With an increasing number of people working from home and running home businesses, the home office has become universal. But when it comes to home improvement and home decor, people often overlook their home offices – even if they spend a major part of their day in there.
If you’re ready to give your home office a makeover, or if you’re in the process of converting one of your rooms into a home office, here are some tips to take into consideration when designing your ideal home office.
Design
First things first, you need to design or put down your plans on paper (or online). Will you be repainting or installing wallpaper? Choose a colour or style that is not too distracting. You can add ceiling tiles to your ceiling to make the room a little more cozy. Just remember not to go too bold with colours or patterns as these will likely distract you.
Your Desk
Your desk may be your workstation, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego style. Forget the industrial look of a metal desk, and instead, opt for furniture that is an extension of your home decor. You might love the richness of beautiful cherry wood, or you may like the minimalism and futuristic style of glass.
If your home office is in a room that does double duty – for example, as a guest bedroom – you may want an all-in-one set that more closely resembles an armoire. On the other hand, if your home office is your primary place of business, you may need something larger, such as a corner desk with a center computer station and work surfaces to either side.
Your Chair
Embrace both comfort and style when selecting a chair for your home office. If the room is fairly large and you select a cherry or walnut desk, for example, a leather executive chair might be a nice touch. If you don’t have a lot of room, you may want to try an ergonomic kneeling chair. A wooden chair with back slats and a leather seat builds a bridge between functionality and interior home decor, or you can opt for the latest trend in office chairs – a chair with a frameless back that shapes itself to your body. Remember you will be sitting in the chair for hours at a time, you want something that is comfy.
Storage
The amount and type of storage space you will need depends upon how you utilize your home office. If you primarily use the space for Web browsing and paying bills, you won’t need anything huge. However, if your home office is your primary place of business, you may need something with drawers, shelves and cabinets. I personally love the IKEA KALLAX line, they look great in any room.
Personal Touches
Be sure to incorporate personal touches into your home office. A beautiful shade of paint, framed family photos, a plant or two, and creative lighting can make it a pleasure to work from home. When designing your home improvement plan, be sure to create a home office that features colours, fabrics, and objects that make your heart soar.
