The cost of commuting, improvements in technology and the desire for a comfortable, drama free zone have many owners taking work home.
If you’ve ever watched the NBC comedy The Office, you might wonder if there’s a little truth to the mundane, mind-numbing portrayal of office politics and corporate America that dominates each episode. If office atmosphere is really this hard to deal with, it might explain why consumers are moving their offices home and making them one of the most popular home improvement trends in the industry. Whether the high price of gas has you looking for ways to eliminate a costly commute, you’re ready to have your own private working sanctuary, or you just need a space to pay bills, browse the internet and finish some weekend work, here’s a few suggestions to help you get your home office set up right.
Establish the Basics
Everybody’s needs are different, but there are a few things that every home office has to have now that we’re firmly rooted in the computer age. Access to electrical outlets, a high speed Internet connection, and a telephone are all necessary items. You’ll also need a good computer, printer, functional desk, appropriate lighting and a quality office chair that protects your back and posture during long stays at your computer. These are the basic necessities, everything else can be determined by how you use the space. For example, if you work with sensitive documents, you may also require a paper shredder. If you have resource materials you’ll need to reference, shelving becomes a priority. If music helps you focus, you might consider a speaker system that can adapt to your computer. If clients will be coming to your home for meetings, you will definitely need to have seating for them.
Design the Space for You
Once you’ve got the basics covered, think about what you need to make your home office feel comfortable, which in the long run makes you more productive. If your home office has a boring desk, poor lighting, and blank walls, you’ve really just re-created the office cubicle that prompted you to invest in a home office in the first place. Your office should be fun and inviting. It should be a place where you don’t mind going to work each day. Include family pictures, memorabilia, colorful posters of destinations you’d like to visit, and anything quirky and fun that makes you laugh. Unlike many corporate offices, a home office allows you to decorate your space with things that make you feel happy, so shoot for comfort and details that make a statement about yourself.
Office styles will vary according to needs and taste, but this is a space that should be fun and enjoyable.
Budget Wisely
According to Forbes Magazine, 80% of potential homebuyers are looking for a home with a home office, or with extra space that can be converted into one. But many homeowners don’t plan for the costs involved with a home office. A nice desk, built-in cabinetry, furniture for seating and computer equipment can cause a home office to rival a small kitchen renovation in financial terms. So, make sure you plan for the space appropriately. You’ll also want the space to blend into the rest of your home and become a room to enjoy as much as a room to work in. Allow room in your budget for curtains, rugs, and any other decorative items that bring you happiness.
