subject: Designing A Home Office [print this page] Because of the way the economy is today, many people are starting their own home based businesses and are reaping the benefits of lower overhead. However, the space must also be usable as a work environment, and the design should provide creative inspiration. Home Offices are usually converted garages or basements. The best way to approach this problem is to decide what elements need to be brought together to achieve this effect.
You may think you are well organized, however, if you do not organize your space first you won't be as effective in doing the things you need to do. You will end up wasting needless time looking for things that should be at your finger tips.
Designing your space with some basic design principles in your back pocket e will be most effective. Do not clutter your space with needless stuff. Try to simplify. Put those items that are not key to performing the tasks at hand someplace else. Instead, keep things around you that are motivational and geared to your goals.
Expanding your storage space can start with putting up a shelf at around thirty six inches and higher. Books, art, and papers can be organized an creatively displayed for maximum utility with minimal clutter. Good storage is the key to any successful workplace. Planning how you do this is important, because without clutter you will be more productive.
The choice of color in your workspace can heighten your mood and creativity. If possible, try to choose a color that you find relaxing and contemplative. A poster or other art can heighten your mood, and can serve to positively influence any client visitors.
If you are using a part of your living space as your office and you do not have a room with a door you can close, try to create a feeling of separation with a folding screen or sheer curtain. That helps to delineate your area and hopefully will give those around you the clue that you are working and should not be disturbed.
You may have a lot of paperwork, but you don't want have your space filled completely with filing cabinets. One solution is to convert a short filing cabinet into a table by covering it with a round or square table top and a nice tablecloth. When you need a file just lift up its skirt.
A self contained wall unit is highly recommended in any office. It serves to store papers and books, while showcasing art. You can also have brochures and a business card holder with your cards on them.
Everything should be self contained in your wall unit. It should have doors that you can lock up at the close of business every day.
In the end, a well organized workspace is a productive workspace, free of stress and high in productivity!
