Most of us keep our home a world apart from ergonomic, functional office furniture, but could this all change as more people take up home in office space?
According to a report in The Independent newspaper, the home-work divide could be getting a little bit blurry. Fancy a filing cabinet for a chest of drawers? Or how about an executive office chair to watch the box from? Renters may not literally be living with office furniture but a trend has emerged in London whereby renters turn to empty office buildings to set up home rather than traditional residential flats.
Are Offices the New Lofts?
It’s been dubbed the ‘new work-life balance’. But no matter how much you love your job, the idea of waking up in an office block complete with garish office lighting, harsh grey carpet and off-white walls, isn’t something many of us would cherish. In fact, it sounds like a living hell. But London has always been an expensive place to rent, and when times are tough, needs must. Demand for rental properties also outstrips supply in the capital, so it’s not surprising more people are willing to brave office furniture in the comfort of their own home. Cost-conscious tenants are snapping up the empty office blocks – many victims of the recent recession – and embracing office-loft-style living.
Room with a View
It may be hard to think of the benefits of home life in the office. Office furniture is geared after all to getting the most out of workers, whereas home furniture should be geared to relaxation. But many high rise offices in the city offer incredible views – views that would cost a fortune if they belonged to a residential block. Moving into offices is now considered a ‘creative solution’ for tenants. Landlords and squatters have already begun the trend of grabbing big empty office buildings and putting them to financial use – just as they did with the lofts and mill buildings that fell into disrepair. Before you know it, old office blocks could become the Next Big Thing, or even – like lofts – become the lifestyle choice of the well off city dweller. After all, space is one of the most valuable commodities in the London property market.
However if you do opt for office living, you may need to consider a change in taxes, fire regulations and legalities – as well as re-wire, install showers and kitchens and invest in the basic facilities found in the home but not in the office – such as dishwashers and washing machines. Tenants who have embrace office living have said it can take plenty of ‘energy and creativity’ making an office into a home to get rid of the institutional feel many office blocks have.
Hunts Office Furniture –For all Your Workspace Requirements
Established in 1990, Hunts Office Furniture has expanded over the last 20 years to become the leading supplier of office furniture. Have a question or need advice? Call us on: 0845 4000 333 or email:sales@huntsoffice.co.uk