Home Office Design Tips

Keep your office space clean and professional

By Shelly McRae

Photo by iStockphoto.com

The home office may reside anywhere at all -- from the corner of the kitchen to the addition at the back of the house. Whether your office is a small slice of your home designed to manage the day-to-day of running a household or your work-at-home space for your business, you need a design that is conducive to productivity.

• What You Need to Know
• Your home office design should include the right equipment, sufficient storage, good lighting and comfortable furnishings.

Step 1:

Make a list of the necessary equipment for your office. A comprehensive list might include a desktop computer with printer and scanner, a telephone, a fax machine and copy machine.

Step 2:

Make a list of the items you need to transact business on a daily basis. This list might include files, reference books and tools of your trade.

Step 3:

Determine the layout of the office equipment. You want to avoid cables and wires snaking across the room. Set up the equipment so you can take advantage of your outlets and use power strips to avoid overloads. Bundle the cables with cable straps.

Step 4:

Consider storage options. For storing office supplies, you can use a closet space housing tall file cabinets or a pantry-style cabinet placed along the wall. Another option is to install wall cabinetry. Tall bookcases can hold reference books you refer to often.

Step 5:

Turn your desk at an angle to face the door. You can then add a bookcase, an additional work surface or a table for your printer in the space behind your desk.

Step 6:

Install overhead lighting for even illumination throughout the room. Add table and floor lamps for task lighting.

Step 7:

Buy the best office chair you can afford. Choose a chair that is comfortable enough for you to sit in for several hours at a time.

Step 8:

Paint the walls a rich color that will stimulate your senses without making you feel jittery. Greens and blues in mid-range tones are conducive to concentration, while reds and violet tones inspire more active work.

Step 9:

Add aesthetically pleasing elements that will inspire you to work and make the space visually interesting. These may include personal items such as favorite paintings or photographs, toys such as stress relief balls and an upholstered chair for taking a break.

Step 10:

Add window treatments that complement the type of furnishings you have. For example, if you have an antique wood desk and wood cabinetry, choose natural bamboo shades for your windows. For less traditional furnishings, consider faux wood blinds in a neutral shade.

• Tips & Warnings
• Consider a desk that includes shelving for your books to maximize your floor space.
• Don't overindulge in personal items. You want your office space to remain professional looking.
• Remember to make your office large enough that it would be comfortable for two additional people to sit in and talk business with you.