Guest Blogger: How to Update your Old Office to a Modern One

Guest Blogger #308,  Entry #853, December 21, 2011

When it comes to designing (or updating) your home office, you may be looking for a way to take your space into the 21^st century.  And your first thought is probably to do this will technology.  But the truth is, there’s a lot more to making your office space modern than simply purchasing a new laptop; you need to ditch the oversized desk and filing cabinets that your parent gave you and get furnishings that are both functional and fitting for your newer home.  So here are just a few helpful hints to get you on track for an office that will provide you with the workable space you desire, and wow any friends or clients you happen to bring in.

Tips for achieving a modern home office

Image via: Designers.Elle Decor

Suitable desk with storage

That old rolltop may hold sentimental value, but unless you’re working on a typewriter it probably isn’t suitable for your office needs.  While you could probably fit a laptop in there, you’re computer setup will certainly be problematic (at the very least you’ll have unsightly cables hanging off the front of the desk).  So think about getting a modern desk that comes with plenty of modular storage solutions (dividers in drawers for your office supplies, for example) as well as the versatility to expand down the line.

Ergonomic chair

Forget about the uncomfortable wooden chairs and dangerous rolling contraptions of yesteryear.  If you splurge on only one item in your home office, blow your dough on an ergonomic chair that will align your spine and help you stave off the aches and pains that come with old-school office chairs.  While you’re at it, you might also thinking about getting yourself an ergonomic keyboard.  Using these two items in concert will ensure proper posture and protect your spine.

Celebrity chef -Giada De Laurentiis home office

Image via: Architectural Digest

Shelving and bins

Don’t want to clutter up your space with a slew of mismatched filing cabinets (that are only good for housing files)?  It’s time to get modern with some storage that better suits your needs.  So consider putting in some shelving units, then stock them with bins that can hold file folders, bills, books, magazines, and anything else you might need to store.  If you go with bright white shelves and colored bins you can create a look that is functional, modern, and suits your personal aesthetic.

Equipment

You are probably well aware of the basic equipment needed for a modern home office, such as a computer or laptop and a printer.  But there are a few other pieces of equipment that could be viewed as essential.  If you’re worried about identity theft, for example, you should definitely have a shredder to dispose of sensitive documents.  Or forego documents altogether (in favor of a virtual filing system) with an external hard drive for backup.  You may also want a webcam (especially if you telecommute), a flat panel monitor that you can hang on the wall (for extra desk space), and of course, a smart phone that you can connect to your computer if you need access on the go.

Update your old office to a beautiful modern one!

Image via: Decor Pad

Services

Hardware is a good place to start, but you’re going to need some services to make your equipment useful.  You can start with a great wireless internet package, then compare web hosting plans (if you want your own blog or you run a home-based business).  And whether you need your office for communications, file storage, your business, or all of the above, there are dozens of software solutions that can get you connected and ensure that all of your needs are met when it comes to the many functions of your modern home office.

Evan Fischer writes for Aplus.net where you can get a domain name, graphic design, and web hosting all in one spot.

For more home office ideas on Stagetecture, click here.