you.  This is more flattering on video, if you will be expected to be on a webcam at part of the day.  If you have no window you can face, consider a great piece of art hung right above your workstation.
• Texturize.  Bring in some cozy accessories like throw blankets and pillows to style extra chairs in the room, woven baskets for storage and consider a ficus or fiddle-leaf tree to bring greenery & life into the room.

With all the changes in working and learning environments for both adults and kids, the home is even more important than ever. As needs change, homebuyers seek different features from their new dwellings, who can then personalize their workspaces in a way that allows them to do their best work.