Empty Nest Conversions: Create a Home Office

When your kids grow up and move out, and you find yourself with one spare bedroom too many, it’s time for a makeover. This month we’ll be exploring ways to convert a spare bedroom (or newly-unoccupied kid’s room!) into a more usable space.

A home office is one of the most practical options for transforming an under-used room. Creating a place where you can work, read, pay bills; a combination office/library can also become much-needed functional storage space.

Tip #1: Cabinetry can add storage and organization to your home office

Cabinets—they aren’t just for the kitchen! Rather than populating the room with separate, freestanding pieces—a bookshelf here, a credenza there—consider custom cabinetry. Wood-Mode home office cabinets come in styles from traditional to contemporary, and instantly upgrade any room’s atmosphere, storage, efficiency, and comfort.

Tip #2: That’s right—efficiency is important

Ideally every room in your home is efficient for your lifestyle, but especially a home office. We recommend working with a designer to maximize functionality while also creating a beautiful space where you will enjoy spending your time.

Tip #3: Consider a countertop

In addition to cabinets, countertops can also find a way to fulfill their function outside of the kitchen. Would a countertop enhance your home office as much as—or perhaps more than—a traditional desk? If you are sharing home office with a spouse or a co-worker, a countertop style desk frees up floor space, and creates a flexible work space that also affords privacy.

Tip #4: Get inspired, and then get started

Okay, this part is really fun. Go window shopping—in real life, and online. Visit showrooms, browse Pinterest, Houzz, and your other favorite design websites—whatever you need to do to get inspired. You may be surprised to find yourself attracted to very different styles and aesthetics, so take some time to figure out a look that you love and that works for the available space.

Visit our showroom to see Wood-Mode cabinetry up-close, and learn more about how custom cabinetry can transform any room in your home. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Houzz!