Designer Sarah Baeumler's Savvy Advice For Amping Up Your Office
As more people work remotely, home offices have become essential, but even if you don't work from home, an office under your own roof can be a major benefit. Creating a dedicated workspace provides a quiet place in often chaotic homes. Sater Design Collection suggests converting a spare bedroom into an office because those rooms are often away from foot traffic and noise. That's were you'll be able to get work done without distraction. However, as functional as the space needs to be, there's no reason it can't also be beautiful and comfortable.
That's where Sarah Baeumler comes in. The designer has starred alongside her husband, Bryan Baeumler, on HGTV's "Renovation Inc.," "Island of Bryan," and "Renovation, Inc: Home Sweet Home." By focusing on elevated and intentional design, Baeumler has been the driving creative force behind the pair's renovations. What better room in the home to combine these design philosophies than a home office? Here, Baeumler shares her tips for creating a stylish and productive workspace.
Consider the layout
Before getting to any of the aesthetic details, Sarah Baeumler says to create the layout, as reported by HGTV. You have to think about how you work and the ways in which you'll be using your office. One of the first details to consider is where to place your desk. You've probably seen home office inspiration with a desk in the center of the room. This is only a practical option if you regularly have face-to-face meetings, but, either way, it can make you feel in charge, suggests Baeumler. Situating your desk against a window with a view can help with mental breaks, according to Plank & Pillow. Facing a desk against the wall, on the other hand, is the best for productivity.
As for the rest of your furniture, you'll want to consider pieces like shelving, chairs, worktables, or anything else necessary to get the job done. Be careful not to overstuff the room so much that you can't move around the space comfortably. Room Sketcher suggests ensuring you have space to slide your chair back from your desk to stand up and sit down as well as move from one side to the other without obstruction. The floor plan experts suggest the surrounding space be at least 60 inches wide and 84 inches deep to ensure you have enough room.
Stash the cords and clutter
Now with the layout created, Sarah Baeumler suggests tackling the clutter and the cords (via HGTV. Clearing your space of clutter can also clear your mind, and it creates a productive workspace. Pare your office down to the essentials and only select a few key pieces of decor. Not only will this give you the maximum workspace possible, it'll also put all the tools and supplies you need within easy reach. Plus, getting all of the clutter out of the way will help your office always look presentable.
Baeumler further recommends getting rid of the annoying wires from all your devices. A mess of cords can make a well-designed office look chaotic even when everything else is in place. Try to hide away cords or opt for wireless charging stations when you can. Cover cords with thick rugs, tuck them away with brackets, or bundle them together, suggests homemaking blogger Jillee via One Good Thing. This will help keep those unsightly wires from ruining your aesthetic.
Don't forget seating options
The chair behind your desk is, arguably, the most important. You want it to be comfortable and at the right height so you can get your work done for as long as it takes. You shouldn't stop there when creating your dream workspace, though. Sarah Baeumler told HGTV that home offices should have other seating options. If you have the space, create a seating area that will make the whole room feel a little more inviting and approachable. Here, you'll be able to take a break or decompress at the end of your workday. It'll also be a good option if you ever have guests or need to hold a meeting in your office.
Add chairs to create a small reading nook, a perfect place to relax with a good book. Curated Interior says a large padded accent chair is one of the most comfortable options for an in-office reading nook. An even more relaxing option is a reclining chair or one where you can put your feet up.
You need storage
Don't be so focused on the aesthetic touches that you forget to make the space functional. Designer Sarah Baeumler warns against overlooking your storage options, per HGTV. No matter what you use your home office for, you're going to have plenty of tools, supplies, documents, and papers that are going to need a place to go when you aren't using them. She advises choosing a variety of storage options to house what you need. That could mean a mix of open pieces like shelves, boxes, and tables, as well as closable options like drawers and filing cabinets.
What about storage for your desktop or workspace? Autonomous suggests that a desktop organizer can keep small items like paper and blinder clips in their place. A pegboard on the wall can keep reminders and to-do lists organized and off your work surface. You can also make your furniture work double-duty with pieces like an ottoman that can also store large items.
Finishing touches
With everything in its place, it's time to put all of the finishing touches into your design. According to HGTV, Sarah Baeumler says to add decor and accents that mean something to you in order to create a personalized space. Latter & Blum says to make your space your own by choosing colors you love and that reflect your style, as well as displaying custom artwork and souvenirs from places you've visited. Photos of your friends and family help elevate the personal touch in and around your desk.
You'll want to think about window treatments like curtains or blinds that will both add a bit of color and pattern, and also help control how much natural light you're getting through your window. Houseplants and flowers can add some life to the space. Finally, stylized lighting brings a decorative accent and allows you to control the mood of your office. The right touches of decor can go a long way in creating a space in which you love to work.