Has working from home become the ‘new norm’ for you? Well, you’re not alone. There are hundreds of people across the UK who are figuring out the best way to stay productive when they’re stuck at home. Families that were used to spending 8 hours a day (plus a commute) away from each other are now trying to find ways to work around each other in the same household. Few people thought they’d ever end up in this situation and even fewer had a dedicated office space ready to go. It will come as no surprise that people are looking at their homes and considering adding a permanent office space. Garden rooms are a popular option, here’s why…
Why do sunrooms make good home offices?
Sunrooms, although unconventional, are ideal work spaces. Studies have shown that workers that get a lot of daylight are more productive, not to mention the mental health benefits that sunlight offers too! Working in your sunroom, especially through the autumn and winter months, can help you make the most of the daylight hours rather than feeling cooped up in a fluorescently lit office building. Better yet, you can use your sunroom to allow in as much or as little fresh air as you need. That’s right, you won’t have to fight with the entire workforce to decide whether or not it’s cold enough to put the heating on, you can open or close the doors at your leisure.
Turning your sunroom into a home office is also a great way to separate your home and work activities. People who are working in their living rooms and kitchens often find themselves struggling to distinguish between work and play. Having a space that’s dedicated solely to work can help you focus your mind and work efficiently.
Converting your sunroom into an office
Converting your sunroom into an office may seem like a mammoth task, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by stripping back the contents and the décor to the bare minimum. This will show you exactly how much space you have to work with and will rid your workspace of distracting clutter. Speaking of distractions, you might want to make sure your sunroom office is ‘out of bounds’ during working hours. I know, it seems a bit extreme to segregate yourself from the rest of the household, but the last thing you want is your dog jumping on your lap and disturbing you during an important conference call.
What should I put in my sunroom office?
Of course, the first thing you’ll need is office furniture, and while it might be tempting to swap your office chair for a recliner or beanbag, it’s not advisable to get too comfortable. Instead, opt for a desk and chair that allow you to sit upright and concentrate fully. Position your office desk carefully. Facing directly into the garden where you can see a busy bird table might seem like a good idea but it can be distracting.
Working from home does provide you with an opportunity to add personal touches that you wouldn’t usually find at your normal desk. You could pop one of your favourite houseplants, a nice scented candle and a photo of your family by your computer to make the space feel extra inviting. There are garden rooms on the market that are fully insulated, if you’re lucky enough to have one of these then you might not need to add a heater. However, if you find that your sunroom gets a bit chilly throughout the day, then it might be worth investing in an electric radiator or outdoor heater.
As you can see, there are lots of benefits if you choose to turn your garden room into an office. With a touch of creativity, you can make your sunroom into the most appealing workspace!
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