This Ultimate Guide to Home Office Design

Home offices can be one of the most versatile spaces in your custom home. While often thought of as a space for work, your office space can be customized to suit your lifestyle and needs. From a space for crafty hobbies to a homework haven, personal library, and beyond, home offices have unlimited potential.

In this post, we’ll go over some key considerations when designing your home office that can help you decide on important custom details. We’ll also look at a few tips for choosing different custom elements, layouts, and finishes, as well as the perks of investing in customizing your home office. Keep reading to learn how to achieve the custom home office of your dreams!

Designing your Home Office: Key Considerations

Whether you are renovating your current home office or in the process of building a custom home, there are a few key things to consider that can help you nail down your perfect office design.

Purpose and Functionality: What Will You Use Your Home Office For?

Start by determining how you will use your office space. Some families and homeowners use their home office as a work-from-home space, others may just need it to house their computer and set aside a space to handle bills or paperwork. Knowing how you will use the space will help you envision what will make it the most functional.

Beyond typical office activities, home offices can also be used for other purposes. Maybe you have a hobby, like sewing or scrapbooking, that you would like a designated, customized space for. You might want a space for your kids to do homework uninterrupted, or maybe you run a small business and need a space to work out of or store your products.

How Your Office Needs Can Inspire Custom Features

Your use of the space informs what kind of features you need such as storage, surfaces, and shelving. An artist's space may need a more open layout without a desk to accommodate easels, supplies, and ample counter space for working. A space for working from home may need a customized, built-in desk and storage for file organization.

Don’t be afraid to dream big, either! Your home office can be a sanctuary for your work, hobbies, or family activities. Your builder can help you bring your ideas to life.

Location and Privacy: How Much Privacy Do You Need?

‍Home offices are often situated off of the entryway of homes in more modern floorplans. This is because it is a functional and beneficial choice for most homeowners. It is typically easier to incorporate natural light and more space into a home office situated in this area of a home. This also tends to allow for a more spacious home office that doesn’t feel like a last-minute addition to your home.

But, if privacy and minimal distractions are a concern, there are ways to work around this. Some floorplans have alternate home office placement options, and you can opt for doors that help filter sound and keep your space quiet. On the opposite end of this, you can also opt for doors with glass that allow you to see out of your office should you want more visibility.

Lighting: Natural or Artificial?

Natural lighting is a hallmark of modern floorplans, and for good reason. Natural light helps open up any space, and it can add an open and fresh feel to your home office, too. Most home offices use a combination of both natural and artificial lighting that keeps the space open and well-lit for your work.

You can also have custom task lighting, such as a built-in extendable lamp over a surface or lighting over your counters. If you prefer a more secluded space with different lighting options, you can have blinds or curtains installed that filter out natural light for more privacy or a dimmer setting.

Choosing Finishes, Layouts, and Custom Features

There are a few elements you can customize that make a big difference in the feel and functionality of your home office.

1. Flooring and Walls

Wood flooring and other materials that mimic the look of wood are popular in home offices. They offer a touch of warmth and character and can be protected from rolling chairs and moving furniture by rugs. You can also opt for tile for easy cleaning or carpet for added comfort.

Feature walls made of reclaimed wood are also popular in many homes and can add visual interest to your office space. If you opt for a design that has an open wall, a feature wall can be a great addition.

2. Built-In Storage

Built-in storage is very popular in home office spaces, especially for homeowners who like to keep their personal library, family memorabilia, or hobby supplies in their office. Consider built-in shelving for displaying items, drawers for file organization, or cabinets for storing supplies to help keep your space organized.

3. Custom Layout and Features

The layout of your home office should prioritize your workflow. If you are using a desk, consider your ideal desk placement when considering where to install features like built-in storage or counter space. It may make more sense for your desk to face the door or the window, depending on your ideal workflow.

You should also ensure that your custom features are accessible. If you are installing storage for craft supplies, your workspace should be close to your storage for easy access. If you have important files you need to retrieve frequently, you should have them stored close to your desk or workspace. Picture yourself working in your office. What would be the ideal placement for your features and storage?

The Perks of Customizing Your Home Office Design

1. Optimized functionality: A custom-designed office space allows you to create a space that perfectly suits your workflow. Every element can be arranged to enhance efficiency and convenience.
2. Comfortable workspace: For working from home especially, comfort is key. Customization allows you to design a space you want to be in and is comfortable to work in for hours. A personalized home office setup can help you feel comfortable in your working environment.
3. A space made just for you: Your home should be a reflection of your personal style and taste, and your home office is no exception. You have the freedom to choose finishes and features that resonate with you, creating that space that is uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts: Getting Custom Home Office Design

Designing the perfect home office comes down to a balance between function and aesthetics. At Heim Custom Homes, our expertise in crafting dream homes across Oklahoma extends to every inch of your home. We can help you bring your dream home, and home office, to life. 

To get started on your dream home, contact us today to learn more and tell us about your vision. Take a look at our gallery for examples of our work, and see our available homes for pre-built homes near you.