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Create Your Perfect Home Office

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If you work from home, you know how wonderful it can be. No sitting in traffic while commuting, no fussy office wardrobe and no interruptions from colleagues on the way to the breakroom. Yet sometimes you may find it difficult to stay focused and productive at home. The key is having a good workspace. The dining room table is fine for kids doing homework, but as a professional you need something better.

Location

As with any real estate decision, the most important aspect is location. You may be able to get by with commandeering a portion of your master suite. Some floor plans include a nook or seating area that is set apart from the restful, intimate bedroom space. Ideally, however, your office will be a room of its own. Convert an attic or basement if necessary. This separation is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Décor

Create a business-like tone that will put you in an industrious frame of mind. Furnish the room with a desk, chair and bookshelf, ergonomically arranged for your comfort and efficiency. Add artwork that is unique and personal but still professional. Rather than family pictures, display personal prints customized to fit your space perfectly. Warm up the office with cheerful but soothing paint colors and a high-quality area rug. If clients will see the office, you will need guest chairs and a small side table. Complete your accessorizing efforts with thriving houseplants.

Lighting

Good lighting is indispensable to a good work space. Natural light is best, but artificial will do as long as you have the proper levels. Dimly lit spaces lead to eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Harsh fluorescent lighting can cause migraines. Proper lighting can improve your mood during the workday. Install full-spectrum daylight bulbs in overhead fixtures for proper ambient lighting. Once your furniture is in place, augment with task lighting as needed, being sure to avoid glare on your computer screen. With the right lighting, you can design a bright and cheery office that will make you smile each morning.

Key Elements to a Comfortable and Functional Home Office

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A home office is a dream come true for many people. To have a space that is set apart from the rest of the house is wonderful. You have the advantage of being near your family and you eliminate long commutes while still being able to work. If you have finally been able to create an office for yourself within your own home, use the following tips to make it as functional and comfortable as possible.

The Best Furniture

When it comes to selecting furniture for your home office, you want to keep in mind exactly how you plan to use this space. Choose a desk that is either L-shaped or long enough to accommodate your electronics while leaving room for writing. If you will have clients over, be sure to have plenty of seating. You can find new and used office furniture reasonably priced by searching online.

Adequate Storage

Today’s technology has greatly reduced the amount of paperwork found in the office, but you will still need a file system for the papers you do receive. Look for file cabinets that can be worked into a wall of bookshelves for optimum storage. Bins can be filled and placed on the shelves along with books and other important items.

The Comforts of Home

You can’t ignore the fact that your office is a part of your home. You will want it to flow with the decor in the rest of the house. Use window coverings that match your other drapes and curtains. Choose colors that match the palette used throughout the house, and be sure to include home decor pieces and family photos.

Once you have found furniture and storage that functions properly for your own individual needs, you will find your home office to be a great space to work in. You and any clients that visit will be comfortable, and everything you need will be at your fingertips, all within a welcoming and homey room.