Decorating Your Space: Make Your Home Based Business Comfortable and Efficient

A Home Business Article Contributed by Donna M. Brown

Your Home Based Business is a Reflection of You

The sizes and shapes of home based business office spaces can vary from the tiniest corner of one room to an entire wing in a mansion. Regardless of the type of space you have to work with, there are several things to consider when designing the place in which your entrepreneurial dreams will come true.

When planning your home based business space take a close look at these elements in relation to the room you are about to design:

-Space

-Lighting

-Available electricity and electrical outlets

-Temperature and climate

-Equipment proximity

-Health and safety

Planning is Critical at This Stage of Development in Your Home Based Business

Space: Before you run out and buy office furniture, evaluate your space. Measure walls, doors and windows. Determine in advance what kind of tools you will use during the operation of your home based business and sketch out where those tools will fit in the allotted space. If you are having furniture custom built for your home based business, ask the builder to come measure and offer professional advice about efficient office systems.

Power: There's power in planning. Technology today gives people the power to perform monumental tasks from home, but without an adequate electrical supply, you could find yourself worrying about over-loaded circuits. Use equipment manuals and the advice of your electrician or local power company to determine just how much wattage you will need.

Climate: Take into consideration the climate required for your type of home based business. If you are a special document collector, will you require a climate-controlled room in which to store your treasures? Are there temperature extremes that could damage your equipment? Is the moisture content right?

Equipment: Before installing equipment, sit down at your desk (or your imagined desk if you are still in the process of furnishing) and imagine a typical work day. Determine what kind of equipment you will use most often and keep it close at hand. Equipment used less frequently should be further away from your desk or primary work area.

Safety: Safety does come first, but comfort has to be a consideration too. Search the Internet for information about common injuries in your line of work and learn how to avoid them. A simple ergonomic chair could save you years of suffering from back pain in the future. Determine what you can do to make yourself as safe and as comfortable as possible.

Decorate Your Home Based Business According to Your Tastes

One of the benefits of owning a home based business is the ability to set the tone for your work environment. Place items around your office that make you smile, that encourage you, that motivate you and that comfort you. Play wit this space and make it your own!

If a lava lamp is your style, by all means, place one on your desk. Don't get so zany that you impede your own ability to work and concentrate. Also, remember that you might one day need to invite a client into your office space. Keep it professional according to your industry standards.