As residential specialists, our team is the first to see and implement trends in new home construction and remodeling. So, with nearly a year of COVID precautions behind us and new lifestyles here to stay, we want to share some popular changes we’ve noticed.
One of the most in-demand trends are requests for a home office. Not just any home office, but a “pocket office”. These are small, discrete areas in the home that only take up as much space as needed. Whether that means managing home activities or becoming a work from home base, pocket offices provide a quiet location away from the household commotion, without taking up too much space.
Don’t just take our word for it. According to the National Association of Home Builders, pocket offices are one of the biggest trends in new residential design.
Why are Pocket Offices So Popular?
There’s been an enormous rise in the number of people who work from home in the last year, with all signs suggesting these are permanent changes. For that reason alone, homeowners everywhere are planning on being home for the foreseeable future. That said, pocket offices were on the rise long before COVID took the world by storm.
One of the reasons that pocket offices are expected to continue trending after COVID, is due to the increasing popularity and shrinking size of personal technology. Now, a large home office no longer makes sense or is needed for many households.
Another reason for the increase in popularity is that many homeowners want to maximize the square footage in their homes. An extra bedroom that might have been used as an office in the past now may be used as a flex room – creating space for a home gym, craft room or guest room.
Finally, there is a rising trend in multigenerational living. Bedrooms that in years past would have been converted in to home offices are increasingly becoming used as living quarters for extended family.
Functionality
Pocket offices are generally about a quarter or half the size of a formal home office. They’re often situated in high traffic areas such as the dining room, great room or even under the stairs where space can be better used.
Execution
Despite their small stature, pocket offices are best created during the initial build of the home. That way, built-in cabinetry, outlets, light fixtures and cabling can be seamlessly worked into the space. That said, it is easy to add as part of a remodel.
A built in desk that has a spot for a printer and drawers for office supplies is an efficient use of the small area. The pocket office should also include outlets that are built into the inside of the cabinets to hide Internet and phone wires. Finally, recessed lights are typical to save desktop space and provide directed lighting on multi-purpose rooms.
Whether it’s paying the bills or working from home, a pocket desk is the perfect space for the household CEO. If you’re looking for a draftsperson to help build your dream home in Rocky Mount or surrounding areas, contact Wagner Design Services today!
