Hey, what's up everybody! It’s TJ with Sanctified Homes and Construction, and today we’re going to dive into five essential features you should consider when creating the perfect home office for your new build or remodel. With remote work and flexible schedules becoming the norm, it’s more important than ever to design a workspace that is both functional and comfortable. Let’s break down the features that will help make your home office not just practical, but also a place where you can be productive and organized.

1. Add a Closet for Extra Storage

A lot of people overlook adding a closet in their home office. But trust me, it’s a game changer. Whether you're storing paper, files, tech gear, or just keeping the room tidy, a closet provides that hidden space for all the things that clutter up your desk. Not only is it great for storage, but it can also increase your home’s resale value. Extra storage in a home office is a feature you’ll thank yourself for adding down the road.

2. Install a Catch-All Tray for Organization

If you're like me and often misplace your keys, wallet, or phone, then a catch-all tray is a must-have. Having a designated spot for everyday essentials as soon as you enter your office can save you a ton of time and frustration. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—a simple tray on your desk or a shelf will do the trick. It’s the little details that can make your workspace feel organized and efficient.

3. Invest in a Smart Mug or Drink Warmer

We all know the pain of sipping a cold cup of coffee or tea after getting lost in work. That’s why a smart mug or drink warmer is an office essential, especially as we head into cooler weather. There are a variety of options out there—some that come with smart pads and even mugs that maintain your drink’s ideal temperature for hours. If your office is in the basement or a chilly area of the house, this will make a huge difference in keeping you warm and focused.

4. Power Strip Tower for Easy Access

How many times have you crawled under your desk to plug something in? A power strip tower changes the game. Instead of dealing with a long, bulky strip on the floor, this compact vertical tower sits right on your desk. It typically comes with multiple outlets and USB ports, giving you easy access to power all your devices—laptops, phones, cameras, and more. You can charge everything without having to move around or mess with cords under the desk. It’s a small upgrade, but it can significantly improve the functionality of your office.

5. Use a Faraday Bag to Stay Focused

In today’s world, distractions are endless—especially from our phones. One of my favorite tools for staying focused is a Faraday bag. It completely blocks all signals to your phone, making it go "dark." When you toss your phone into this bag, no calls, texts, or notifications will come through, allowing you to hyper-focus on the task at hand. Sure, you could turn off your phone, but this serves as a great reminder to block out distractions. It’s perfect for those moments when you need to get into deep work mode without any interruptions.

Conclusion

Designing the perfect home office isn’t just about choosing the right chair or desk; it’s about creating a functional space that fits your workflow and keeps you organized. By adding a closet for extra storage, a catch-all tray for organization, a smart mug or drink warmer for comfort, a power strip tower for easy access, and a Faraday bag for focus, you can make your office space much more efficient and productive.

If you have any questions about these ideas or want to know more about optimizing your home office for productivity, feel free to reach out! We’re always happy to help you design the perfect space. In the meantime, don’t forget to raise your standard. We’ll talk to you guys soon!