The fire truck red color might look bold and innovative on the paint chip, but it is more than likely going to turn out to be nothing more than a distraction in the office. Designing a productive home office is about more than creating a picture-perfect work area. Before making any big purchases or decisions about the interior of your own home office, keep the following in mind:
- Functionality
- Distractions
- Storage
- Lighting
The end goal of a home office is not a Pinterest-worthy picture. Having anonymous Internet users fawn over your office might be a nice pat on the back, but it means little in terms of your ability to work.
Functionality
Small desks might be cute, but they usually fit a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and little else. And that adorable vintage chair? Chances are that it does not have the necessary back support for a day spent at the computer. If style is important to you, choose pieces at the crossroad of design and function. It does not matter if your office looks good if you spend most of your time in pain or frustrated at space limitations.
Distractions
No, you really will not be able to ignore the flat screen TV you want to put on the wall “just for breaks.” Your office is for work, so keep TVs, favorite magazines and other easy distractions out of that space. That means no storing your to-read book pile on the shelf by your desk.
Storage
Do you have files but no filing cabinet? Where are you keeping your extra pens and markers? Even if your job takes place entirely on the computer and over the Internet, invest in at least a few clear, stackable storage bins for on-the-fly organizing and storage needs.
Lighting
For better eye health, make adequate lighting a priority. Most overhead lighting is not sufficient for those who work on a computer, and the strain that this puts on the eyes can be tremendous. Even if your office sports a window or two, invest in a couple of good lamps for cloudy days or late night work.
These thoughtful considerations can help create the best possible home office that is not only functional and easy to use, but one that you are happy to report to each morning.
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