Whether your “work from home” space was a hastily put-together lap top on an ironing board, or quick tweaks to an existing home office, we’ve all been stretched to accommodate new dimensions of multi-tasking at home in this time of social distancing. It would be a semi-easy task to pull together a home workspace, but what about those video Zoom and Skype meetings?! Our offices need to be functional (especially with extra two and four-legged office buddies), but also camera ready with a splash of cute. Definitely familiar territory for sellers! House Dressings feels your home office pain, so this month we’re offering a few fun remedies for charming your WFH spaces for both homeowners and sellers. Read on as we share our May blog – Styling Tips to Liberate Your WFH Office:
1) Where to work? Some folks are already blessed with existing home offices or built-in computer nooks. For others, no such luck. We’ve been super inspired by the creative approaches to WFH spaces, including converting a bedroom closet into a small office space. Take off the doors, add some shelving, a desk & chair, desk-top accessories and voila’ – you have an instant home mini-office! Others are repurposing dining rooms & mini-bar areas, finding a cozy corner in a master bedroom, or converting garages for abundant task and project flow. If a space doesn’t feel quite right, try refreshing with a coat of paint – go for neutral serene colors in soft whites, beiges and grays. Trial and error will help you achieve that “just right” workspace for you!
2) How to add that splash of cute? Making sure you’re “camera-ready” applies equally to Zoom meetings and MLS photos and showings for sellers. Keeping that clutter confined is a big first step. We love the use of art in work spaces, especially by “artists in residence.” Other great styling props include an on-trend lamp, coffee table and other hard back books, a colorful planner, accent trays, decorative bins, and rattan baskets. Don’t forget that all important splash of green! Did you know that living plants boost mood and concentration when used in interior spaces, and reduce stress? A large plant nestled in a basket on the floor, combined with a few smaller ones on your desk and shelving will add instant “life” and creativity to your work zone. Achieving a simplified color palate for your furniture and accessories will also help the space feel more cohesive. See our photos below for other fun inspirations.
3) Feel like showing off? Strive to be a minimalist with your office organization systems by adding bulletin boards, open shelving on walls (buyers will appreciate your investment!), matching baskets and bins, both large and small, fashionable budget-friendly filing cabinets, and an on-trend desk chair. Labeling matching storage bins will make your video meeting admirers beg for your home office design tips – you show off! For more ideas, visit our favorite desktop accessories sources – Target and The Container Store.
4) Zooming (or selling) daily? Be sure to have good lighting in your space – natural is best. Open mini-blinds and drapes to let the sunshine in (a great source of Vitamin D too!). Go electronic as much as possible to eliminate paper clutter. And have extra baskets handy to store desktop papers & files for in-person showings and Zoom meetings. Even though you’re working at home and not going into the office, tidying up at the end of each workday will keep that clutter beast tamed from day to day – liberating both you and your WFH office!
