Beyond the obvious health-related
considerations, there are a number of
advantages to having dedicated offices
or flex spaces — increased privacy
and noise reduction, for sure, but also
cleaner, more professional settings
for client meetings, video calls and
conferences.
Chaput says many of her clients ask
for main-floor offices close to primary
entrances and bathrooms, though
more tucked-away options — second-
floor bedrooms and lofts with added
insulation for cancelling noise, or studies
that branch off from the first-floor great
room — are also proving popular.
Natural lighting is obviously preferred
— though when it's not
an option, layers can be created
via desk lamps, wall sconces and
pot lights — and furniture should be
appropriately ergonomic, given the
length of time it'll be in use
each day.
Closed cabinets and shelving units are
better at hiding messes than once-
trendy floating shelves and open
cubby holes, while custom millwork can
increase storage options by helping to
keep printers, file drawers and random
wiring concealed.
Overall, a minimalist approach to
design is recommended, with a focus
on professionalism and productivity.
MAKING IT WORK
— Cont'd from page 113
NATURAL LIGHTING IS
OBVIOUSLY PREFERRED —
THOUGH WHEN IT'S NOT
AN OPTION, LAYERS CAN
BE CREATED VIA DESK
LAMPS, WALL SCONCES
AND POT LIGHTS.
ABOVE: IKEA HEMNES STAIR DESK — BELOW: IKEA CLOSET DESK
Cont'd on page 116
114 Parade of Homes Fall 2020
