Office Layout-ideas requested

14 years ago

I am trying to figure out the best layout for our home office. I have attached an image of the room floor plan. This room is just off of the foyer so it will be one of the first spaces that guests see. We will have a pocket french door versus a traditional door installed. This room will serve the purpose of a home office as well as a place for me to "craft" (photo editing, light scrapbooking, etc). I don't necessarily want the space to be fancy but since it will be just off the foyer it needs to be presentable and organized. I was thinking about some built in shelves and desk as well as some cabinets to store items out of sight. I also have a free standing trestle desk that will be placed in the room as a work table. I want to also take advantage of the window as we like to look out the window while we are working. Any ideas on furniture and cabinet layouts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Featured Answer

mom2lala

14 years ago

Have open storage/ work space out of immediate view, and closed storage across from the door? This picture isn't much to go on.

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Comments (11)

PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
14 years ago
Please give room dimensions and size of existing desk.
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Kristy Stewart
Original Author
14 years ago
Sorry I do not have a better picture...we are building the house and don't have walls up yet to be able to show the actual room. The dimensions of the room are 14'6" by 15' and the dimensions of the desk I have are 63.5" long by 30" wide. I am trying to figure out the layout of the room so I know where I need more electrical outlets and to get the cabinets ordered. Thanks again for any ideas.
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
14 years ago
Kristy, I tried out various arrangements for your study and found that the one below is the one I prefer. It uses a built-in desk instead of your own desk. However, you could easily use your own if you wanted. It just wouldn't give you the integrated look that a single countertop material would provide. And it probably would not be accessible from two sides as the one I drew would be. That way, two people could work on crafts together.

What is on the back wall of the room as you enter it is a wall to wall built-in with 30" high lower cabinets, 24" deep, with 12" deep adjustable bookshelves above. I'd carry them up to door height or more.

There's lots of space left for seating, including a 78" sofa (could be a sleep sofa), and a 32x32" chair.
Kristy Stewart
Original Author
14 years ago
Wow, Carolyn, thanks so much for the idea and the drawing. I could always put the computer on the far right side of the built in and then I could swivel between the workspace and the computer.
PRO
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID
14 years ago
Yes, if you leave a knee hole space there.
PRO
Custom Home Planning Center
14 years ago
when you decide where the desk goes ask for a museum outlet under the desk that includes elec. as well as usb.
I would eliminate a good deal of the angst by putting a pivot wall in place of the pocket door( same size header). This panel gives you the secret panel access from the hall and visitors will not even know the office is there unless you show them. Search pivot on Houzz for pictures.
It will take a little detailing to hid the joints but it will make you the talk of those you show it to. Don't forget to include a wet room master bath which allows room size showers and lets you fill the soaking tub to the top and not worry about the over flow when you get in.
PRO
Custom Home Planning Center
14 years ago
I like Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design, I would use a set of SOS hings on the table so that it can be folded up and put a cork board on the bottom. This would also let you hide the shelves it folds against. The leg can be a fold down in the middle that give you a cork board on one side and a chalk board on the other. I can think of a couple different designs for the leg that will hide it real use when up. This allow you to hold meeting as well as it clears the space.
inkwitch
14 years ago
I have found that there is never enough desktop space, no matter what you have. I suggest a custom-built desk across the entire end of the room under the window. That gives you options for as many work stations as you need. If necessary, L-shape it around the corner to the door.

Great idea about the pivot door.

I have found having a blackboard in my office is tremendously useful.

BUilt-in storage on the opposite wall, constructed around a loveseat if you need seating away from your desk, or with another work surface at a convenient location that can be hidden by folding it closed. Here you can control lighting.

You might want to rethink a ceiling fan; blowing air can unsettle your layouts.

Instead of a sofa/loveseat option, consider 2 comfortable chairs with a table and ottomons for reading/reflection/contemplation. Probably be more useful, more flexible and more likely to be used.
PRO
Custom Home Planning Center
14 years ago
Also think about using the stud cavities for additional fold down work surfaces and pin boards. These would look like raised panel wall covering until folded down.
Kristy Stewart
Original Author
14 years ago
Your ideas are all great. So much to think about and this helps get the creative juices flowing. I am not going to have the ceiling fan that the plans depict...I cannot stand those, especially in a living space vs. bedroom. Now if I could just get that unlimited budget to incorporate everything.