How Can I Transform a Shed into a Home Office?

Remote work has been a solution for many companies and many people but what started out in some cases as a laptop on the kitchen table has now escalated into very professional and comfortable work-from-home arrangements. If you are looking to upgrade your home office, take a look at what you can do if you transform a portable building such as a shed, a backyard cottage, cabin or playhouse, into a comfortable, quiet, insulated and even stylish workspace! Whether you already own one of these versatile portable buildings or you’re considering purchasing one, here are a few ideas to consider when creating a private workspace that is both functional and beautiful.

Pick the Right Portable Building for your Office: If you are going to purchase a shed, cabin or cottage, make sure that you choose  a space that includes windows, for natural light and airflow; a durable floor that supports furniture; weather-resistant siding and roofing and enough space for a desk, chair and storage, like a bookshelf or storage cabinets.

Insulate for Year-Round Comfort: To turn your portable building into a four-season office, insulation is key! Consider insulating walls and ceiling with spray foam, foam board or fiberglass insulation. Also, you can apply weatherstripping around doors and windows. Climate control is also important; you can use space heaters, a mini-split HVAC or a portable AC. All this not only improves comfort, but it also helps reduce noise from outside.

Power and Internet: These are just essential for a productive shed office! To support your devices and stay connected, hire a licensed electrician to wire outlets and lighting; use ceiling or wall mounted lights for a clean, streamlined look. You can have your internet service installed right there or you can extend Wi-Fi from your home using a Wi-Fi range extender or a dedicated mobile hotspot.

Maximize Style and Functionality: Make your workspace inspiring and efficient with smart design touches, such as a desk with drawers for storage and an ergonomic chair; floating shelves, wall organizers, pegboards and corkboards all help keep your space organized. For decor, you can add rugs, curtains, plants and even wall art. For lighting, choose warm, natural lighting for comfort. If your office accessories and decor help you keep your workspace uncluttered and aligned with your personal style, productivity will most likely soar!

Add Comfort Features for Long Workdays: Expanding on the previous point, your outdoor office should feel just as good as any room in your home. The high-quality ergonomic chair is essential, since you will probably be sitting there for hours. A soft underfoot floor mat or area rug will go easy on your legs and feet. A desk fan in case you don’t feel the need to turn on the AC, for quick temperature control. A bluetooth speaker, white noise machine or soft background music and, why not, a small table or filing cabinet that can support a coffee maker. Other comfort-oriented extras could be a minibar to keep cold bottles of water or soda cans and a cabinet to hold snacks and other supplies.

Bonus Idea: Make your workspace multi-use! If the space is big enough, you can also include a sofa-bed to use the office as a guest room when needed, or as a simple reading nook. Also, if you have kids around and have to keep an eye on them as you work, you can add a table for arts and crafts, doing homework or play board games. 

Creating an office in a portable building is more affordable than building an addition to your home, and much faster, too. With the right materials, setup, and personal touch, you can enjoy a workspace that boosts productivity and looks amazing!

Author: Michelle Veytia

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