Interior Design Ideas for a Live-Work Space

Some people may consider it a dream to be able to work from home in their own live work space. They imagine themselves living in their pajamas all day, laying in bed with a laptop and a coffee. Most work-at-home professionals know that this type of work environment is rarely very productive. Working from home can be a challenge. There are constant distractions like a ringing phone, someone at the door and trips to the refrigerator for a snack. It is also difficult to not get sidetracked by all the household duties that need done, like washing the dishes or doing a load of laundry. Creating the ideal live-work space takes creativity and planning.

Location

If you are working from home, the best way to get work done is to designate an area of your home for work. Ideally, this spot could be a spare bedroom or other room that is secluded from the rest of the house. Bedrooms work well because they are usually set apart from the main living area, sometimes on a different floor. This will keep you from getting distracted easily. However, if you live in a small space, you can still have a separate office space. It doesn’t need to be a separate room, just a place that is out of the way. Pick a corner of a room to set up a desk and chair, where you can isolate yourself if need be. This can be in your bedroom, in the corner of a rarely-used dining room or even in the main living area.

Function

When planning the interior design of your live-work space, function is the key word. Especially in small spaces, every piece of furniture or decoration should have a clear use and benefit to your work. If you are able to dedicate a room to your work space, select office furniture that is both comfortable and useful. A clear glass contemporary desk may look beautiful, but if your space is lacking the storage you need, you will end up with clutter in the room. Instead, choose furniture that offers shelves and drawers that allow supplies and files to be tucked away.

Double Duty

If your work space is limited to a corner of a room, don’t let your office take over the space. Space is precious in a small living area, and the decorating and furniture options you use can make or break the room. Instead of thinking of your work space as a separate area, incorporate it into the decor of the rest of the room. Keep the style of the desk and chair the same as other furniture in the room, so that it all blends together and is aesthetically pleasing. Choose furniture that serves a dual purpose. For example, a cabinet-style computer desk can turn into a beautiful piece of furniture when you’re entertaining instead of working. Just put your work away into drawers, shut the cabinet doors and move the chair to a corner of the room. Guests won’t even know that you run your business from the same room.