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hayley_gonzales

Home Office Layout

Can’t figure out how to lay out this office. I love a freestanding desk facing out the doors but it doesn’t seem to work in this office. It’s technically 12 1/2 x 9 1/2. I don’t know if built-ins should go on the large wall, facing out of the room or, the short wall opposite of the windows. If I add built-ins the long wall, I could build in a desk and get rid of the freestanding desk but would be facing a wall to work.

The first two photos are from the model home. The third photo is our layout. And the last photo is an image of the space.

Comments (16)

  • PRO
    last year

    I usually like to be facing the window to allow a nice view while working. Without mush info hard to know what you need in the space ? Was this a bedroom before ? My question is does it have a closet ? It is a good sized space so mybe an explantion of what is neccessary in there would help. My part of a shared office is smaller than that but I have a closet space I use for my printer, storgae and any supplies I need hidden from view I have areally large desk it is facing a wall but large windows to my right . I have my drafting table to my left my Mac on the desk along with a file cabinet for work in progress and a larger one for completed work and that is in the closet.

  • last year

    No this is a dedicated home office with no closet. The built-ins will have the space I need for a hidden printer, file storage, bookcases and so on. I am a cabinet designer so I got that part covered. When it comes to space planning it’s a little harder. This space is also the first room you see when you walk into our home so I want it to look nice.

  • PRO
    last year

    I think since you already have figured out the stuff needed I would concentrate on a really nice desk and do you need seating in there for clients or even just for your self.

  • PRO
    last year


    Either this or sell the house and build another house with a professional that meets your needs and fits your site.

  • PRO
    last year

    Because "Try this" is boring as hell and you have nothing better to do than be gratuitous.

  • last year

    So we should sell our house because I asked for help with a layout?

    Sad that as a design professional I see comments like this all the time. Probably why Houzz is so out dated.

  • PRO
    last year

    You don't like the layout?

  • PRO
    last year

    I do have to kind of agree we have no info about anything other than a desk since you have all the rest figured out. Maybe post a pic of the cbinet and where it is and answer questions .

  • last year

    Without knowing the dimensions of your furniture pieces, I would try the desk in front of the window, facing the door so you can see in the door and out the window. Bookshelves along entry wall. Chair in corner.



  • last year

    I worked in an office with a huge east-facing window for 20 years. In that time I sometimes shared the office, sometimes not, and sometimes I just rearranged furniture for the fun of it. One thing I learned is that glare from the sun on my computer monitors forced me to close the blinds in the morning, in some arrangements. This wasn't a big deal in the summer, when I got plenty of sunshine, but was a non-starter in the winter.

    My office door was opposite the window. I didn't like to face the window (I startle easily, and didn't like folks sneaking up on me), so my ideal setup had the computer desk facing the south wall, window to my right, door to my left. I didn't mind facing the wall to work, since I was, you know, working. I had a calendar and bulletin board in front of me, a quick glance away. I could easily turn my chair to gaze out the window, or to chat with a visitor.

  • last year

    What's missing from your description is how you intend to use the space. Will you be attending Zoom calls and need your camera on? If so, I'd recommend placing your desk facing the window vs. having the light mostly behind you (which places you in shadow on camera). Will you see clients/colleagues in person in your office? If so, you'll need additional seating. You have lots of options for built-in's - primarily placing them on the long wall opposite the doorway could be great if they are well done and visually interesting (and your desk isn't too wide). You could also build them in the space behind your chair as a great backdrop to virtual calls.

  • 9 months ago

    Its a home office, so why is anyone sneaking up on you? facing the window is the most pleasant way to work.

  • PRO
    9 months ago

    "so why is anyone sneaking up on you?"

    Sometimes spouses and/or children have what may be considered as poor senses of humor.

  • 9 months ago

    I startle easily. Folks can sneak up on me without even trying.

  • 9 months ago
    last modified: 9 months ago

    I too like facing the entry in my office. Possibly angle your desk to face the entry and to avoid glare from the window. You can then place seating in the opposite corner and a nice tall plant or collection of plants in front of the window. Lovely space you have.