Today, it’s the unusual home that does not have some sort of home office. It may be a corner in the kitchen or den or an entire room but everyone is getting into designating space to create a home office or management center.
So, by keeping these Home Office Design Tips in mind, not only will you have a highly productive space but one that will be functional, organized and just a down right terrific place to work.
Let’s start these home office design tips by focusing on the most important tool; the Desk. The most common placement is to smash it up against a wall, so you end up facing a dead end while working.
If you have the space try to pull it away from the wall about 4 feet, and position it so your back is toward the wall. This desk position will feel less confining and will be more conducive to greater production.
A larger desk will also help to alleviate those feelings of being cramped. Small desks create instant clutter and allow no room for you to really spread out and work through whatever projects need your attention. A desk that is 3 to 4 feet deep and 5 to 6 feet wide is a great size.
Don’t skimp on the desk chair. As much time as you spend in it, you deserve a ergonomic chair that supports your bum comfortably. That dining room discard, just won’t do!
Next is the Lighting. Overhead ceiling fixtures will make your eyes work harder. Bring in task lighting. This is a lamp that provides a highly focused beam of light in the spot you will be working the most in. Place a lamp on top of the desk or if space is tight, find a floor lamp that is designed to force light onto one area. In addition, a nice ambient light, to provide an overall glow throughout the rest of the room will lessen the extremes between light and dark.
Properly placed light will prevent eye strain and minimize headaches.
Now it’s time to get rid of that bulging coffee mug with pens that work and others that have long ago given up the ink ghost. Graduate to higher quality pens and pencils. If you pay a bit more for them, you’ll feel more professional and treat them accordingly.
Limit the items on the desk to the basics: pad and your new pen and pencil set, coffee coaster, computer and phone (if you still use a land line).
Start with a clean desk each morning by disciplining yourself to clean it up at the end of the day. A clean desk is like a sink without day old dishes piled up. Much more inviting.
The biggest battle you will have is to keep that desk clear of clutter. Heaving and leaving is a common ailment so provide ample storage away from the desk in a file cabinet or closet to control horizontal pile ups.
For wall color, choose cools: blue,green,violet for work that requires contemplation and deep thought. If inspiration is the order of the business, choose warm colors:red, yellow, orange.
Finally, add a nice comfort plush arm chair. This will allow for power naps and give you space to step away from your work, without leaving the room. Keep a current selection of magazines near that wonderful lounge chair to take mini breaks throughout the day.
By designing comfort, color and space into your home office you will look forward to going to work every day of the week.