Design a Successful Home Office
The Number One Rule is to Please Yourself
Whether contemporary, transitional, or high elegance, today's home office can be a fully functional work center, designed for convenience and style.
Home offices have evolved beyond just places to pay the bills. By some estimates, there are more than 30 million home-based businesses in the United States alone, with more than half of all small businesses being anchored at home. To design your perfect home office, first select a comfortable work space that suits your needs. If you need only an area to perform routine paperwork, then a small space in the hallway, entrance way, laundry room, or closet can be converted into an office area.
Planning desk areas in the kitchen are ideal for storing recipes, organizing meals, and paying bills. Ideally you’ll want to reserve at least five feet of kitchen space, but even a small area can be converted into a planning desk area with a writing table, computer station, open bookcase above the desk, and some drawers for supply storage.
A part-time or full-time business in your home requires a separate room for your office. Equipment includes a desk, chair, telephone, computer, printer, typewriter, visitor chair, filing cabinets, shelves, and storage. A full-time business may also need a copier and fax machine. Even a tiny room can function as an office; L-shaped or U-shaped desk top arrangements and custom designed built-ins are great space-saving tricks.
When space is limited, but equipment and work materials seem unlimited, use built-ins. One popular way to do this is with built-in laminate cabinetry for small office areas. Because built-ins are built into the wall and take up no floor space, they allow the most flexibility and the most storage space for small areas. Another point to consider: built-in laminates are easy to clean.
Choosing a Color Scheme
The goal in choosing colors is looking for elegance in the office that's tied into the same color scheme of the entire house. The office should reflect your professional attitude, yet retain some of your personal style.
In general, understatement is better than flashiness, and neutral colors such as gray, beige, and taupe have a calming effect while providing an upscale image.
If you like bright colors, try using a neutral color with brightly colored accessories. Table lamps, pencil holders, baskets, and wall hangings with your favorite color will add zest to any office. Another option is using one accent wall painted or papered with bright shades. While adding on the extras, don't forget about home fragrance products to coordinate with the overall image.
Get the Right Light
Three kinds of light should be considered when designing your home office: natural, general, and task. Natural lighting is the sunlight that comes through the window. Windows are important because natural light boosts moral. On the other hand, some people don't want the distraction of a window and therefore convert windowless laundry rooms into home offices.
Your office also must have general lighting from an overhead ceiling fixture. General lighting can be enhanced by decorative indirect lights from wall sconces or planters. In addition to general lighting, table lamps and lights built into your work surfaces (e.g., a light bridge or under counter lighting) will illuminate busy task areas.
If you admire a friend's office, then ask who designed it. If you like a store's furniture, then ask the in-house designer to assist you. Many furniture stores offer in-house design services. Depending on your space, needs, and equipment, stores can provide many different looks ranging from a small desk in the corner to a complete computer station. Combining space, color, and light isn't difficult for an interior designer. They're experts at reflecting your style while staying within your budget. Together, you can combine form and function to create the perfect home office.
For more information about home-based business, read The Entrepreneur's Almanac and Photography Business Startup Guide.
