Traffic jams will surely worsen, in Manila and elsewhere in Asia, without innovative solutions like work-from-home policies.
The situation is such that rather than endure a three-hour commute or a dehumanizing ride in a packed train, some people are either moving to apartments near their offices or quitting their jobs and switching to companies in better locations. Real-estate firms have even turned this into a business opportunity by building office dorms and renting them out to big companies.
Working from home—also known as teleworking or telecommuting—entails performing a job remotely, from your home or another location. It’s a transport demand management strategy—one of several options that aim to reduce travel demand or to redistribute this demand in space or time.
Inspiration galore
Work is work, of course. But you wouldn’t mind getting it done if your space looked amazing. Whether it’s for working from home, tackling admin or encouraging the kids to knuckle down with their homework, many of of us are looking to incorporate a study area at home. However, very rarely do we have a dedicated room that’s free to turn into a study, so a clever use of space is key.
With thoughtful planning and creativity, almost any space in the home can be turned into a useful home office. Whether you’ve got an entire room or just a tiny corner, here’s some inspiration for you
Be A Minimalist
Minimalism is so hot right now. Keep your desk clutter-free, add in simple furniture (like reclaimed wood chairs and desk), keep a neutral color palette, and watch how inspired you’ll be to actually do your work. If you need to warm things up—so it doesn’t look bland and sterile—add a plant or some artwork hanging on the wall.
Go Bohemian
Embrace your inner free spirit and decorate your office with anything that tells a story, has sentimental value to you, or that you picked up on your travels. Add in a bold, patterned rug, color on color, and some plants. Remember: More is more.
Try industrial
If your workspace is cool, you may be more inclined to actually use it. A vintage aluminum desk and stool create an industrial vibe in a study. Chicken-wire bookcases add a rustic touch to the room.
Corner off space to fashion a small office
No spare room? Then use a corner of your living room for your home office. Traditionally, an office keeps you shut away from the rest of the house, but these days, social and work lives are more closely entwined. Hang family photos to ensure the space still feels like part of the original room.
Turn an outbuilding into a home office
Turning a garden room into a home office is ideal for keeping work and living areas separate. Especially if indoor space is limited. Using one side for correspondence and filing and the other for more creative work helps create a sense of serenity. There’s nothing more inspirational than a garden to look out over while working.
Adapt an alcove for a smart space
Use every inch of space at your disposal. Find space in an alcove in your living or dining room to act as a smart home office area. If you have to use a corner of your living space, invest in a notebook-sized computer that will not dominate. Choose a wooden desk and chair for a classic, unobtrusive look.
Use the wall space to corner off a clear work zone. A pinboard the same width of your desk ensures the space doesn’t encroach on another living space. Create a comfortable feel by using soft colours such as taupe and greys that are easy to live with and will co-ordinate with other tones.
Make a multi-purpose display and desk area
If space is limited in the sense you don’t have a dedicated room or even a corner, create a multi-purpose space. If the desk has to be there make it blend seamlessly into your space by using it to display trinkets and accessories. Pop a chair underneath in a co-ordinating fabric to make it feel more at home in the space.
A real trend is to have a designated study area in the kitchen right now, so it’s worth making a concealed desk within the kitchen joinery with a drop-down or pull-out desk that can be put away when not in use. It’s a great location with the kitchen being the hub of the home – you can watch the kids getting on with their homework while you prepare the dinner.
