The trend for a home office has increased substantially within the last decade. I find more clients are in need of a true, functional space as well as a space where the family can escape for homework, pay bills or surf the net in a quiet spot.
The challenge I face is where to plan the home office. Typically, there might be a second floor bedroom that is always an option, but maybe a first floor space if preferable. An office on the first floor may function for multiple family members, as well as function for a small business. You may not want clients traipsing up to your private quarters on a second floor, so this might be the best option.
I’ve been able to carve out small sections of a first floor area to serve as a tidy office that house all aspects of a home office. Sometimes I take a portion of the kitchen during a remodel, or convert a small, formal living room that no one uses. The living room option is one of my favorites because it turns a never-used space into a nicely placed, well-lit functional office.