A lot of people these days are working from home, and if you’re one of them, then you know how important a home office can be. But where do you put it? If you’re lucky enough to have a kitchen with a separate space, like the breakfast nook or a sunroom, then you’re in luck!
You can turn that unused space into your new home office. Here are some tips on how to create the perfect home office in the kitchen.
20 Essential Tips To Create A Home Office In Your Kitchen
1. Make a plan.
Figure out how much space you have to work with and what you want to do with that space. If you want a home office in the kitchen, then you need to think about how you will use the space.
Do you want a dining table, too? How much desk space will you need? What about storage? A home office in the kitchen can be a great idea for those who don’t have a lot of room in their home.
2. Work on the desk.
Try to find a spot that is not too close to the stove or sink. You also want to make sure there is enough room for your laptop and any other office supplies. If you have a small kitchen, you may want to consider getting a foldable desk so you can store it in a closet when not in use.
The great advantage is, that you can store away the office desk after work and your kitchen again becomes a family room, without reminding you constantly on work.
3. Create a filing system.
If you have a home office in the kitchen, you may find that it can be hard to keep your papers organized. You may need to set up a filing system to keep everything in order.
You can use a file cabinet, which is a good option if you have a large amount of paperwork. You can also use some inexpensive shelving units or even bookshelves to store your files.
4. Clean up after yourself.
A home office in the kitchen might sound like a recipe for disaster, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, if you are disciplined about cleaning up after yourself and avoid eating at your desk, a kitchen office can actually be really beneficial.
It’s also an excellent space for kids to do homework or play games. The best thing about this idea is that you get to enjoy your favorite kitchen activities while working.
5. Keep your desk neat and tidy.
You may not have a dedicated home office, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create one. If you have a desk or table in the kitchen, use it for your home office. You can store your laptop and other items on the desk during the day and move them to another room at night. This is also a good way to keep your kitchen clean and tidy.
The key is to keep your office desk uncluttered and clean. Afterall it’s still your kitchen and after work you want to have enough room for cooking and maybe also entertain guests.
6. Use a folding table
If you have a folding table, you can make your own standing desk. You can also use shelves to store supplies and books.
If you don’t have a folding table, you can use a kitchen island as a makeshift desk. You can also use the area under your kitchen sink for storage.
7. Use bins for your office supplies
If you have a kitchen with a large counter, it can be a great place to set up your office. You can use a rolling cart to hold your computer (or laptop) and supplies. Use bins to store things like paper and pens.
You can also put up shelving for books and binders. If you don’t have a lot of room, try using the top of your fridge or another surface as an office workspace.
8. Use your kitchen cabinets for storage
If you have a kitchen office, you want to make sure that it is not cluttered and that you have ample storage. One way to do this is to use your cabinet space for storage.
You can store things like paper supplies, coffee cups, and other small items in the cabinets. This will help keep your office neat and organized.
9. Use rolling office chair
If you need a home office, but don’t have the space for a separate room, try using your kitchen table. You can buy a rolling office chair and put it in your kitchen.
This will allow you to work at home and still keep the kitchen table for cooking and eating.
10. Make sure you have enough power outlets
If you are going to be using your kitchen as a home office, make sure you have enough power outlets. You’ll need to plug in your laptop, printer, and other electronics.
If you don’t have enough outlets, consider getting an extension cord or power strip with multiple sockets.
If you have a microwave in the kitchen, you may want to get a surge protector with a long cord so that you can plug it in and use the microwave at the same time.
11. Use a wireless printer
Let’s face it, the kitchen is a great place to have a home office. You’ve got all the comforts of home and it’s the one room where you are guaranteed to be near a phone line.
But if you don’t want to be tethered to your kitchen table for hours on end, you need a wireless printer. It will allow you to print from anywhere in your house and get some exercise at the same time.
12. Organize your cables
The most important thing to do is to organize your cables. You’ll want to take a look at where all of the cables are going and figure out a way to make them less messy.
For example, if you have an extension cord running across the floor, you might want to put it into a small box so it’s not just lying on the ground. If you have cables running along the wall, you might want to use cable clips so they’re not just dangling down from the wall.
13. Make sure you have a good wifi connection
If you are a home office worker, you know how important it is to have a good wifi connection. Your wifi router should be in the center of your home, and you should make sure you have a good internet plan.
If your home office is in the kitchen, make sure there is enough space for you to move around and work.
14. Protect your kitchen table
If you’re going to make your kitchen your new home office, protect your table with a tablecloth or placemats. It’s also important to have a designated work zone that is separate from the cooking area. This will help keep your workspace clean and free of spills.
If you have a small kitchen, you can use a corner of the countertop as a work zone. If you have more space, consider using a folding table or desk that can be set up when needed and stored away when not in use..
15 Install good lights
The kitchen is a great place to work, but you need to make sure you have good lighting. Install track lights or lamps that are adjustable so you can move them around as needed.
You also want to install outlets and power strips so you have plenty of places to plug in your electronics. Finally, make sure there is enough space for your desk and chair.
16. Make it minimalistic
The kitchen is the most important room in the house, so it’s only natural to want to work from there. But it can be difficult to find a desk that’s big enough for a laptop and has room for all your papers. A good solution is to go with a small table or desk that can be tucked away when you’re not working.
You may also want to get a rolling cart to hold your laptop and other supplies. The kitchen is often one of the busiest rooms in the house, so make sure you have some way of managing your papers and other clutter.
It’s also important to create a separate space for food preparation, so that you don’t have to worry about getting dirty while you work.
17. Have a designated storage place for your laptop
Your kitchen is a great place for a home office. It’s central, it has an outlet, and you have plenty of counter space. To create a comfortable space for working, it’s important to have a designated storage place for your laptop.
The best option is to get a laptop stand that sits on the counter and has enough room for your laptop and mouse. You can also use the wall or the back of a cabinet as long as it has an outlet.
18. Use office supplies that color match your kitchen
If you have a kitchen that is already equipped with a table, you may want to create an office space in the kitchen. There are many things you can do to make your kitchen more office-like. Add a desk and chair, some shelves for storage, and a bulletin board for notes in the colors of your kitchen.
You can also add some office supplies that match the colors of your kitchen. For example, if your kitchen has red accents, you may want to buy a red stapler or red paper clips
.
19. Don’t let yourself be distracted
A home office in the kitchen is a great way to stay productive, but it’s important to know the pitfalls. For example, you may be tempted to snack more than usual when you’re at your desk. If you have a tendency to overeat, be sure to keep healthy snacks like fruit or nuts on hand.
You also want to make sure you’re not too distracted by your surroundings. Make sure your desk is away from the stove or sink and that there are no TVs or other electronics in sight.
20. Store away everything when your work is done
When you’re done working, store away everything and clean up the space. This will keep your kitchen area clean and tidy. If you have a desk in your kitchen, make sure to store it away when you’re done working.
If you already have a home office in your kitchen and you have some great tips, please share them with us and leave a comment below.
