Don't Forget Design and Layout When You Work at Home
A Home Business Article Contributed by Alyssa Yerga
Office Design is Essential When You Work at Home
When you work at home you get the chance to arrange and decorate your office, rather than being stuck with choices that were made for you. Instead of being forced to endure big bulky steel desks, office equipment put in badly chosen areas, and plain paint colors that do nothing for the imagination you can design the work at home office of your dreams.
The Layout of Your Work at Home Office
Start by assessing the part of your home that will become your office space. Where are the electrical outlets and phone jack? These will dictate where your furniture will go. If they are not in convenient locations you may have to have a professional re-wire electrical lines and re-run phone lines so they can be put where you need them at the most.
Keep in mind where the windows in the office are. If you work with small detailed items you may want to place yourself where the light is brightest. If you work with monitors or TV screens you may want to place yourself on the other side of the room to reduce glare. Even with window treatments the sun may make it difficult to see.
Take note of existing structures in the room, like closets, built-ins or window seats. These can be used for storage or surface space, perhaps saving you money or conserve precious space in the future.
The most important part of your office is your workspace. Determine how much space you'll need to do your job. If you do work like data entry you'll probably just need enough for a computer. If you work as a seamstress or tailor, you'll need room for equipment and an area to spread out fabric. Your work may also require you to use wall space. Keep all these things in mind as you set up furniture. Also remember; don't make permanent changes to the room right away. Try things out for a few days to make sure everything is in a convenient easy place to get to.
The Design of Your Work at Home Office
Some people may consider design to be a frivolous detail that is of very little importance. But our surroundings have an influence on our thoughts and attitudes, even when we aren't aware of it.
Color alone can make a huge impact on our moods. Red can make you more prone to feelings of aggression and anger, yellow is cheerful and can make you feel more active, blue can be soothing and relaxing. And those are just the primary colors. There are thousands of possible selections for room color (not to mention the choice of paneling or wall paper). Be sure to choose the color that you like, in a shade you find pleasing.
Furniture style is important. Heavy mahogany furniture will give your office an elegant classic feel. Furniture made with light blonde wood combined with steel will give you office an industrial look. Determine what you want your office to say about you and make your decision based on that. Also, surround yourself with a style you like, but don't forgo comfort.
Taste in artwork is subjective. Because it's your home, the choice is yours completely. If, however, you will be hosting clients, you may want to stay away from "tacky" or "offensive" pieces and lean in a more professional direction.
With a little time you can transform a merely functional work at home office into a stimulating and stylish workplace.
