How to Create an Outdoor Home Office

Who has a new coworker at home? My husband ended his lease and we are now officially in our own version of We Works. Except one of us is struggling with sharing her house. All of a sudden I am very aware of his presence when I am making a video, talking to a client about sold comps in their neighborhood, or walking around the house taking “stock” photos for the blog. Is it just me? So when we found a small patio size table it gave me a reason to create an outdoor home office.

I shared our small patio earlier this season, but I had bigger plans for a cozy outdoor home office.

And, that patio table I mentioned. I dragged my husband to his once a year trek to HomeGoods to search for patio options. It was close to our anniversary so when we saw the patio set I told him he just found my (our) anniversary gift. #wink

It was bamboo with navy accents and was the perfect size for a tablet and a cup of coffee.

HOW TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR HOME OFFICE

Add a Rug

An outdoor rug on a small patio defines the “walls” of a home office. And, makes it cozy. During a recent visit, my sister helped me find this rug at Walmart.

Elliott claimed it as his too! I wish this one was in a larger size.

Rearrange Furniture

I rearranged our patio furniture to create a little cozy corner. We have two large cement pots (one is rectangular) on the edge of the walkway that leads to the front yard. So, I strategically placed those cement containers on the edge to keep kids and dogs from barging “through” the outside patio office.

Electrical

The patio has an electrical outlet which comes in handy when my phone battery goes from 79% to 8% in one phone call! This is optional and I don’t think my husband has ever used his power cord outside.

I just like to have a Plan B.

Shade

The outdoor home office is private and shady until mid-day. The shade is a must for the electronics and Elliott.

Fountains

Okay, fountains are a splurge, but there are price points and options on Amazon. This was a cute one. Or this bamboo tabletop size fountain would match our table. I love the soothing sound of a fountain, but others may not be able to concentrate. Or, might find themselves needing a nap.

The patio is steps away from Elliott’s unofficial water cooler otherwise known as our fountain. I love the sound of a water feature.

We found ours at an Ace Hardware at the end of the summer season.

With both of us working from home I love the sound of the water fountain and my friend next door tells me she does too!