1. Space Plan - Space planning is perhaps the single most important element in any room. When planning a home office, ensure that you create a space plan before purchasing a single piece of furniture. Start by placing your desk and follow with other larger pieces of furniture such as credenzas, filing cabinets and storage units. Your desk should always be placed in a location that is personally easy and comfortable.
2. Ergonomic Chair with Design - A great looking and comfortable chair is so important in creating a great looking and comfortable office. Pick from the growing selection of office chairs that have managed to not only win design awards…but also manage to be ergonomically suited to your body. Looking beyond office supply stores will give you an expanded range of options. Most furniture retailers now offer good looking, comfortable and affordable desk chairs. Additionally, there are many on-line options.
3. Good Lighting - Getting the right lighting in any space is something to aim for…but getting it right in your home office is critical. A home office requires task lighting, ambient lighting and even decorative lighting. Make sure you’ve got a good source of overhead lighting. Preferably, a home office should have recessed can lighting no larger than 4” in diameter and a junction box to hang a pendant light. These two sources should ideally be on separate switches and on dimmers. The last piece of the lighting puzzle is a great looking desk lamp…with a built in dimmer and adjustable arm…that can shine light directly onto your work surface.
4. Closed Storage - Closed storage is so important in keeping your home office clutter free and therefore efficient and stress free. A desk with great drawers, filing cabinets, credenzas and bookcases that have at least some doors on them will ensure that you have plenty of places to put your things. An office inherently collects small items that clutter surfaces quickly. Look for furniture that will naturally get pens, paper, paper clips, rubber bands and mail out of sight…but still accessible. Desk caddies and other desk top organizational devices are not effective at reducing the visual noise.
5. The Right Color - Wall color has the ability to create a mood in a space…so it is especially important to have the right color on your home office walls. Decide what environment you work best under and then determine what color makes you feel that way. Most people want a peaceful and serene work space which often translates into pale blues, warm grays and soft greens. Serene, however, could best be conveyed by bright yellow for some folks. It is all a matter of personal taste. Some people want a vibrant and stimulating work environment. For those folks, reds, oranges and brighter greens can be great choices. In the end, picking the right wall color for your home office walls can be a great and inexpensive way to personalize your home office and make it super efficient.
