Pretty and practical ideas for designing a home office
Big or small a well-designed space can do it all. Whether you are commander-in-chief at home, running a home based business or just need a spot to collect the mail and pay bills, a home office may be just what you need. With some basic considerations, you can have an inviting place which will reflect your personality while still giving you a true working space. Here are my tips to create a warm practical work space.
Location:
Where do you want to work?
Mom’s command center
Photo: Peter Rymwid
If your office must be the home’s command central, you will be overseeing the action. School schedules, volunteer meetings, and household tasks can be run from a cozy corner. If you will be meeting with clients or need quiet, you might want to consider a more private location. Just organizing expenses, a smaller spot may be just right. Its very important to consider how you will be using the space to determine the location in the home.
Form Follows Function:
Furniture
Don’t sell yourself short. A desk sized for the task and a comfortable chair are the first items you will need. If you don’t have a work surface, things tend to pile up. If you will be sitting for most of the time, invest in an ergonomic chair. Your back will thank you. Maybe a stand up desk is right for you. Making a lot of phone calls? Perhaps a comfy chair to kick back for those long conversations.
Storage:
Cabinets and Files
Well designed file cabinets Photo: Peter Rymwid
Make sure you have an additional place to keep some of your things other than the desk. Even in a paperless office, there are still documents you will need to keep safe. Shelves are handy for easy access. Not so neat? Maybe add some closed cabinets as well. File cabinets don’t have to be unattractive.Get creative with materials and colors.
Technology:
Staying Connected
A wireless hub with a fast connection will allow you to work on your laptop or tablet from the desk or that comfy chair. Will you need a printer? If there is a closet in the room, you can add outlets and make that your printer/supply area. You may have enough space to add a small under counter refrigerator, coffee maker and some healthy snacks. Don’t forget a charging station and communication system. How about a virtual assistant like Alexa or Echo.
Lighting:
Task and Ambient Lighting
Even if you have great natural light, don’t forget lighting. A good desk lamp (task lighting) will be appreciated especially at night. Overhead lighting (ambient lighting) should fill the space with light. Make sure you have adequate lighting to prevent eye strain and illuminate the tasks at hand. 
Climate Control:
Heating and Cooling
It is hard to work when you are too hot or too cold. Make sure you are comfortable so you will want to spend time in the space and be productive.
Some final thoughts:
- Keep your space organized no matter the size. A desktop file is perfect for active projects.
- Decorate it so you will want to spend time there. Use colors you like to be around.
- Keep the office in the office area. Try to not let office items wander.
- Add some plants for natural decoration and stress reduction.
- Need to video conference? Have an area that is organized as a back drop for the meeting.
- Create a chalk board or wipe board with paint. Keep those great ideas and goals where you can see them.
Do you have some “can’t live without” ideas for a home office? Let us know, we would love to hear from you.
