If someone told us that the coronavirus global pandemic would drive the workforce to take jobs at home, we would probably have chosen a house with a dedicated home office.
Last year, a property with office space became the top priority of homebuyers as they seek to make their surroundings conducive to productivity and learning.
Usually, homes don't always have a dedicated workspace leading homeowners to be creative enough in transforming rooms to accommodate not just one but multiple members of the family working-from-home.
Daniel Gale Sotheby's Real Estate Agent Wendy Wenger said that the pandemic leads homeowners to repurpose existing rooms.
"Designers and clients are letting go of previous concepts of usable space and coming up with creative solutions to meet their new needs. Closets, nooks, formal dining rooms, and spaces under stairways are all being transformed into high-functioning and frequently used spaces," Wenger told Inman.
Meanwhile, another real estate expert said that homes with office space remain desirable to potential buyers even before the pandemic.
"A well-designed home office helps curb distractions and inspire creativity," Donna Conway, Sales Associate with Mott & Chace Sotheby's International Realty, said.
Interior design-wise, Conway said that home office designs also evolve as more people take their jobs at home.
"The traditional office featuring built-in bookshelves with a dark wood interior is being replaced by a clutter-free space outfitted with simple furnishings and a neutral color palette," Conway explained, adding that a dull office design affects a person's energy and enthusiasm.
Below are the top work-from-home design trends that to look forward to this 2021.
Al Fresco Windows
Unlike an office setup where employees are confined in a room, remote workers choose natural-looking home office spaces. This leads to wanting to have ethereal or dreamy windows that provide an ultimate al fresco experience.
To achieve this open and airy window look in your home office, choose sheer window treatment or no window treatment at all. It is a good way of bringing the outdoors indoor.
Natural Blend
Another top home office trend emerging this year is incorporating natural colors, fibers, and texture thru furniture, drapes, and decors.
"Woven wall coverings add texture and warmth to rooms. There is now an inclination to layer the home in woods, sisals, rattans, wools, and leathers," Wenger explained.
"The focus is on warmth and tranquility. Edited but welcoming. Comfortable but simplified," she added.
Soothing Colors
To promote wellness, productivity, and creativity, work-from-home homeowners are opting for warm and comforting hues. This shade includes soft serene blues and green similar to ocean waters.
To incorporate this in your own home office, better use decors in Aegean Teal named Benjamin Moore's 2020 color of the year.
Power-Friendly
More than the decors, remote workers choose to have device-friendly home offices with multiple power-access points, high-speed internet connection, and smart adjustable lighting.
Maximalism
Surprisingly, maximalism is making a comeback through bold printed wallpapers that give home offices an extra pop of color.
"Wallpaper and bolder colors are gaining popularity; all-gray designs and all-white rooms are no longer as popular as the use of color to create visual interest," Conway said.
READ MORE: Pros and Cons of Wood-Like Tile: Is This Trend Worth a Try?
