By Wade Weissmann
Due to the Coronavirus, many Americans are finding themselves in a new situation: working from home. For some, perhaps this is somewhat familiar. They already have an office space at home, but rarely use it. For others, this is brand new. They are accustomed to going to an outside office. Whichever group you fall into, architect Wade Weissmann would like to offer you his recommendations for creating the perfect home office.
- Color! This cannot be overstated. Bringing color into your home is a great way to invite the outside in. Color also has a lot to do with mood and with eliciting creativity. Whether it is with paint or furniture, I highly recommend finding a way to integrate color into your workspace.
- Play with texture. I love to use something such as wood in a home office. It feels professional but it is not stuffy. It is another way to bring the outdoors in.
- If your space happens to have a view, be sure to take advantage. It’s easy to begin to feel isolated when working at home. Having a view to the outside world provides that connection. Additionally, nature provides a sense of calm.
- Incorporate unique elements, things that make it feel like your own space. For example, a gallery wall.
- Speaking of galleries, hanging art in your home office is another recommendation. Since it’s your home office, you have the ability to pick pieces that really speak to you, which is an ability you may not have in a shared space.
- Light is a very important component of your home office. A dark space is not the most conducive to creativity. If you’re at an early enough stage with your home office, I would recommend having several windows installed. If you’re at a later stage, I recommend adding fun lighting fixtures or lamps. If you live in a cold climate, a fireplace can be a unique addition to your home office. This will provide warmth, light and a peaceful atmosphere.
- I love to include natural elements in a home office. Flowers, for example. You can include elements that are more unique to your geographical location. Perhaps you live in an area where pinecones are prevalent, and you can include these in your home office. This is another way to be creative with your space
- Most traditional offices will have a single desk and a chair. I like to add additional furniture in the home offices I design. This can be a way to get a fresh perspective for yourself, sitting in a different spot in your office. This can also be useful for encouraging creativity amongst your team. Under normal circumstances, this is a great place to gather. I believe in creating spaces that are flexible and that you would want to gather in even when not sitting at your desk or working.
- I think it is important to include photos in your home office. Maybe it’s photos of your family or significant other. Maybe it’s photos of places you hope to visit. A reminder of why you’re working is always a good thing to have in your space.
- Lastly, I think it’s nice to have items that provide inspiration. If you’re into music, include a retro record-player and records in your office. If you love to read, add books to your shelves that get your creative juices flowing.
As the founder and principal of Wade Weissmann Architecture, Wade has spent the last twenty years designing classically inspired estates of many genres around the world. His firm’s work has been highly praised for its fine attention to craftsmanship and design detail, and for lending homeowners a feeling of resort living, right at home. Wade Weissmann Architecture has offices in Milwaukee, Santa Barbara, and Pittsburgh and will be growing their presence in Nashville soon.
