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The ideal home office will be a separate room from the rest of the home, an unused bedroom or basement area free of distractions. The home office needs to have a door and be in a quiet area of the home. This is important for concentration and in case clients visit the home. The business that is conducted from the home will grow and thrive if the area is treated as a professional environment. Preferably, the home office will be close to an entry door so that clients visiting do not have to travel throughout the home.
Needs include desk space, a sturdy chair and decorations. A full-size desk and credenza is preferable as opposed to small desk tops without drawers. This gives the user the ability to have a large space for the computer, pen holders, tape dispenser, file holder and telephone. A printer and filing cabinet are essential as well. Home office furniture that incorporates filing cabinets and printer stands that complement the desk is desirable.
Spending several hours working each day in the home requires comfortable, ergonomic seating. The user will need to try out several office chairs to find one that is the most comfortable. Simply using a separate chair from the home is not advisable, because these are usually not comfortable after several hours of work or adjustable to fit the desk. An extra chair or small love seat for visitors/clients along with a small table for paperwork is desirable as well. -
Decorations need to be tasteful and professional. No more than one or two family photos need displaying. Motivational posters are proper, as well as landscapes. Whether displayed on the wall or on the desk, a calendar is necessary. Small plants set around the room lend a casual yet professional environment.
Desk decorations vary according to the user's needs and desires. Ensure the space available is customized for optimum use and productivity. For example, left-handed home office workers will will have a different arrangement of desk items than a right-handed person for the items to be used at their full advantage. -
Home offices that are located in a room already occupied, as in living rooms or kitchen areas, still need a small desk and printer stand. The filing cabinet can be located elsewhere if space is at a premium.
The home office location needs to be away from high-traffic areas as well as loud noise distractions. Separate the office area from the living area by the use of plants set strategically around the office area and a small room divider.
Ensure that the rest of the members of the home know that while working, the room that the office is located in is off limits. This ensures a quiet atmosphere for meetings, phone conversations and concentration. - Lighting is necessary for the home office. Place the desk area near a window to keep from having a gloomy or dark area in which to work. Small lamps on the desktop allows for bright lighting while on the computer or working other tasks. Overhead fluorescent lighting will chase away the shadows of the room and create a bright, working atmosphere.
