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Pro design tips for maximising your small home office

Published on 01 Nov 2023

2020 and the pandemic ushered an unprecedented era of working from home and home offices are becoming an increasingly sought-after commodity in homes around South Africa.

However, due to space constraints, a home office may have to occupy a small space in your home. The good news is that there are some great strategies for putting small spaces to big uses.

Your property inspiration

Shelving and the use of vertical space are what make great things possible in this practical and attractive Stellenbosch Central home office. The use of pristine white walls creates an illusion of light and airiness and the fact that the space is kept meticulously tidy makes a world of difference.

Home Office

Quick tricks for maximising small office spaces

You don’t have to have lots of space to have a home office in which you can do your best work and come up with your best ideas. With the right decor and storage tactics, a small space can get to work in surprising ways.

Opt for light colours

Lighter colours can make a space feel larger and more open. Consider both light-coloured paint and furniture to create an illusion of more space. If pure white doesn’t appeal to you, consider a light shade of grey or beige. An extra tip here is to add mirrors: these reflect light and make small spaces feel more spacious.

Declutter regularly and go paperless

Keep only the essentials on your desk and in your office. By going digital, you can make a positive impact on the environment and keep your space clutter-free. Consider digital filing systems and cloud storage instead of space-consuming filing cabinets.

Use vertical space

Install shelves or floating cabinets to maximise vertical storage. By using your wall space for storage, you can find room for files, books and stationery without cluttering up your desk and your home office setup.

Invest in space-saving furniture

Finding a desk with drawers or a side cupboard that offers some storage space is a great way to make your small home office look bigger. This can remove the need for a separate filing cabinet. Alternatively, consider a wall-mounted desk that can be folded away when you’re not using it. Depending on your space, an L-shaped desk may be the best way to lay out your small office.

Personalise your space the smart way

The ability to personalise your office space is one of the great joys of working from home. Instead of using up shelf or desk space on bric-a-brac, consider placing artwork and motivational quotes on the walls above your desk to create a space that gets your creativity flowing.

Take advantage of technology

The less clutter a small desk has on it, the bigger it will feel. Consider using wireless technology whenever possible to reduce cable clutter. Investing in slim monitors and compact devices is another great space-saving strategy made possible by technology.

Use accent lighting to your advantage

A floor or table lamp is a great way to create a pop of colour in your workspace — and it will have a positive impact on your productivity in a small space. If you have white walls, warm white light will be a great tool to keep you focused.

Demarcate the space

 Perhaps you don’t have a whole room to dedicate to a home office. If you’re using a section of a bedroom or your living room as an office, divide the space visually. A cleverly placed indoor plant or room divider can be a great way to create separation between your work area and your relaxing space.

Your home should inspire you

Working from home can change your life for the better in many ways. It cuts out the commute, allows you to multitask and gives you more time to spend doing the things you really enjoy. If you’re looking for a home that will inspire your creativity and make you productive, get in touch with the team from Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.

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