skip to main content

Design Dilemma home office

Help with home office layout

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We bought a house a few months ago and I’m finally getting around to putting some polishing touches on my home office. I work from home full time, and I am always at my computer (software engineer), so it’s important to have a comfortable setup. Next week we are having wood floors put down to replace the carpets, so it’s a good opportunity to rearrange the furniture.

Some points of consideration:

- Desk cannot be floating in room due to needing to keep laptop and monitor plugged in

- I enjoy sitting near the full windows

- the dog kennel has to stay in this room

- I would like to continue using this rug in the space if I can (it’s sentimental, and I have nowhere else to use it)

I’m considering buying a loveseat or an armchair but that is up for debate. Also willing to switch out the bookcases for something else since they do not match each other, but using what I have for now would be ideal.

I’ve attached some photos of the room in its current state, as well as some options I’m considering. But would love some other ideas/opinions! Thanks in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

decoenthusiaste
2 years ago
Version 2 is best if you do zoom or other online conferences. I would not place the sofa's back to the entry though.
Jennifer Hogan
2 years ago
Being that you are having flooring replaced it is also an opportune time to have outlets placed in the floor. Opens up other options for furniture placement.

I have been working from home for much of the past 30 years, so I have a few things you may want to think about. I love being near a window, love the natural daylight, but don't want to be directly in front of the window - either I am staring out past my computer and having the sun in my eyes or the sun is glaring off the screen. Perpendicular to the window allows you to enjoy the sunshine without it messing without addressing the glare.

Only in my new home for a short while and am renovating room by room. I took the doors off the closet in my office and put the dog crate inside the closet. Will someday have a custom built crate built into the space. Something like this. . .
Related Discussions
Home office layout help
Q
Comments (13)
ILC: I don't think that the room could handle two hutch desks, seems to me that it would be overpowering. I think every room needs a focal point, be it a fireplace, built-in, bed, or something else. I also think that piece needs to fill a space height-wise, or you have to group something above it to fill the focal point on the wall as well. With a wall of built-ins, then the sofa becomes a balancing focal point. I would look to a custom kitchen cabinet shop for ideas. All better-quality cabinet makers create pieces for a home office. It's a matter of how you arrangement them and what sort of material you use for the surface. Corian is easy to clean and granite would look fabulous, but you can also get stained or painted wood to match the cabinets. Google on it or look at cabinet maker websites for more ideas. No matter what look you go for (old world, modern, traditional, English country, etc), it will be clean and efficient because you design it to fit your requirements. The downside is you don't get to face your partner, but rolling chairs on a hardwood floor can help you there. What a fun project! Here is a link that might be useful: Google Search: Built-In Desk Wall
...See More
Layout help and more for home office
Q
Comments (2)
I have a similar room that is my home office at one end, and my sewing/craft area at the other. My room is 10' x 19', and is off my living room, and has a door about mid-point on a long wall. No beautiful beams, but 5 windows. I have my work-from-home laptop, personal laptop, and and printers, etc. in the rear of the room, taking up the wall that adjoins the living room. I also have a bookcase there, and my 'equipment' is housed in a PC armoire that I've had for years. I never close it, but could, to give a neater appearance to the room. I bet you could find one on Craigslist if you looked. It has a nice surface that I work on that could slide back into the armoire, if needed. Below is a VERY old picture of it. I also have a leather sofa in here - huge bargain from Craigslist, and it's behind me as I work. Pic below armoire. In the front of the room, I have my sewing machines on an outside wall, plus an antique bureau with a small ironing board on it, a comfy chair that my dogs love, a huge armoire that I had built to hold fabric, with a deep drawer at the bottom that holds craft supplies. During high crating time - this time of year, I have a card table set up that I do crafts on. I have a TV on a wall shelf near he sewing machine that I can see from anywhere in the room. Basically, the back part of my room is for work, and the front part is for hobbies. You could have your day bed, maybe a coffee table in the 'other end' from your husband's work area. With those beams, I know your room could be stunning!
...See More
Help us with layout & design of new home office (please)!
Q
Comments (11)
Thanks decoenthuasiaste! I think we will follow your advice and position the desk that way. This way I'll have the window to my left and can look into the backyard if I want, and also face the large wall where we can place a nice long & short bookcase with art. I think the reading area to my right (on wall that current has guitar and standing lamp) will look great. We are going to try a rug like this one to complement the more modern bamboo desk top and dark navy walls:
...See More
Layout Help for Small Home Office
Q
Comments (13)
@Jess. You're Welcome! It's difficult to get a perfect room and your needs in a small space. For me, placing the desk there, would be fine for these reasons.... This is a Dual-Purpose Room 1. Your desk has a light weight feeling to it, it's not bulky, although one with more storage might be better functionally. (which is still ok) Not a lot of choices for you 2. Because you enter the room moving to the left, that pathway is all clear. 3. You won't run into a desk at current space, when entering the room 4. Better use of the space between the closet and doorway, given it's construction 5. Visually, a better, more inviting floor plan overall 6. Furniture placements are more aesthetically pleasing (better balance) 7. Better use of space you have 8. Sofa & coffee table area are inviting and functional. It won't feel like there is nowhere else to place the sofa in your home 9. You will 'feel' good about the room and like going in there 10. The room might even feel larger
...See More
Jennifer Hogan
2 years ago
Do you prefer facing the wall or facing the open room?
Jennifer Hogan
2 years ago
I think I would place the desk under the high window, facing the room. Can turn my head and see outside, can see people as they enter the room.
acm
2 years ago
Hmmm, was going to say the opposite. A appears to give you a wall you can decorate for Zoom,, a view out the window, and not having your back to the room/door (which would drive me nuts). I think I'd put the couch on the right wall, though, to keep the room more natural (and to give you similar advantages) and to not block the closet doors. The only reason to put it where you drew it would be if you expected to have clients or coworkers in your space with you and needed a more conversational setup.
Jennifer Hogan
2 years ago
I bought a papasan and placed it next to my desk, laid it a little flatter than pictured and my dog lays in it most of the day while I work.
Anna Kemp
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
@Jennifer Hogan thank you for the thoughtful responses. If I had that papasan chair, guaranteed it would be occupied by my dog for the entire day :D Desk under the high windows is an interesting idea, I'm going to try that layout in the design tool. I don't have a strong preference on facing the wall vs the room.

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE House-Hunting Help: If You Could Pick Your Home Style ...

By Laura Gaskill

Love an open layout? Steer clear of Victorians. Hate stairs? Sidle up to a ranch. Whatever home you're looking for, this guide can help

REMODELING GUIDES Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit all your work surfaces, equipment and storage with comfortable clearances by keeping these dimensions in mind

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Home

Architect Steven Randel has taken the measure of each room of the house and its contents. You’ll find everything here

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Modern Loft Gets a Little Help From Some Friends

By Mitchell Parker

With DIY spirit and a talented network of designers and craftsmen, a family transforms their loft to prepare for a new arrival

ORGANIZING Do It for the Kids! A Few Routines Help a Home Run More Smoothly

By Alison Hodgson

Not a Naturally Organized person? These tips can help you tackle the onslaught of papers, meals, laundry — and even help you find your keys

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Help for Selling Your Home Faster — and Maybe for More

By Laura Gaskill

Prep your home properly before you put it on the market. Learn what tasks are worth the money and the best pros for the jobs

UNIVERSAL DESIGN My Houzz: Universal Design Helps an 8-Year-Old Feel at Home

By Becki Peckham

An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thoughtful design moves make this Canadian home work for the whole family

DECORATING GUIDES Houzz Call: What Home Collections Help You Feel Like a Kid Again?

By Mitchell Parker

Whether candy dispensers bring back sweet memories or toys take you back to childhood, we'd like to see your youthful collections

LIFE 12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

By Laura Gaskill

Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later

Sponsored

CHC & Family Developments

4 Reviews

Industry Leading General Contractors in Franklin County, Ohio

More Discussions

To remove or not to remove

21

Type of wood for bath cabinets

1

What shape is better for a hand held - wand or paddle?

0

shower glass help track or clamp on bottom

2

Redesign a Mid Century Lamp

0