Are you planning to add an “office” to your home? Whether your home office design will be located in a designated room, spare bedroom, or re-purposed inside the garage, there are a few essentials you will want to consider. Whether you spend the full work week there or even just a few hours, it’s important that your home office be a comfortable and inviting place to get your work done efficiently.

Read on for my 8 essential tips for creating a beautiful and practical home office design

1.Location, location, location

Home offices can be in a separate room, a quiet corner or even in your kitchen. The key to selecting the right place for your home office is to think about where and when you do your work. Is it during the day or at night? If day is more your thing, then try and allow for the entry of natural lighting. If your more of a night owl, then perhaps strip lighting can help you to work late into the night.

If you have young kids who are pre-school age, you might need a place where you can get your paperwork done yet still keep an eye on the little one(s). However, if you’re a professional, you’ll likely want a space that minimises interruptions so you can focus solely on your work.

2. Allow enough space

Make sure you allow enough of a room “footprint” to work comfortably. Make sure you will be able to move easily from side to side, stand up and sit back from your desk. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s easy to underestimate how much space you need. A clever use of space when designing your work desk would be to allow at least 1500mm in width per person. 2100mm of space, (a combination of desktop and chair depth) is essential. If you don’t have this much room, then a minimum of 1800mm overall depth is crucial to keeping your work area nice and comfy.

3. Storage and Shelving

Storage is one of the most important factors when it comes to designing a home office. Getting this wrong can really affect your productivity. Make sure to include enough shelving, filing cabinets or cupboards for your storage needs. Consider your workflow – what comes in, where will it stay while being worked on, and where does it go when complete? Try to keep your current work within arm’s reach. Locate your filing system nearby. Don’t forget folders and ring binders – if you use them, locate a shelf near or above your desk to keep them close at hand. Consider a pin board backing if you are one of those (us!?!) people who like to have everything laid out in front of them at all times.

4. Selecting a chair

Selecting the right chair for your home office is essential. Invest in a good quality chair that is comfortable and adjustable. Your neck and back will thank you.

5. Get your desk height right

While an adjustable-height desk is ideal it’s not always practical in a home office setting. Choose a desk that is not too high – 70-75cm high is an acceptable range. Select a desk that is wide enough for your computer and anything else necessary to do your work. This could be an assortment of folders, a printer, or space to take notes. Ideally, your desk should be 1800mm wide minimum. However, if all you need is a laptop you can get away with less. If this is the case, 1200mm wide or larger can suffice.

6. A Place to Meet

Does your business require that you have clients visit during the day? If you have room to have a small meeting area, that is ideal. If not, plan for some additional seating in your home office design to allow for sit-down meetings. This can be as simple as 1-2 comfortable chairs, which are easy to pull up to your desk.

7. Technology moves fast, so plan ahead

Nothing makes a home office look or feel more cluttered than wires hanging from your desk and running everywhere. Take control of your technology with these simple tips:

  • Buy a wireless router – although note that wireless connections can sometimes be slower than hardwired ones
  • Invest in both a wireless printer and a wireless mouse
  • Use cable management holes in your desktop to lead any wires from your desk down below
  • Try and incorporate USB ports in your existing power points.

8. A Home Office can look stylish too

The great part about working from home is that YOU can decide how you want your home office to look and feel. Match your home office with the design and style of your home. Think about what inspires you. It could be a framed picture, or an eye-catching rug. There are also many laminates on the market that work great in a home office. They’re easy to clean and look fantastic. Tie in such colors with your existing fittings. Take note of the latest timber grained matt finishes available here. Include these personal touches when you plan your home office design. It will brighten up your day and make you feel… at home.