Create a space that helps you concentrate and separates your office work from cleaning and laundry duties.
For many, the ability to work from home saves on transportation costs and opens up more time to spend with family. Yet, to be productive, those who work at home need a dedicated space in which to concentrate and shut off themselves from the rest of the house. Whether you have a small alcove or a spare bedroom, a home office needs to be a professional and inspiring space that blends in with the rest of your home's decor. Does this Spark an idea?
Choosing a Designated Space
Before you decide on colors and furniture, select a dedicated area for your home office. This should be an area separate from living spaces, or one that can be temporarily closed off while you are working. If you do not have a spare bedroom, garage, coach house, attic or basement, consider an alcove or closet to house your home office. If a separate space is not available, create a work area in another room. The size of the space dictates what and how much furniture the space can accommodate.
Considering Functions
Once the space has been chosen, consider how you will work and tasks you will be performing. Figure out how much storage you need and how much equipment your work requires. If you will be meeting with clients, you need meeting space and side chairs. A large spare room is easy to furnish with multiple pieces to accommodate your work style. However, with a small closet or dining room that will serve as office space, you need to be creative in planning your home office.
Creating Atmoshphere
To aid concentration in a home office, create an atmosphere that fosters creativity; the home office should be an area that you want to enter everyday. The color of the room goes a long way in helping your productivity level. For a high-energy room, use bright warm colors like orange or red. For additional high-energy impact, contrast these bright colors with white or black. If your work is highly stressful, use cool colors like blue or green to calm you. A warm, neutral office in browns and creams can be relaxing and exciting. Add accent colors in warm or cool shades for mood enhancement.
If there is a window, place your work area where you will face the natural light. The artificial light in the room should be adequate for close-up tasks.
Finding Furniture Solutions
If your office space is also the dining room, look for a table that can change the room from an office meeting place to an area for evening cocktails. Use a buffet table for storing files, office supplies and equipment. An alcove or closet is maximized by installing a hanging shelf system that includes a standard desk-size shelf. If space is not an issue, then the options in home desk furniture are endless. With furniture styles ranging from old-school roll-top desks to modular furniture that can be custom configured, you can easily create a functional, stylish home office.
Adding Personality & Style
Treat your home office as part of the home. Choose colors and furniture so the room looks like other rooms in your home. Include family photos and a favorite doll or baseball to bring your personality into your work area. Place flowers and plants in the room to bring in nature and help with oxygen turnover.
Tags: your home, your work, home office, home office, your home office
