What is needed for a home office? That depends on how often you work from your home office. A more modern work environment is allowing more and more employees to work from home. Or perhaps you work from your home office part time on side projects your hope will flourish into a full time business. Either way, a home office should be a functional space but reflect your personality, just like any other room in your home. You want to be comfortable but not too relaxed to the point where you are not getting work done. You want to be inspired but not distracted. And most of all – you want your home office to be organized. A home office space should have a place for everything to go whether it be your fax machine, files, or your stapler.
Here, five tips for creating a functional home office:
1. Built in cabinetry and wall units add instant functionality to your home office. Paint to match the same color as your walls for a blended effect that appears to make the office look even larger.
2. Everyone who works from home needs a fax machine and printer in their home office. A land-line is optional as more and more entrepreneurs are opting for cell phones and voice-mail instead of a phone in their home office. Keep paper and ink within arms reach for easy access.
3. Target is a great source for functional office supplies that have a bit of flair. Post-it’s, hole puncher, paperclips, file folders, labels, and boxes don’t have to be boring but the key here is to actually use them! These little things add up so make sure you give them a proper place to go and avoid desktop clutter.
4. Remove things you don’t actually use in the home office from the home office. Do not distract yourself by viewing the home office a spare room in your house; the home office is not a catch all for your sports equipment, DVD collection, or seasonal clothing. When you go into your home office, it’s contents need to motivate you, not overwhelm you.
5. Now the fun part! Decorating your home office. Mix comfort with style when it comes to your chair, your desk and chair for clients if the room allows. Think about colors, wallpaper, unique lighting fixtures, photos, plants, and art. Choose a cohesive theme and add style to the functional space you’ve just created in your home office!
