House Hunting
The benefits of a home office
Having an office in your house—whether or not you work from home—is hugely beneficial. It’s a designated place to get work and homework done, store office and art supplies, and keep clutter out of other areas of the house. Important documents, tax forms, and personal records can all live here, and you can finally get the mail pile off the kitchen table. Keep track of your schedule with an over-the-desk calendar, and separate work-related activities from the rest of the home.
Need some privacy and quiet? You’ve got an office for that. Whether you’ll be taking video calls or just need a place to shut yourself off from distractions, having a spot where you can close the door and focus will work wonders for your productivity.
How can you maximize the use of your office?
How to make your home office work for you
You buy a house with an office for a place to work at home—but that doesn’t mean the space has to be drab or dull. In fact, it should be as pleasant as it is functional so that you enjoy the time you spend there! Here are some tips to make that happen.
1. Maximize natural lighting… or fake it
Natural lighting makes a room feel more open and even improves your mood. Maximize the natural light in your office by keeping the windows clean and by using light-colored or translucent window dressings. Small space? Opt for lighter colors on the walls and ceiling, and place a mirror across from the window.
What do you do if your office has no windows? Fake one! You can purchase a pre-made faux sunlight window, or you can DIY one. You’ll need LED strips (or a plant grow light for an even more realistic effect), an old window, frosted glass spray paint, and the curtains of your choice.
2. Pick the right colors
If you want your office to be a high-energy space for bold ideas and creative activity, choose colors that inspire you. Sunny yellows, deep blues, and vivid greens can do the trick, and experimenting with playful prints and textures will keep the ideas flowing.
If you prefer a calmer space for thoughtful creation and stress reduction, go with softer tones. Neutrals paired with strategic accent colors will work well, or you can try muted blues, tender greens, or soft blush tones.
3. Go ergonomic
Beyond aesthetics, your office should be a place where you can comfortably spend most of your day. That means you should consider your body’s needs when you go shopping for furniture. Do you want a standing desk, a traditional one, or maybe one that transitions between the two? What about an under-desk treadmill? If you’re buying a new office chair, spring for one that’s ergonomically designed to reduce spinal pains and strains, and get your hands on wrist support if you need it. Make your office as comfortable as possible by providing yourself with multiple areas to stand, sit, and work.
Have your office all planned out? Check out these 11 homes with offices for sale now.
9 homes with offices for sale now under $950k
1. 212 N Horners Ln, Rockville, MD 20850 - $699,900
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,689 square feet
Listed by Olivia Fenton • Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2080212
2. 1214 Evarts St NE, Washington, DC 20018 - $874,900
4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2,266 square feet
Listed by Lee Murphy • Washington Fine Properties, LLC
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2072192
3. 4901 1st St NW #2, Washington, DC 20011 - $599,900
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,166 square feet
Listed by Andrew Nelson • Compass
Listed by Trent Heminger • Compass
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2077734
4. 824 Marietta Pl NW #1, Washington, DC 20011 - $849,999
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 1,950 square feet
Listed by Nicola Taylor • Compass
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2080136
5. 1738 D St NE, Washington, DC 20002 - $899,000
4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 1,774 square feet
Listed by Brent Jackson • TTR Sotheby's International Realty
Listed by Robert Sanders • TTR Sotheby's International Realty
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2081372
6. 6559 Williamsburg Blvd N, Arlington, VA 22213 - $915,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,266 square feet
Listed by Craig Mastrangelo • Compass
BRIGHT MLS #VAAR2026602
7. 2301 Naylor Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020 - $710,000
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3,336 square feet
Listed by Tracy Trammel • Trammell Real Estate Group
BRIGHT MLS #DCDC2078206
8. 11407 Soward Dr, Kensington, MD 20895 - $625,000
4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 1,537 square feet
Listed by Jay Yu • Ten Thousand Realty
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2079226
9. 10146 Sutherland Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20901 - $640,000
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1,910 square feet
Listed by Mandy Kaur • Redfin Corp
BRIGHT MLS #MDMC2078942
Spotted your dream home?
Whether you found the perfect house on this list or you’re looking for something a little different, get in touch. Our team specializes in doing the undoable, whether that’s finding a home with specific features under a certain price point, buying and selling a home at the same time, or a different real estate situation as unique as you are. Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch.
All listings provided courtesy of BRIGHT MLS.
Last updated on 1/27/2023 at 7:19PM.
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