Homeworking is a trend that is likely to continue, even though lockdown restrictions have been eased, with both employees and employers seeing the benefit in terms of productivity, cost savings, environmental impact and individual health and wellbeing.
Cala Homes North Home Counties says it has seen an increase in enquiries from people looking for homes that help facilitate home working, including dedicated home offices, three storey properties with self-contained space on the top floor and modern technology built in.
Glenn Copper, Sales and Marketing Director for the region, comments: “Our experience during lockdown is likely to have a long term impact on the way we live our lives and what we look for in our homes. Working from home is going to become the new normal way of working for many people and businesses, with an increase in demand for home office space and integrated supporting technology.
“We have also seen more enquiries from those considering a move out of London, attracted by the prospect of greater living space, good commuter links and green open space on their doorstep.”
Cala has a wide range of property styles, perfect for those working from home, with many family homes including a dedicated study. Careful thought has also been given to the practical aspect of homeworking, from access to ultra-fast fibre broadband, to plenty of power sockets and telephone and data points included as standard.
For those looking to make the most of their home working space, Cala has created some simple design tips:
1. Create a Neutral Scheme
A light and simple design scheme will help create a feeling of space and tranquillity. Avoid bright colours or eclectic patterns as they can overwhelm the room and be distracting for colleagues and clients on video calls. Soft greys, blues and beiges are all currently on trend and white is always timeless.
2. De-clutter Your Space
Invest in good storage to keep your home office clutter-free. Buy bespoke office storage to keep files and paperwork in order. Boxes and baskets can look great on shelves or choose a desk with built-in cupboards and draws for a sleek look.
3. Install Good Lighting
Try not to position your desk too close to the window. Instead, try and sit more centrally in the room. Install good lighting to ensure the room is bright enough for you to work. An angle-poised lamp throws light exactly where you need it and is stylish too.
4. Make Space at Your Desk
When most people think about buying a desk, they often focus on the width, but depth is actually far more important. A deep desk will mean you can push your computer screen away from you, which is much better for your eyes, and also provides that bit of extra space in front of you for writing or reading.
5. Add Interest with Accessories
Personalise your space and add pops of colour through accessories. A colourful angle-poised lamp is a lovely addition to a desk, alongside a personalised mouse mat and a quirky paper weight or desk tidy. On the walls, add interest through large abstract pieces of art.
Cala North Home Counties currently has developments across Greater London, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
Sites are open by appointment only and there are new social distancing and hygiene procedures in place to give you peace of mind when you visit.
For further information, visit www.cala.co.uk
