Guest Blogger: Creating the Perfect Home Office Before Year’s End

Guest Blogger #268, Entry #778, November 23, 2011

Creating a home office space that suits your needs and your aesthetic sensibilities is no easy undertaking.  And unless you have a flair for interior decorating (or you’re willing to pay for the services of a professional), you may end up with an office that is very much “your style” (if you even have a recognizable style) but somewhat less than functional.  Or you could have a space that technically suits your needs, but comes across as sterile (institutional white does not make for a very creative workspace).  So if you’re looking to put together an office that allows for ease of use while providing an environment that is inspiring and mentally stimulating, here are just a few basic tips to help you along.

Helpful tips to perfect your home office

Image via: Office Furniture 2010

Fit furnishings to your space 

Many people come into a home with oversized furnishings handed down from relatives or bought at garage sales (where the price was right even if the piece wasn’t).  But a room that you can’t navigate isn’t exactly going to entice you into entering; in fact, a space that appears overstuffed is more likely to repel you.  On the other hand, a large room that is practically bare could make you equally uncomfortable.  So try to find pieces that fit your space as well as your needs.

Consider storage solutions

One thing that most offices lack is adequate storage, and yet, this is a relatively simple issue to address.  Just because you don’t have built-in closets or cabinetry doesn’t mean you can’t easily add what you need.  And considering that your office may hold such diverse items as office supplies, arts and crafts materials, files, bills, media, and books, it behooves you to have a place for everything.  You should almost certainly get a filing cabinet for important documents, an in/out box for bills, and cabinets or shelving (with bins) to manage the rest.  Remember that there is usable wall space above your head.

Make it personal

Your office is a room in your home, so there’s no reason why you wouldn’t fill it with items that are appealing to you on a personal level, such as family photos or a favorite overstuffed chair (for reading or napping).  You should also choose a paint color that makes you feel energized (or calm, depending on what you’re going for) and any kind of flooring you desire, from rich hardwood to plush pile to a Persian rug that’s been in the family for decades.  Keep it professional if you want, but remember that you’re not bound by the restrictions of a traditional office environment.

Add personal touches to your home office

Allocate space

Many families have to share limited office space, so consider how you might allocate areas for adults and kids in the household so that the surface you use to pay your bills or conduct work from home doesn’t end up under a pile of craft projects the kids are doing for school.

Get the right equipment and services

No home office is complete without a computer or laptop, a combination printer (with scanner, fax, SD card slots, and even fax 2 email capabilities), and a shredder for those documents that contain sensitive personal information.  Of course, once you’ve got the proper equipment, you’ll also need to secure the services that will get you connected.  You’ll certainly want to get internet access and you should definitely build a firewall and install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.  And if you’re running a home-based business you may even want to contract for web hosting services.

For more home office ideas on Stagetecture, click here.