Each Father’s Day, I find myself reflecting on how thankful I am for my family. It’s not just a day for appreciation; it brings back memories and little reminders that keep me grounded. One of those reminders is my home office, a tranquil spot tucked away in the basement.
I genuinely love this space. It’s essential for me, really.
I try to let my wife borrow my office—I’ve told her she can come in anytime—but she hasn’t taken me up on it yet.
To be honest, I struggle quite a bit if I can’t finish my work. I just can’t focus without my office. So, to maintain my sanity, having a dedicated workspace is crucial.
Mobile threats
About six years back, when my family and I were living on a small rented farm, I didn’t have a proper office. I set up my desk in a corner of the living room. With two computer screens up, I felt like I had some semblance of separation from the couch and TV. It wasn’t ideal, but it was something.
Then my eldest son started walking and talking.
Fortunately, we moved soon after. The very first thing I did in the new home was set up an office space.
Notes from underground
The new house, while smaller, had a familiar layout—three bedrooms and one bathroom all on one level. The basement, however, has a room with its own bathroom and a sturdy door that actually closes.
The floor had probably been painted bright red some 25 years ago. By the time we moved in, it was chipped and unattractive. The walls were covered with outdated floral wallpaper, reminiscent of what my mom used to put up when I was a kid. The bathroom matched the theme, complete with the same red and floral motifs. But it had drywall and a drop ceiling, which wasn’t too bad.
As soon as I finished unpacking the last box, I headed downstairs to revamp the “80’s Horror Show.”
Removing the wallpaper took more time than I’d expected. I patched up holes, painted the walls and ceiling bright white, and opted for a dark gray floor. I added a large mirror in the bathroom, got a shower curtain, and stuck two pieces of faux stained glass on a small window. They may be cheesy, but they beat looking at weeds outside the high window.
I put a nice big rug in the main room and a smaller decorative one over the still exposed concrete. We switched out old doorknobs for new ones, installed dimmers on light switches, and organized all our work essentials—desks, tables, bookshelves, lamps, microphones, and cameras.
1 hole
That was six years ago, and I’ve spent quite a bit of time enjoying my little basement sanctuary since then. Each year, we make it a bit better. I’m working on hanging more pictures, tidying up the organization, and buying additional lamps.
My latest addition is some warm, ambient lamps I’ve found, and they really do provide a cozy glow. Surprisingly, even nestled in a chilly basement corner, it feels bright and inviting.
I still encourage my wife to use the office, but she hasn’t really taken me up on it. I guess she’s not a fan of basements. The rest of the space can be pretty chaotic. The kids often play there, tripping over toys on their way to their cozy nook filled with soft lights and gentle music.
Quiet place
In our small house with three children, we navigate a rather imaginative homeschooling environment instead of relying on screens. It’s wonderfully chaotic, as you might imagine. I can hear screaming outside my bathroom window, and running on the living room floor can be distinctly heard from my desk below.
As parents, our patience ebbs and flows throughout the day. Things frequently get lost, and there’s a constant stream of questions, leaving little room for personal space.
This might explain why fathers take so long in the bathroom, and maybe why mothers extend their grocery store visits. It’s really just about finding a sliver of peace.
That’s the reason we need offices. Mine, while not vast, has transformed since 2020 and is more than sufficient—a small refuge of peace and quiet.
