By: Mary Carol Garrity
Source: http://www.pratttribune.com
Category: Work From Home
Thanks to technology, many of us log a lot of work hours from home. So a high-functioning home office has become a must.
Do you have a home-office space that allows you to do your best work? If not, it's time to create a spot that works for you. Here's how:
1. Pinpoint who will work in your home office. Before you can design an office space that's effective, you must think about who will be working there. Is it just you, or will you share the office with a partner? Will the two of you be using the space at the same time? Is this where the kids will do their homework?
2. Decide how the space will be used. Do you use your office only on weekends to pay the bills, or do you spend time there every evening catching up on email? Do you work from home full time, or do you host business meetings? You will need to design and furnish the room in a way that allows you to meet your goals.
3. Determine which furnishings are a must:
- Desk or table? If you like to work at a desk, there are many great options, from grand wooden desks to writing desks that can fit in small spaces. Take time and scout for one that fits the scale and function of your room.
- If you don't need the storage a desk offers, you might prefer an architect's drafting table with a large surface on which to spread out. Or how about a great dining room table?
- Desk chair. Do you want a traditional office chair, or an upholstered side chair? You can also use a beautiful dining room chair if you need something on a smaller scale. Be sure to pick a chair that fits you well, providing plenty of support for your back and arms.
- Computer table. You'll need a space for all your computer-related gear like printer, scanner/copier, router, modem, whatever.
- Side chairs. You may work best when folded into a comfy chair with a net book or tablet in your lap. Then you'll want to invest in a great chair and ottoman, and add a sizable side table to hold papers, coffee and phone.
- Organizational tools. Let your creativity run wild when thinking of ways to organize your office. Here are a few musts: apothecary jars, wooden boxes and big baskets. Use an old silver spooner to collect pens and pencils. Fill a small apothecary jar with paper clips. Fill baskets and boxes with files.
- Lamps. One of the great things about working from home is the chance to escape from overhead fluorescent lights. You'll need great lighting in your home office, but make it beautiful. Look for a chandelier that's lovely or intriguing. Top bookcases with picture lights. Place reading lamps on the desk and side tables.
4. Figure out the optimal room configuration. Keep in mind how you work best. Do you concentrate best when your desk is against a wall so you have fewer distractions? Do you prefer to be by a window? Or do you want to float your desk in the center of the room, so you're right in the middle of everything?
If you're going to entertain clients in your home office, you might want to divide the room. Section off a workstation, then create a meeting area, either with a table or a cluster of chairs.
5. Create a vibe that helps you do your best work. The paint you pick will have a huge impact on how well you work there. Once you have picked your palette, bring it to life through your accents, artwork and textiles.
Source: http://www.pratttribune.com/lifestyle/home/x2112947399/Home-Style-Creating-a-home-office-that-works-for-you?zc_p=1
Source: http://www.pratttribune.com
Category: Work From Home
Thanks to technology, many of us log a lot of work hours from home. So a high-functioning home office has become a must.
Do you have a home-office space that allows you to do your best work? If not, it's time to create a spot that works for you. Here's how:
1. Pinpoint who will work in your home office. Before you can design an office space that's effective, you must think about who will be working there. Is it just you, or will you share the office with a partner? Will the two of you be using the space at the same time? Is this where the kids will do their homework?
2. Decide how the space will be used. Do you use your office only on weekends to pay the bills, or do you spend time there every evening catching up on email? Do you work from home full time, or do you host business meetings? You will need to design and furnish the room in a way that allows you to meet your goals.
3. Determine which furnishings are a must:
- Desk or table? If you like to work at a desk, there are many great options, from grand wooden desks to writing desks that can fit in small spaces. Take time and scout for one that fits the scale and function of your room.
- If you don't need the storage a desk offers, you might prefer an architect's drafting table with a large surface on which to spread out. Or how about a great dining room table?
- Desk chair. Do you want a traditional office chair, or an upholstered side chair? You can also use a beautiful dining room chair if you need something on a smaller scale. Be sure to pick a chair that fits you well, providing plenty of support for your back and arms.
- Computer table. You'll need a space for all your computer-related gear like printer, scanner/copier, router, modem, whatever.
- Side chairs. You may work best when folded into a comfy chair with a net book or tablet in your lap. Then you'll want to invest in a great chair and ottoman, and add a sizable side table to hold papers, coffee and phone.
- Organizational tools. Let your creativity run wild when thinking of ways to organize your office. Here are a few musts: apothecary jars, wooden boxes and big baskets. Use an old silver spooner to collect pens and pencils. Fill a small apothecary jar with paper clips. Fill baskets and boxes with files.
- Lamps. One of the great things about working from home is the chance to escape from overhead fluorescent lights. You'll need great lighting in your home office, but make it beautiful. Look for a chandelier that's lovely or intriguing. Top bookcases with picture lights. Place reading lamps on the desk and side tables.
4. Figure out the optimal room configuration. Keep in mind how you work best. Do you concentrate best when your desk is against a wall so you have fewer distractions? Do you prefer to be by a window? Or do you want to float your desk in the center of the room, so you're right in the middle of everything?
If you're going to entertain clients in your home office, you might want to divide the room. Section off a workstation, then create a meeting area, either with a table or a cluster of chairs.
5. Create a vibe that helps you do your best work. The paint you pick will have a huge impact on how well you work there. Once you have picked your palette, bring it to life through your accents, artwork and textiles.
Source: http://www.pratttribune.com/lifestyle/home/x2112947399/Home-Style-Creating-a-home-office-that-works-for-you?zc_p=1
