Working from home carries with it many advantages, but it also has its challenges. One of the most important considerations is your home office, where a good design is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, you want it to be well-stocked with all the things you need for your business, and organized in a way that enhances efficiency. It is also important you create a space in which you feel comfortable since you will be spending quite a bit of time here. It can set the tone for what you will accomplish there each and every day. Here are just a few tips to get you started.
Deciding on a Location
Depending on your house, this may not be as much of an issue, but if you have your pick of spaces, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each before deciding on the best spot. Do this before you buy anything for the space. The basement may seem great because it’s isolated, but how would you feel about working in artificial light, without a hint of sunshine all day, every day? Think about the different rooms in relation to the rest of your house—a spot where the kids will be passing by frequently, making plenty of noise as they do, can make for a difficult environment.
Set a Budget
Without a budget, any project involving the home can quickly get out of hand, spending-wise. If you can fork over your credit card without worrying, lucky you; but if you know you can’t, give this some thought beforehand, rather than trying to figure it out along the way. Home office furniture and equipment can be expensive—between a good desk and a comfy, ergonomic chair, you could be looking at almost a grand right there. Get out a list of the stuff you absolutely need right now, and the items that can wait a bit. Don’t worry about creating the perfect space all in one go. Some of the more aesthetic touches, like the nicer carpeting, may need to be put on hold, and that’s okay.
Carefully Consider the Style
While aesthetic appeal may not be as important in a home office, as in your bedroom or living room, it is a good idea to infuse some sort of style into the space. A purely utilitarian set up completely devoid of personality will create an energy-zapping environment; you want to enjoy the space, and make it somewhere you want to be. If you really have no idea how to go about this, fear not. Magazines and web sites are full of great ideas that can provide just the inspiration you need. Consider what the dominant element of the space will be, and branch out from there. You want to find a good balance between visually pleasing and professional.
Don’t Forget about Storage Space
Many people make the mistake of not accounting for adequate storage when designing their home office, leaving it to quickly become a cluttered, disorganized mess, which typically results in a clutter and disorganized mind. When choosing the best storage, you need to consider what it is you will be storing, the available space you have, your office layout and the overall look you are going for. Certain storage items may or may not gel with your vision. If you really want a sleek, attractive space, that big old metal file cabinet may not be very appealing.
Following these tips will surely get you off on the right foot in designing your office space. Just remember to carefully consider your needs before doing anything.
