HOW TO ADD A HOME OFFICE OR STUDY NOOK TO YOUR KITCHEN
IMAGE SOURCE:
With an increasing number of teams embracing the opportunity to work from home, the need for a functional home office is growing.
The reality for many is that a small home may not offer the space to accommodate a separate home office setup. Not all hope is lost — instead, this is where some creative planning and ingenuity come into play.
Home office designs are being added as complementary features to other areas of the house, including the living room, bedroom or kitchen.
Adding a home office or study nook to your kitchen can be the perfect way to accommodate a high-performing workspace. There are several ways to include one into your existing design or a new plan, which we explore below.
A HOME OFFICE FOR SMALL SPACES
IMAGE SOURCE: hgtv.com
Making the most of minimal space can appear an impossible task without a complete kitchen renovation. Fortunately, this is not always the case, and you may be surprised where you can find room for a small office.
If you are extremely short on room, you may consider adding a fold-out desk that can be neatly tucked away when not in use.
Even the most minute unused corner or empty wall can act as an optimal spot to install a simple floating benchtop. You may even consider picking up a recycled piece of timber as an eco-friendly option for your kitchen office.
Depending on your budget, you can benefit immensely by adding additional storage in the form of overhead cabinets. For a more affordable option, install simple floating shelves where you may neatly organise your stationery and documents into baskets and folders.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A LARGER KITCHEN
IMAGE SOURCE: theeffortlesschic.com
For those blessed with ample space or the budget for a few structural changes, you will instantly be afforded the opportunity to explore more elaborate home office designs in your kitchen.
Consider installing a built-in desk, which offers the advantages of spacious storage in the form of drawers and shelving. You may even add a corkboard to this space to pin high priority notes or sentimental trinkets to truly personalise your workspace or study nook.
To create a modern home office that is more distinct from the kitchen space, find out if it is viable to build a dividing wall between these zones.
CREATE A SEAMLESS DESIGN
IMAGE SOURCE: monikahibbs.com
If you would prefer a home office or study nook that seamlessly blends in with your kitchen, focus on matching finishes and simple function.
For a workspace that will include drawers or overhead cabinets, select a style that is consistent with your surrounding kitchen cabinetry. This includes the material, colour and even the cabinetry pulls or handles.
Match the material of your desk surface to your kitchen benchtop to create effortless harmony within your space, and an office chair that complements those in your kitchen for aesthetic flow.
CREATE A FOCAL POINT
IMAGE SOURCE: digsdigs.com
To truly imply a distinct space, use contrasting wall paint or intriguing wallpaper to prevent the area from being completely encompassed by the kitchen. If your kitchen features elegant stone benchtops, choose a charming timber finish for the surface of your desk to create an exciting contrast.
OPTIMISE LIGHTING
IMAGE SOURCE: stefanistein.com
A work from home setup with poor lighting can have negative effects on your performance and health, contributing to eye strain, headaches, fatigue and stress.
For this reason, it is crucial that you set yourself up for success by optimising lighting in your space. Ideally, it is best to place your kitchen workstation near a window to benefit from the uplifting effects of natural daylight.
If this is not a convenient option, you can improve productivity and the ability to work at night by selecting a quality desk lamp, or installing strip lighting under your floating shelf or overhead cabinet.
By creating a small home office that is appropriate for your kitchen space, you can enjoy the flexibility of working from home while accomplishing your career aspirations with efficiency. If you would like assistance in creating a kitchen space that best accommodates a home office, book a design consultation with our talented team to discuss your goals.
