Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/920813
How to create a refuge and work space in the comfort of your home. T HE IDEA OF setting up shop a short wa l k f rom bed ha s ma de work i n g remotely increasingly common. But to ensure that your time is spent e¬ciently, it is impor ta nt to create bounda ries for yourself, your loved ones and anyone else who m ay be ha n g i n g a rou nd t he hou se during business hours. Creati n g a ded icated work spa ce is a critical place to begin, and there are many options to help sepa rate your desk from your living quarters. One hot trend being embraced by work-at-home professionals is the tiny-building movement, prefabri- cated spaces that can be tailored to meet a variety of needs and tastes. O f f icePOD, t he T BO Model One a nd the Ecospace WorkPod are available at a variety of price points and can provide a no-frills space with soundproof wa lls or a climate-controlled haven with built-in shelves and adjustable lighting. But spending thousands of dollars may not be necessary. A spare bedroom or sunroom can be an ideal business sanctuary if you take care to bu¤er it from the rest of your home and equip it with the tools needed to do your job. Consider these key tips as you outfit your home o¬ce. 1. Invest in a spacious desk. Give your- self enough surface area to accommodate your computer, phone, files and any docu- ments you need to work on, such as reports or blueprints. 2. Lighten up. Select a space that is near a window. Natural sunlight can energize you and boost your mood — critical components when it comes to producing your best work. 3. Create dedicated storage. Resist the urge to randomly stack papers on your kitchen table or a spare chair in the living room. Instead, place a filing cabinet or two in your space a nd store a ll work-related papers there. Keep persona l documents, such a s bi l l s a nd t a x i n for m at ion , i n a separate area. ■ Constructing Your PERFECT HOME OFFICE According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 24 percent of workers did part or all of their work from home in 2015. This trend was embraced by people in a variety of roles and industries, including business, finance and management. BRAGB Awards and 2018 Installation Dinner BRAGB | Greater Boston Builder+Architect BOSTON.BUILDERARCHITECT.COM