Summer Hours: How to design an office that keeps WFH from becoming an SOS

Summer office hours can mean “out of office” for some but more often than not, it means “work from home,” with working parents needing more flexibility when kids are out of school.  Whether you work from home full-time, run your own business, or simply need a dedicated space to pay bills and manage your family's busy schedule, that home office is working overtime come summer, with the increased time at home, both at the desk and away from it. 

A cluttered desk often leads to a cluttered mind. Studies have shown that disorganization can increase stress, reduce focus, and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. It’s also been linked to increased depression and anxiety. The good news? With a few intentional systems in place, your home office can become one of the most productive—and enjoyable—spaces in your home.

At The Tailored Closet, we believe your workspace should work for you. Here are ten simple ways to create a home office that's both beautiful and functional.

1. Start with a Clean Slate

Before purchasing organizers or adding storage, clear everything out.

Sort your office into four categories:

• Keep
• Shred
• Recycle
• Relocate

You'll likely discover duplicate supplies, outdated paperwork, and items that belong elsewhere in your home. Starting fresh allows you to build an organization system that reflects how you work today—not how you worked five years ago.

2. Give Everything a Home

One of our favorite organization principles is simple:

It’s trite but true, if everything has a designated place, it's much easier to keep everything in its place.

Create dedicated storage for:

• Office supplies
• Client files
• Technology
• Charging cords
• Reference materials
• Mail
• Personal items

Custom cabinetry, drawers, and shelving make it easy to maintain order without sacrificing style.

3. Keep Your Desktop Clear

Your desktop should be reserved for what you're actively working on, not long-term storage.

Limit visible items to:

• Your computer
• A notebook
• A pen holder
• A desk lamp
• One or two personal accessories

Everything else should have a home inside drawers or cabinets.  Out of sight doesn’t have t mean out of mind, if it’s easy to find when you need it.

4. Take Advantage of Vertical Space

When square footage is limited, think vertically.

Wall-mounted shelving, upper cabinets, and built-in bookcases maximize storage while keeping frequently used items within easy reach.

Vertical storage also frees up valuable desk space, making even a small home office feel larger and more organized.

5. Manage Paper Before It Manages You

Paper has a way of multiplying.

Create a simple filing system with categories such as:

• Action Required
• To File
• Personal
• Financial
• Tax Documents
• Household Records

Even better, digitize documents whenever possible to reduce paper clutter altogether.

A designated shredder nearby also makes it easier to deal with sensitive documents immediately.

6. Hide the Cords

Nothing makes a beautiful office feel cluttered faster than tangled cords.

Use:

• Cable management boxes
• Cord clips
• Under-desk cable trays
• Built-in charging drawers

Thoughtful cable management creates a cleaner, more polished workspace while making it easier to access your technology.

7. Design Around the Way You Work

Every home office should be customized to the person using it.

Ask yourself:

• Do you meet with clients virtually?
• Do you need space for two monitors?
• Do you work with physical samples?
• Do you frequently print documents?
• Do you share the office with another family member?

The best custom home offices are designed around your daily routines, not a generic layout.

8. Add Closed Storage

Open shelving can be beautiful, but too much visual clutter quickly becomes distracting.

Balance decorative shelving with enclosed cabinetry that hides:

• Printers
• Office supplies
• File boxes
• Electronics
• Extra paper
• Shipping supplies

The result is a workspace that feels calm, polished, and professional.

9. Don't Forget Good Lighting

Lighting plays a major role in both productivity and comfort.

Layer your lighting with:

• Natural daylight whenever possible
• Overhead ambient lighting
• Adjustable task lighting
• Integrated cabinet lighting for built-ins

A well-lit office reduces eye strain while creating an inviting environment you'll actually enjoy working in.

10. Schedule a Weekly Reset

Even the most organized office needs maintenance.

Set aside 10–15 minutes each Friday to:

• File paperwork
• Empty the trash
• Return supplies to their proper places
• Wipe down surfaces
• Prepare for the following week

Your Monday morning will thank you.

A Well-Designed Office Helps You Do Your Best Work

Your home office should inspire focus not frustration.

Whether you're managing a business, working remotely, homeschooling, or organizing your household, an intentionally designed workspace can improve productivity, reduce stress, and help you feel more in control of your day.

At The Tailored Closet, we create custom home office solutions that combine thoughtful design with smart storage. From built-in desks and cabinetry to filing systems, adjustable shelving, integrated lighting, and concealed technology storage, every space is tailored to fit your work style and your home.

Because organization isn't just about where you put things – it’s about creating an environment that helps you do your best work.

Beautifully Organized. Thoughtfully Designed.

Design Driven. Client Obsessed.