Home Offices: The New Normal

Home Offices. Do Your Homework.

When you started working from home last March more than likely you didn’t put much thought into where you did your work.  You probably thought it was only temporary.  It wasn’t.

Here we are more than a year after the COVID pandemic changed so many aspects of our daily lives, especially working from home.  The makeshift home offices we created that involved working on the laptop from the bed or flipping through files on the living room sofa are no longer acceptable.  That’s why in 2021, and beyond, home offices will be more important than ever.

Approximately 40% of Americans are now working from home full-time.  In fact, many Americans want to continue working from home even after the pandemic ends.  So one of today’s top home trends is adding a home office or renovating an existing space in the house to work.

 “As people continue to work from home they don’t want to continue holding Zoom meetings or answering calls from the kitchen table,” explained Kathryn Norton, a co-owner of Tailored Living of Knoxville. “Our customers want to develop a work space that will maximize their concentration, motivation and productivity. However, having an office at home doesn’t need to be extravagant. With the right design, an extra bedroom, a closet, quiet corner or loft can all be used to fill this need.”

No matter where you choose to put your new home office, there are some important aspects to consider.  

Don’t Sacrifice Form for Function

Your desk, shelves and storage should serve you, not the other way around. Consider your workflow and what items you need at your fingertips.  While a basic office desk from a big-box store may be inexpensive, it probably won’t fit your needs.  A custom home office doesn’t have to be expensive, just designed for your needs to enhance productivity. 

Let There Be Light

Cut down on eyestrain and headaches by making sure you have plenty of light.  Also, plan the position of the computer monitor so there’s no glare from a window or overhead light. 

Master Your Technology

Hide unsightly cords. Start by making sure your equipment is close to outlets and easy to access. Feed the cords into a desk grommet that helps guide cords through a hole in the desk and hides them underneath. Tame the cord jungle on the floor with cord winders, tubing or a wire organizer.

Invest in a Great Chair

You’ll spend hours sitting in your office chair; so an ergonomically correct, comfortable seat is worth every penny!

No matter the size of your office, call Tailored Living of Knoxville to give you a design that maximizes your storage space and budget!

Page

Space-Saving Murphy Beds – Awake to the Possibilities

Murphy beds have long been a solution for condos and other homes where floor space is a premium.  Today, many homeowners of larger homes are also opting for a Murphy bed to make a room multi-functional.

Murphy Bed Closed

When closed, a Murphy Bed takes up very little space, leaving the room open to serve another purpose during the daytime.

William L. Murphy invented the Murphy Bed in the early 1900s.  He wanted to hide the bed in his cramped one-room apartment so he could have more space to entertain. He experimented with a folding bed, eventually receiving a patent. These beds have been helping homeowners save space for over 100 years!

Tailored Living of Knoxville, the area’s whole-home organization experts, designs and installs Murphy Beds to meet each individual customer’s needs and style.  Investing in a Murphy bed can:

  • Create More Space – Most families live in all their space, so a dedicated guest room is not always practical. If you’re short on space but need an extra bed, a Murphy bed is the perfect solution. It provides flex-space for any home. You can use the room as a bedroom at night and a playroom, home office or living room at other times. You won’t lose any space and guest will have a very comfortable place to sleep.
  • Increase Home Value – If you decide to rent or sell your home, maximizing space is an important feature for people. A Murphy bed allows you the ability to maximize a home’s space and it will also increase the value of the house.
  • Murphy Bed in Darker Wood

    Murphy Beds are available in many styles, sizes and finishes.

    Be Designed for Any Space – Designs depend on your needs and budget. Tailored Living design experts thoughtfully design each bed to seamlessly integrate into your space, proving you don’t have to compromise style when space is limited.   A Murphy bed can be as elaborate or basic as you want.  Many designs include desks on one side, so the room can also be a home office by day.  Or the bed can be bordered by a bookcase,  side cabinets or pull-out drawers to give you extra storage. Most of all, it takes up very little space when closed, approximately 16” deep.  Murphy Beds come in twin, full, queen or king sizes to accommodate any space constraints.

  • Fit Any Décor – From a dark wood-grain to a solid gray finish, choose the look you want that fits your style. Also, there are custom LED light options to ensure there is enough lighting when the bed is in use.

If you want the flex-space a Murphy bed provides, give Tailored Living of Knoxville a call for a free consultation using their 3D design software. Let Tailored Living help you recreate your current space!