Decorating Ideas For Home Office
The home office has become a common occurrence. People either work part time at their home or they have a home-based business that is completely run out of their home. Decorating choices are not restricted in the home office as they are outside the home. If clients will be coming to the home office, make sure there is an area where they will be comfortable and have an area where they will be able to receive presentations. Those who will never have anyone come to the home office can opt for a smaller, more relaxed area. No matter what type of space the home office takes, it should reflect the personality and interests of the person using it.
Location
Many home offices are relegated to an extra bedroom or the basement. Some are right in the living area, kitchen, dining room or a corner of the living room. The size of the office depends on what is being done there and the needs of the person using the space. Those that might have clients coming in would not do well in a corner of the living room, while someone that is a freelance writer or data entry would do well there. Several things must be considered when deciding on a location for a home office. Consider how many people will be using the office and make sure there is enough room. Consider how much equipment will have to be in the home office in order to do a proper job and make sure there is enough room. Make certain the location is comfortable. There must be adequate lighting, storage, and temperature control to allow for comfort during working hours. Keep the office in a quiet area, especially if there are children in the home. This ensures focus will be on work during work hours. It is nice to have the ability to close off the office so work does not interfere with family time. Offices that exist in the living area can be a hindrance to both work and family. Office work must be hidden from view when not working, especially when there are kids in the house. They might need a piece of paper to take a note and pretty soon important papers will be lost and there will be no pens or pencils in the office to use.
Layout
The perfect layout for a home office is one where the worker can reach all needed equipment without having to move around too much. Measure the room and position available furnishings and equipment on paper before moving it into the room. Make sure computers and printers are in the same area and copiers or fax machines are close to the needed outlets. If the office is in a guest room make sure there is enough space for the office and a bed. Also ensure the office is easily packed away when guests are in-house. Placing an office in an existing kitchen can be a challenge because the office must be far enough away from the sink, refrigerator and stove so as not to be an obstacle.
Lighting
Adequate lighting is important in a home office and the use of natural light from windows and sky lights will make working much more comfortable. Rooms facing south or west will bring in maximum light, but also will bring in heat in the summer. Use the right type of window treatments to keep things cool in the room if in use in the afternoon. Use under cabinet lighting in dark areas and full-spectrum lighting in basement offices that do not have windows. A freelance artist will need more natural lighting than someone who works on a computer all day. Match the amount of lighting to the job being done.
Furniture
A desk is an important item in a home office must fit the needs of the worker. Those that work on computers most of the time will need a desk the proper height with a drop drawer for the keyboard. Those that do more handwriting will need a desk a little higher. Some home office furnishings can be found at rummage or garage sales, but do not skimp on a desk. It is where most of the work will be done and needs to be comfortable. Do not skimp on a chair either because a chair can make or break a home office. Use a chair that is comfortable and provides enough support. Office chairs come in a variety of colors and styles and many have lumbar support for those with back problems. Clean up any garage sale finds and paint them so they look brand new before placing them in the home office. Use acrylic desks in small office spaces to make the space look larger. If the home office is in a corner of the kitchen, coordinate it with the décor by using the same kitchen sink countertop material for the top of the desk area. Use the dining room table as a desk, if the office is in the dining area, but make sure to have an appropriately sized computer desk for work on the computer. Corner desks that take a minimal amount of space and fit into the corner of a room are widely available. Many pieces of office furniture come on casters, which enables them to be moved around easily. This makes it much easier to organize an office by trial and error without needing help to move the furniture.
Storage
Storage is very important in a home office. Keep everything pertaining to work in that office instead of spreading it all over the house. Things will less likely be lost and everything will be in the same place. Desk drawers and zfiling cabinets are great for storing papers and other office items, but often times there just isn’t enough room for them in the office. Use an existing closet, if possible, or make your own storage by placing shelving on the walls and using fabric, plastic or basket storage cubes. This keeps everything nice and neat and papers and supplies should fit right in the cubes. Place supplies in cardboard banker’s boxes and hide them from view using a pretty folding screen. For those that have a deep desk, purchase a hutch with many cubbyholes in which to put papers and supplies. Keep storage neat and organized for the best results.
Decorations
Put some art up on the wall that matches interests, but is still professional. Keep the kids drawings on the refrigerator door and opt for floral patterns, landscapes or still life paintings. Use some houseplants to liven up the office and supply some oxygen to the atmosphere. Make your space personal by placing a few knick-knacks on shelves or on the desk, but keep things organized so the office does not look cluttered.
A home office is where one goes to work so it needs to be functional. Since it is in the home it can be more personal and comfortable than a corporate office. Viesso is here to offer you a full range of options and designs to make your home office a place for work, but more importantly, a place of your own.