With so many people working from home for the past year, there has been a surge in home office setups and revamps. However, due to noise, family, and other distractions, some find it difficult to concentrate on work inside the house. Others have discovered that the blurred line between work and home life takes a toll on their wellbeing.
Therefore, many are turning to an inventive solution: the backyard office. By converting an unused shed, garage, or cabin into a private workspace, you can work from home while still being physically separated from your house. Unique backyard offices make excellent, quiet getaways to get more done, and as designated focus areas, they help you leave work at work.
There are several things to consider when thinking about renovating an old shed and designing your perfect office. We’ll go through several practical pieces of advice as well as creative design inspiration.
1. Consider the Logistics
Make sure the structure you’re renovating has the capability to suit your work needs. For example, is it large enough to fit all your equipment? You will need enough space for a desk, chair, storage, and possibly other furniture, like an armchair or small sofa. Then, ensure that you are able to set up electricity and Internet access.
Next, consider the temperature. For example, if your summers are unbearably hot, will you need to install air conditioning to keep comfortable?
Spend some time inside the shed or structure before you move any furniture. Make sure that outside noise from neighbors, dogs, or lawn mowers won’t severely interfere with your concentration. If noise is a problem, you can look into installing soundproof walls or sound-absorbing panels on the inside of the shed.
Once you’ve thought these practical factors through and determined if the cost is worth the renovation, it’s time to start designing.
2. Maximize Natural Light
Natural light improves mood and minimizes eye strain, especially when you face a computer for most of the day. Therefore, if possible, you should maximize natural light in your backyard office shed.
If your shed doesn’t have windows, consider installing them. Alternatively, if the temperature is suitable, you can leave the door open for a breath of fresh air while you work. Research has shown that exposure to greenery and nature reduces stress at work and even improves decision making.
For more light, add fixtures like floor and table lamps, or install track lighting on the ceiling.
3. Keep Clean and Organized
In a small space like a shed, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to use your space effectively. To keep things from feeling cramped, you’ll want to minimize mess by keeping things well organized. At House to Home Organizing, we can help you create the perfect, clutter-free office space for maximum focus.
Multifunctional furniture, such as cubbies that double as tables or sofas that have storage space underneath, will be perfect for compact organization. Keep your cable management in order and display only the bare essentials on your desk surface.
In terms of design, minimalist furniture is a great choice because it emphasizes simplicity and functionality. In a small workspace, sleek and simple decor won’t distract from the tasks at hand. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t also personalize your office; hang family photos or include a pop of color with an accent pillow or two to make the space feel like your own.
Consider adding elements that will make the room feel bigger. Hanging a mirror on the wall will create the illusion of more space, as will painting the floor a light, off-white color.
For more backyard office design inspiration, check out 1stDibs’ visual below.
