Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, many office workers around the world have been getting used to spending at least some of the week working from home. However, while working from home does come with a lot of perks such as being able to wear comfortable clothing, having everything you need right there, no commute and being able to spend more time with your family, it can sometimes be distracting. Being at home means you’re surrounded by everything that you need to do, and sometimes you might want to get away and work somewhere quiet.
Whether you are working remotely for an employer, a freelancer, or running your own business from home, a garden home office can be an ideal option to consider. And what’s better, is that it’s often a less expensive option compared to converting your loft, or building an extension on your home. Keep reading for some top tips on designing the perfect garden office for you.
Get the Roofing Right
First of all, it’s important to ensure that the basics are right when it comes to your home office. The roofing is going to be an integral part of the structure that you will need to give a lot of attention to. If the roofing isn’t right, then you could end up working while the rain leaks in, which is not only uncomfortable but could also get dangerous if you have the garden office wired up for electrical sockets and lighting. Using the right materials, such as polycarbonate roof sheets and corrugated roofing sheets, is crucial. Shop for plastic roof sheets and other roofing materials at Clear Amber Shop.
Choose Colours Wisely
Once you’ve got the structure built and are ready to decorate, choose the colours you use wisely. It’s a good idea to think about colour psychology when you are designing the space where you are going to work, as different colours can have varying effects on how you feel. If your job can get quite stressful, for example, then you might be interested in painting the room in calming colours like soft blues and greens. On the other hand, if you want to be motivated and feel awake when you’re working, then think about going for something brighter, like orange or even red.
Make Sure It’s Insulated
The right insulation is a crucial step in designing the perfect outdoor home office space for you. Insulation will ensure that your room can stay at the correct temperature all year around, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If you work remotely full-time, then this will definitely be a welcome addition to the room. The last thing that you want is to be cooking in there in the summer and then freezing in the colder months. Even if you add a fan, air conditioning, and/or a heating system to your garden room, the right insulation will ensure that this doesn’t have to work very hard to keep the temperature right, ultimately helping you save money on your energy bills as you work.
Get the Lighting Right
Since you are designing a space where you are going to be spending a lot of time working, it’s important to ensure that the lighting is right. Spotlights are a great option for a small garden room as there is no additional space that is taken up by a ceiling light, and they are quite bright which is ideal for when you are working away on your laptop. You can also add lamps and other lighting options to brighten up specific areas.
Add Plenty of Storage Space
When it comes to working from home, you will often end up with a lot of stuff in the home that might normally be in the office, like documents and other papers. One of the best things about having a garden room as a home office is that you can keep this stuff out of the house. So, when putting your home office design together, it’s a good idea to think about how much storage space you need and where you are going to add it. Shelves are a great option, or you might want to consider adding built-in cabinets and cupboards when you are constructing the walls
Add Natural Light
While electrical lighting is an important consideration to make when designing a home office in your garden, it’s also worth thinking about how much natural light the area gets, too. Adding windows to your garden office is crucial as without natural light, humans can easily become demotivated and even depressed. The last thing that you want is to be sitting in an office for eight hours per day staring at the walls. Big windows so that you can see out into your garden, or at any views you have from your home are a fantastic idea.
Add a Relaxation Area
Finally, don’t just think about work when it comes to designing your home office in the garden. Think about adding somewhere that you can sit and relax, such as a corner with an armchair where you can spend your breaks with a cup of coffee, or a small, covered balcony area at the front of the room where you can sit and enjoy some fresh air.
If you are working from home and expect to continue doing so, then designing a home office in the garden is a great way to continue enjoying all the benefits of working from home, while keeping your home and work lives separate.
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