Decorating Home Offices
Working From Home
It is becoming more and more common for people to work out of their
homes. Creating a home office space can be a challenge of integrating
required technical equipment with efficient storage space. Both of
these items need to be addressed while at the same time decorating your
home office in a manner that will make it a pleasing area to work that
is efficient and well lighted.
Let's take it one step at a time, starting with storage options.
Storage
Having adequate storage is the key to having an efficient workspace
that is not cluttered. Choose furnishings that can perform double duty
jobs like an armoire that can store files and house the media equipment
at the same time. If you home office needs to accommodate drop in
houseguests you may need to decorate around a hide-a-bed couch as well.
Computers, faxes and scanner equipment is a necessity for home offices.
Center your decorated and storage budget around suitable housing for
those items. Some desks and work centers allow the computer to be
concealed inside the glass desk top or have built in cabinet doors to
close when not in use. A roll top desk is an attractive alternative for
the computer center as well. Try and integrate office technology with
the style of your home by choosing storage options that look more like
furniture than stark office equipment. For example, I chose stackable
wicker and wire file baskets instead of purchasing a cold, metal,
filing cabinet. Waste paper baskets are another item that is available
in a wide variety of colors and materials that can soften a utility
workspace. Use large screens to disguise unsightly equipment.
Lighting
Warmth can be quickly added to your workspace with well placed lighting
options. An adjustable desktop lamp can look decorative and inviting
while reducing glare to your computer screen. Make sure you do not
close yourself off to the outside world. Choose window shade and fabric
treatments that allow you to control the amount of light into your
workspace. Use soft, translucent window shades to reduce glare but give
you a view outdoors.
Decorating
Have fun decorating your space. After all there aren't any corporate
rules to follow - you're the boss! Include some of your personality
into the decorative furnishings and colors. Strive for a look that is
somewhere between residential and commercial by choosing patterns that
are soothing and warm rather than harsh, stark or cold. Choosing a base
color the rest of the home is decorated with can help tie your office
to the residential part of the house. You may choose to paint the walls
in a darker tone than the rest of the home or add a glazing technique
over the top to promote the reflection of additional light. Don't be
afraid to use lots of wood molding or rich wallpaper. Hang inspiring
artwork or use mirrors to reflect any interested focal point of the
room to keep your energy flowing while you work. Large houseplants or
trailing vines in a basket can also help bring nature in to your office
space. An overstuffed chair and ottoman can not only add a space to
read up on a report or review your work but can add an inviting look to
your room. Add a chenille throw or a couple of pillows to create a cozy
warm setting.
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