The Art of Flex Spaces

Season Four, Episode Eight | Transcript

The Shift to Remote Work

Before 2020, home offices were often an afterthought. But as remote work became the norm, homeowners began to treat them as essential. Bedrooms, dining rooms, and spare corners quickly transformed into offices, classrooms, and studios.

Now, homeowners are intentionally designing dedicated work zones for a career, a hobby, or a flexible family workspace. The pandemic permanently shifted priorities, with many professionals choosing to relocate or rebuild their homes to support this new lifestyle.

Location & Light: Where to Place a Home Office

The best home office starts with the right location. Lydia explains that most clients prefer front-facing rooms with abundant natural light and pleasant views. Large windows not only brighten the space but can also enhance focus, well-being, and creativity.

Designers place offices at the front of the home for accessibility or tuck them away in quieter corners when privacy is key.

Pro tip: plan for sound control, natural lighting, and orientation before framing begins. These decisions shape both comfort and productivity.

Size, Function & Flexibility

Most home offices range from 15 × 15 to 15 × 17 feet, providing ample space for dual desks, storage, and seating.

Many modern homes now include two work zones:

• A private office for focused, professional use.
• A flex room shared by family members for crafts, schoolwork, or part-time work.

Flexible planning keeps the home adaptable as needs evolve from hybrid working, families, and multigenerational living.

Soundproofing & Privacy

Soundproofing is one of the most cost-effective upgrades homeowners can make during new construction. Insulation between walls, sound-rated doors, and solid flooring dramatically reduce noise transfer which can be critical for tasks like Zoom meetings or podcasts.

Builders recommend soundproofing:

• Between offices and shared living areas.
• Around bathrooms and bedrooms for discretion.
• Near basements or sport courts to block ambient noise.

A small investment during construction pays off in daily peace and professionalism.

The Modern Flex Room

Flex rooms are the Swiss Army knife in modern homes. They serve as offices, playrooms, craft spaces, yoga studios, or study zones. Lydia notes that these rooms often feature wide doorways or sliding barn doors, allowing them to open up to the main floor or close off for privacy.

As needs change, a flex room might shift from a school space to a hobby zone or to a guest bedroom. Designing with movable furniture and modular storage ensures long-term versatility.

Technology & Electrical Planning

Smart planning during the electrical walkthrough can make or break a home office. Kim emphasizes mapping out how the space will function before drywall goes up.

Key considerations include:

• Outlet placement for desks, lighting, and tech.
• Data ports and Wi-Fi hubs for reliable connectivity.
• Floor outlets for floating desks or conference tables.
• Lighting controls and backlighting for video calls.

Integrating tech early can help with making sure you have everything you need from power for a printer to uplighting for a Zoom wall.

Design Details & Finishes

Lydia advises clients to start with a neutral, universal canvas of light walls, durable flooring, and adaptable lighting then layering in personality through décor and color.

Design recommendations:

• Choose soothing paint tones that promote focus.
• Add a statement chandelier or pendant light for style.
• Use textiles and wall treatments to soften acoustics.
• Keep finishes timeless so the space can easily transition to another use.

This approach lets homeowners dress-up the space with art, color, and accessories while maintaining flexibility for future needs.

Storage & Organization

Organization plays a major role in productivity. Adjustable shelving, modular closet systems, and concealed cabinetry keep clutter at bay while allowing for future reconfiguration.

Many homeowners convert a bedroom closet into office storage, preserving resale value while maximizing utility. Adjustable systems from closet manufacturers, like St. Louis Closet Company, make it easy to adapt as technology or work needs evolve.

Creative Inspiration: Zoom Walls & LED Panels

Designers are finding new ways to personalize home offices for virtual work. Some homeowners have created Zoom backgrounds as feature walls behind their desks using custom millwork, wallpapers, or photo panels to create visual impact.

Others integrate Lumacore LED panels that shift color and brightness for different moods to turn their office into a high-tech creative environment.

These touches reflect the growing importance of self-expression and visual presence in digital spaces.

Beyond the Office: Creative Spaces & Gaming Rooms

Today’s work-from-home culture extends beyond business. Families are building multi-purpose creative spaces from under-stair nooks and art studios to gaming rooms and sport courts.

• Gaming and theater rooms often combine entertainment with learning or fitness.
• Kids’ study zones and “Google classrooms” provide quiet areas for schoolwork.
• Under-stair hideaways and reading lofts add personality and fun.

These spaces foster productivity and creativity for every member of the family.

The flex room is truly a hub for creativity, connection, and work-life balance. Through smart design, thoughtful technology integration, and personal touches, homeowners can build flexible spaces that grow with them.