Designing a Home Office
By Corena Lea Kessel, Interior Designer - Design Wise San Diego

There can be many rewards that accompany working from home. Regardless of whether you do it full or part time, it’s important to create a space that is both productive and comfortable.

Let’s look at some of the ways different things can effect the way we take in our immediate surroundings AND give you some ideas on creating a work space that encourages you to produce with a positive attitude, no matter what it is you do! Working from home can be hard, you will have distractions.

Location: The first thing you will need to do is determine the location of your home office. When working from home it's important to choose a location where you won't constantly be distracted. When possible, choose a room with a door that can be closed if necessary. If you don't have the luxury of having a separate room for your home office, at the very least use some type of room divider or screen to block off your office space.  

Color: Without out realizing it, can have a profound effect on how we feel both mentally and physically!

• Blues will make you feel calm and stable, whereas greens give a sense of health and the essence of nature.

• Paint your walls or accent with spot color, just make sure you do it so you reap its benefits. You’ll never go back to Navajo White!

Clutter: Get rid of it!

• If a room is cluttered it means that the mind is probably also cluttered.

• Clutter breaks the “Energy Flow”. 

Storage: You can use up every square inch of your space, have it be functional and yes, have it look great!

• Build it in.

• Use a chest or drawers for a different look.

• Take the doors off the closet and use that area for shelves and books.

• Use fabric curtains to hide your storage.

Furniture Placement: Never have your back to the door!

• Add a mirror if it’s the only option you have to achieve that.

• When ever possible put your desk near the window, and always open your shades. Let in the sun. It will make you feel warm and energized!

• Hang plants and include a couple potted ones. It’s a nice way to increase the sense that your environment is alive, which in turn you will feed off of!

• Make sure your computer is aligned with your posture.

Lighting: Take care of your eyes, we only have one set!

• If you work from home you are likely to be working at any time of the day or night so proper lighting is important!

• If you have to squint then put in stronger bulbs, add more lamps, or have those eyes checked. You’d be amazed at the distractions your brain has to go through if you can’t see things clearly.

• Keep an exercise ball near so you can swap your chair out for it to help keep your back in tact!

• Put on some of your favorite music. Get inspired!

• Keep supplies and files that you always need at an immediate reach, so that you are not spending all of your time getting up and down.

• Remember your intent of your space is to have it be functional in all ways so that in the end you are able to be and feel your best!

• The artwork you hang should be a reflection of your personality or your business.

Designing a home office is a personal choice and should include the elements that make you feel comfortable. Bring in the colors, fabrics, art work, and textures that excite and motivate you. Keep your home office clutter-free and organized and you will be well on your way to being a happy and productive home worker.