With the advent of modern technology, particularly the internet, more and more people are finding themselves capable of working in the comfort of their own homes. What could be more enticing than working your own hours, being there for the kids when they need you, escaping the grueling commute to and from the office (which eats up more of your precious time) and shunning office politics forever? Working in the home has never been more ideal than this!
If you are one of the more blessed people who are working and earning a nice sum from home right now, you may agree with me that designing a home office for efficiency takes more than a casual consideration. And since you are going to spend a lot of time in your home office, wouldn’t it be nice if it will be designed as comfortably and as pleasing as possible?
In designating the appropriate space for your home office, stir those creative juices in you! Don’t settle for the kitchen table. Oh well, for starters, it may do but if you are serious in working from home, you need to have a permanent space where you can concentrate on doing business. Having a designated office space means no more excuses of being tempted to watch your favorite TV show, taking more than the usual breaks to snuggle back to bed or finding household chores to do in the middle of your business hours!
Take a quick look at all the available spaces and settle for one which is free from the normal distractions of home life. It is also important to choose one that is comfortable enough for you. Try the guestroom, the landing between floors, the space between hallways or even a walk-in closet. These can all be converted to a suitable working space. Normally, a 3 x 1 meter space can be sufficient to accommodate the basic office equipment – a desk, a computer chair and a provision for filing essentials.
In setting up your home office, priority considerations should be given to the provision of enough storage, appropriate lighting and the overall interior design of the space.
Creative Storage Options
We all know that unnecessary clutter decreases the efficiency of any area. It also renders the best interior designs ineffective. To avoid this, it is vital to have adequate storage. Office equipment, files and supplies should have their own designated storage spaces.
You can take a step further and create storage solutions that will double as focal design points as well. For example, you might choose an armoire for storing your files and housing media equipment at the same time. Or you might opt to use a roll top desk instead of an ordinary computer table to add a more personal touch.
You can also choose to use select furniture pieces rather than stark office equipment to enhance the interior design of your office space. Stackable wicker and wire file baskets can take the place of impersonal metal filing cabinets. You can also play around and buy decorative utility items, such as wastebaskets, to personalize the overall effect of the office’s interiors.
Use Appropriate Lighting
Choose lighting that will not only provide ample illumination but can be decorative pieces as well. Do not rely on overhead lights. Put in an adjustable table lamp to provide enough lighting and protect your eyes from the glare of your computer screen. This will also save you from the headaches and eyestrain, which results from poorly lit work areas.
Outdoor lighting is also an excellent source of lighting for your workstation. Use translucent window shades in soft colors to let in the light while minimizing glare and provide you a great outdoor view.
Decorating Your Space
Free your creative spirit and celebrate your individuality! After all, this is your own personal space. Strive to create a distinctive look that reflects your personality. Feel free to use warm soothing patterns rather than the prevailing corporate look in most offices, which exude a cold, dreary and impersonal effect.
Here are some other suggestions that you can take into consideration in designing your home office:
o Try painting your walls in the same color as the rest of the house, yet in a slightly darker or lighter hue, to tie the space with the main living areas.
o Create an illusion of additional light by finishing your wall paint with a glazing technique.
o Personalize your home office as much as you want to. You may hang artworks and invite nature in by bringing in large houseplants or trailing vines.
o Invest in an overstuffed chair and ottoman. It makes a comfortable reading area and adds a touch of undeniable charm in your home office. Toss in some pillows and voila! Your home office will take on a warm cozy atmosphere that you can be proud of!