If you decide to run your business from a home office, or just to arrange a corner of your living space for storing and paying your bills, you’ll certainly need more than a second-hand desk and an extra dining chair. An office has to radiate comfort of the rest of your home, in order to become a place you’ll want to spend your extra time.
Find a perfect spot
When choosing a location for a home-based office space, consider whether you enjoy doing business in the buzz of surrounding activity or in a quiet room. Can you handle the distractions? One way or another, you are certainly going to spend much time there so a small desk in a bad lit attic space is definitely not an option. Even, more importantly, if you expect to have business partners or clients stopping by, the receiving space has to be pleasant and comfortable. Your desk should be positioned to give you an inspiring view when resting your eyes from the computer screen. A window with a view of greenery would be ideal. Another good option is an inspiring picture or painting on the wall opposite the desk. On the other hand the light from the window shouldn’t mix with the monitor glare. Plenty of light is always welcome. A dark office is neither comfortable nor pleasant to work in. Remember, this is a place of productivity and creativity, not a gaming den.
Invest in quality items
Before investing in furniture, you’ll want to consider two things. One, how much do you really need, in order to have everything you need at the hand’s reach but still keep it simple and flowing. Two, try to reflect the décor of the rest of your home on your working space. Stylish wooden furniture and a loveseat would be ideal for a traditional home, and a modern office will benefit from modernistic metal furniture. The centerpiece of a cozy home office and more than worthy investment is a nice ergonomically-correct, comfortable chair. Always keep in mind that this is not a public building cubicle, but your personal space, designed and created from a scratch. Give more personality to those bookshelves, order trendy notepads and hunt for a chic pencil holder and a waste basket that is both utilitarian and decorative.
Make the technology work for you
Technology is an unavoidable part of every office space. In order to avoid the cord jungle on the floor, plan the arrangement so that your equipment is close to outlets or make the best of decorative cord tubing or covers. Although there’s little you can do to the computer unit, printer and phone, maybe instead of the desktop computer your office would merit from one of elegant Toshiba laptops. A desktop grommet that leads the cords underneath is a nice touch.
The bottom line is that your home office should represent who you really are and what you value most. It should motivate you to create and give your best and get the work done. Not only will it make you feel better but also be the permanent source of inspiration and space for improvement.