08 Nov, 2012
Reno post #48: The new office door, and what it means to me
Once upon a time I was interviewing a couple for a local magazine who designed their own home. I was getting the grand tour and asking lots of questions. The tour eventually came around to their home office. It was situated in a great place, right by the front door as you stepped into the house. This meant that clients didn’t have to trek through the house – though the family’s personal spaces – in order to get down to business.
I was surprised to see that there was no door on the office, it was simply an open doorway to the front hall. We were planning our own renovation at that time and I had to ask… why no door?
I should mention that the couple had just had a baby, who was snoozing peacefully in a bassinet next to the desk. In truth I can’t remember the exact words of their explanation, but it had to do with maintaining a work/life balance that included kids, and closed doors just weren’t part of that.
I get that. When there’s an infant involved it’s important to have them nearby and within earshot, but when the kids get older… well, that’s when it gets more challenging. Bigger kids = louder kids.
We’ve needed a door on our home office for the last five years or so. Mostly because I need quiet when I’m writing and when I’m having a phone/Skype meeting I don’t want there to be sounds of kids/dogs/cartoons in the background. It just doesn’t strike me as very professional.
I used to give the kids ample warning: I’m having a phone meeting right now, so I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR A PEEP. But kids are kids, and they instantly forget your instructions, no matter how sternly they are delivered, because when you’re that age the world revolves around YOU and your immediate needs.
But yes, a door. I had very specific requirements. It had to be shaker-style (so it matched the rest of the cabinetry), with glass panels. I wanted to be able to peek out and see what everyone’s up to. It also means they can peek in and see me working… and technically, not interrupt. The rule is: When the Door is Closed It Means Do Not Disturb.
The added benefit here is that I can close the door on my work when I’m done for the day. I’m trying to be better at separating home and work, and the symbolic act of closing the door when I’m done will help.
(In case you’re interested, the door came from Classic Wood Mouldings – as did all of our trim – and their website is here.)
