The kitchen has always been the heart of any home, but it’s become more important than ever before. More people are working and completing school from home, and you’re likely cooking every meal and cleaning more dishes than ever. You’re also probably looking for a spot in your home where you have a dedicated workspace. Why not combine the two?
There are ways to effortlessly create a kitchen and home-office combination. You’ll strike the right balance and create harmony between the two, so nothing feels out of place as you continue with your new routine.
Find the Right Seating
Stools or wooden chairs are common in the kitchen, but upgrading your seating options is critical when creating a kitchen and home-office combination. You could match your work chair with your kitchen table set or draw color inspiration from the fabric cushioning on your bar stools.
However, you make your decision, remember that the smartest purchase will support your physical health. Improper angle and height can cause lasting back pain if you can’t sit up straight comfortably. Try testing chairs in person to find one that works best for you.
Decide on a Location
You’ll need an ideal place to set aside for office duties. Think about moving a desk under your breakfast bar or removing a cabinet so you can use your existing counter-top. It all depends on your kitchen’s layout and the space you have to work with.
Learn How to Clean
After you establish your new work station, make sure you can clean it. You’ll eat lunch and cook meals in the same area, which means spills and splashes are a guaranteed part of your new workday. Tabletops and desktops are easy to wipe down with cleaning sprays, but counter-tops are a different story.
Many homes use granite counter-tops because it’s durable and looks great. However, the wrong cleaning products might cause damage. Companies add a sealant to prevent stains and discoloration, but acidic liquids will wear that sealant down. Find a product made to clean your work space’s specific materials so it lasts for years to come.
Utilize Smart Storage
You’ll need to utilize smart storage options when you double the purpose of a room. Wash spaghetti sauce jars and use them to store your pens, paper clips and other small office supplies in your pantry. Hang a file organizer inside a cabinet or the pantry door. You could even use a shower rod under your sink to hang cleaning supplies and use the rest of the cabinet for binders.
With a little creativity, you’ll find plenty of ways to store your office supplies without taking away room from kitchen belongings.
Figure Out Your Lighting
Your kitchen might rely on a window or two for natural lighting, but that doesn’t mean it’s bright enough for reading and writing. Don’t spend all day squinting at your computer. Figure out if you need a desk lamp or lights installed under your cabinets so it’s a more comfortable place to work.
You should also be aware of the light emitted by your computer screen. Blue light can cause eye discomfort and vision problems, otherwise known as digital eye strain (DES). Look into glasses designed to block this light or a filter you can place over your screen. You’ll protect your eyes and be able to focus better on your work responsibilities.
Play With Your Space
Try different storage solutions, cleaning methods and office chairs when creating your kitchen and home-office combination. You’ll eventually find the perfect balance that works for your needs.
