Designing a Home Office for Retirement

As you head into retirement and don’t need that home office set up for zoom calls and such anymore, it might be time for a redesign of that space.

Such was the case for this homeowner, who wanted to make space for crafting and storage and didn’t need the two desks anymore in hers.

I find it really interesting to see how people’s needs change as time goes on and how updates can be made for later years so you can get the best use out of your home.

I used to covet a larger laundry room and wanted a mud room so badly to handle all the stuff that kids bring home. I don’t really need lots of space in those areas at all anymore and don’t spend time there much at all, so it has become less important for a future home, for sure.

I have ease of use and comfort as main priorities these days and don’t need to worry so much about organization and having space for lots of people.

Let’s take a look at this home office and see what we can do to help it transition from work to retirement.

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BEFORE - Home Office

BEFORE - Home Office

BEFORE - Home Office

Her requests for this room.

This is a small room, 11 x12. One computer desk will go away and it will be used more for crafting or painting.

More storage and organization is needed, but don’t want it to feel boxed in. Carpet is new.

Recommendations to make this home office ready for retirement

1. First of all, I think you should paint the whole room instead of just the one wall. You have a door at the entry, so that is the place to stop and start your paint. I just think it would be nice to see the color on the wall around the window, etc.

2. Next, I would keep the bigger desk and get rid of the smaller one, since you might do crafts on it and need more lay out space. The placement is good, to be tucked behind the corner there, as opposed to being able to see it from the open door. You can keep a messy desk out of view that way.

That’s nice that it has casters so you can roll it out to the center of the room if you need to work around the table.

3. Then, I'd add storage with an armoire-style, tall cabinet. You can hold a lot in this and then have it all behind closed doors. You could do a partially open bookcase, if you need more open storage. 

Here is an idea. I like the wood front armoire, it warms up the room. 

Armoire storage in a home office to store craft supplies.

4. I'd do a seating grouping in that corner at the window, a lounge chair, small table and floor lamp, then I'd add a valance above the window to give it more height. It just feels less like an office and more homey.

Also, you might find yourself using that chair to have some quiet time by yourself. I like the softness the fabrics provide.

5. You can do a console with storage on the wall you have painted now and keep that artwork above it. This dark finish might be nice there, if you keep that art. This piece is only 14" deep. You can keep some warm toned baskets on the bottom shelves.

I do like the idea of everything being light in the room though, and in that case, I'd change the art and get a lighter finish console.

6. Lastly, I'd add a big tackboard to the wall above your desk. Homosote board can be covered and then mounted to the wall. I have these in my office and love them. They are the best tackboards as I shared all about them and how I used them.

Here’s a sketch on how this room would lay out with the changes.

Home office for retirement sketch - carlaaston.com

Retiring soon or helping your parents Downsize?

I have a lot of info about how to make changes to your home as you age and what kind of furnishings to invest in, below.

This blogpost was thoughtfully written by me, Carla Aston, and not by AI, ghostwriters, or guest posters.