How to set up a cheerful home office

With a growing number of people venturing into entrepreneurship and self employment, many are shunning the long commute and choosing instead to conduct their work from home and leverage on the Internet to get their work done.

In addition, there are those who need a space to catch up on emails or finish off office work from the comfort of their homes and will therefore need a dedicate space where they can focus to finish a nagging report.

It, therefore, helps to set up a home office or at least factor it in when renovating or redecorating.

You may be fortunate to have a dedicated custom-built study or you may need to transform a spare room or vacant corner in a larger room.

Whatever your situation, it helps to pay as much attention to the design of your work space as you would your living room.

Desk

Find a desk that fits your designated space. It could be a linear, single desk or an L-shaped desk. If possible, choose a desk with drawers to hide away your paper work when not in use.

This is especially useful if the space doubles up for other functions such as a family room. Your desk should be able to accommodate a laptop or desktop and printer.

Whether custom or purchased ready made, consider getting a good quality, stylish and ergonomically designed desk, which will inspire you to get to work and toil away.

Comfortable chair

Select a comfortable chair which will adequately support your back in case you prolong your project and burn the midnight oil. Seats should be at the right height for the desk and complement the decorating theme of the office.

There are versatile options available at furniture shops with options of adjustable executive chairs or something simpler and less pricey.

Seats with brightly coloured backs such as purple, greens and oranges will immediately inject visual interest and help to colour code your space with matching stationery such as pen holders, staplers and incoming mail trays.

Wall colours

Carefully consider the wall colours in your study area. Colours should be soothing and restful like blues and greens.

For creatives such as copywriters or graphic designers the space can be a little more creatively coloured especially if you have clients coming to your house for consultation.

Good lighting is necessary if you are to work without straining. Factor in a reading table lamp or strip lighting that will illuminate a dark dreary space

Storage

Your home office is bound to pile up with paper if it is not tamed. Find suitable storage cabinets or bookshelves to keep files, books and papers away.

The shelves will display your books while the closed cabinets will keep files out of sight. Choose something practical with a finish that matches the rest of your office space.

Bookshelves can also be used to demarcate your space giving you the option of hiding away while the rest of your family goes about their business. Personalise your space with self-expression items that inspire you and motivate you to work.

Add a family photo, a quote or a painting you love. An organised home-office space is a happy one so keep your desk clean and tidy.

Include a notice board or a white board where you can sketch your project work flow chart to ensure you meet your projects deadlines even from the comfort of your home.