5 Ideas for Creating a Sustainable and Inspirational Home Office
- Reclaimed Projects, Sustainability
- 3D modeling, beaverton, budget friendly, creative space, DugOut, eco-friendly, garage makeover, home office, home renovation, kid-friendly office space ideas, repurpose, Residential, reuse, sustainable design, technical nutrients, upcycling, work-life balance, workspace ideas
- June 14, 2019
According to a recent Fast Company article, many CEOs are choosing a work from home model for themselves and their workforce. It’s also worth mentioning, many of the greats, such as, Apple, Microsoft, Google and Amazon all started from their garage. So, if you’re in the midst of deciding where to locate your office, or just trying to reinvent your space, read on for some tips from DugOut Design Studio’s recent home office renovation.
How to Think Sustainably
Industrial Designer and Founder of DugOut Design Studio, Dug Ketterman, tells us, “Sustainability is a great word when it comes to both business and renovation. Not only does it encompass searching for economical and eco-friendly options but also taking a long-term investment approach. In order for something to be sustainable, the relationships (people), the planet and the business (profit) all need to last.”
At DugOut, we especially love this route because when you start thinking sustainably, you start thinking creatively. Ultimately, these decisions lead to a one-of-a-kind space, you won’t find in a store. Below, are five ideas to get you started.
1. Design with Sustainability In Mind
If you're building anything out, here are some tips for saving from the start. If you're moving into an existing room, scroll down for more ideas.
*Disclaimer: Please check with your local building department for permitting requirements.
Value Engineering
Designing your project with raw material specs avoids waste. For example, if you’re working with 4x8 sheets of plywood, then make sure your room is not designed to 4'-3" x 8’-2.5”, which would result in lots of extra materials being purchased. A 3D model can help with this, as well as, give you a head start for presenting your project for permitting.
Integrate recycled Materials
Before starting a project, take inventory to see what you already have an abundance of before purchasing new. Taking this resourceful step breaks the cycle of always buying new, which uses valuable natural resources.
2. Reuse and Recycle Your Resources
Instead of throwing everything away, try making it a habit to look at materials as technical nutrients that can eventually be reused or repurposed into something different. Upcycling is an innovative way to repurpose. Not only are you reusing something old, but you’re also giving it a new function.
What We ReUsed
- OLD KITCHEN CABINETS turned into office upper cabinets.
- EXISTING HOUSE PAINT gave dated cabinets a fresh look.
- OLD KITCHEN PANTRY turned into a workshop bench.
What We UpCycled
- OLD FENCE SLATS became shelving, base boards, wall paneling and the trim for the window and door. The cedar wood slats added warmth and texture.
- OLD CLOSET DOORS became desk tops.
- SKATEBOARDS became shelving. With just a few shelf brackets, a simple skateboard deck made for a colorful shelving and storage solution.
Shelving
Custom Shelving application
Door and Window Trim
Cedar Planks ripped in half
Base Board
Split 6in wide fence slats
Reclaimed Wall Paneling
Added texture and warmth to the room
Skateboards to Shelving
Decks + Shelf Brackets = storage solution
Doors to Desks
Old Closet Doors make great desktops
Old kitchen pantry to bench tops
used to hold food, now holds tools
3. Go Used and Shop Reclaimed
There are a growing number of reclaimed material and used goods stores available. You can find amazing deals in great condition at Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores, GoodWill, as well as, specialty restoration stores. Investing a little time shopping reclaimed will invest back into your wallet; not to mention, possibly turn up high quality and unique items.
What We Purchased Reclaimed:
- WINDOWS – $25/ea
- GLASS DOOR – $40
- LARGE DRY ERASE BOARDS – $2.50/ea
4. Think Nature for Stress Reduction
In National Library of Medicine article, “Healthy Workplaces: The Effects of Nature Contact at Work on Employee Stress and Health” concludes, “creating environments
with natural elements to reduce stress is both intuitive and scientific.” When creating a healthy work environment, think mother nature. Adding plants and choosing a
spot near a window has allowed for cross breezes and nature’s songs to enter in. In return, long hours in front of the computer are now that much more bearable.
Choose a spot with a window
OR ADD ONE
Add plants
SOME Plants naturally purify the air
5. Consider the People in Your Life
We’ve touched on planet and profit, but what about people? When working from home, separating office time from family life can become blurry. Plan ahead by choosing a space with a door, rather than situated in an open family room. With young children at home, carving out a space like we did, with bean bag chairs and activities, will keep them busy and you focused during their visits.
Bean Bags. The Ultimate Movable Chair.
DON't WORRY, WE HAVE A REGULAR CHAIR FOR CLIENTS TOO.
Activities.
Drawing AND BUILDING just like dad. CHOOSE ACTIVITiES THAT CAN BE ACCESSED BUT STORED OUT OF THE WAY.
In conclusion, wether remodeling a work or personal space, thinking sustainably will not only serve our planet, wallets and people long-term, but will also continually offer inspiration from creative use of our resources.
