The ultimate home office
Customize furnishings, colour and wireless technology to maximize life at home
By Yuki Hayashi
Want to cut your commute? Start working from home. Whether you want to get off the corporate treadmill, have scored a killer telecommuting gig, or have been downsized and want to set up shop for yourself, having a hardworking home office is essential.
The best home offices are both organized and inspiring. While having plenty of storage space is important, so too is creating an environment where you’re comfortable, motivated and energized.
“When it comes to making the switch to working at home, you really have to examine what works best for you and your work habits. It’s about customizing,” says Heather Cameron, proprietor of Edited Interiors, an Ottawa-based home-organizing and home-staging firm.
Here’s how to set up a home office where productivity can soar.
IN THIS STORY
Office basics
Ideally, your home office will be a dedicated, private room with a door. (In my case, corporate headquarters is a former second-floor bedroom with a nice view, amazing afternoon light, a wonderful built-in bookcase and a six-year-old who thinks nothing of barging in because I have no door.)
Obviously, the “ideal” home office setup isn’t always possible. A tiny condo or a new baby, for instance, may prevent you from converting that spare bedroom or den.
In that case, carve out space from another room, suggests Cameron. “Take the rod out of the guest bedroom closet and create a work area with a desk surface and shelving. When visitors come over, you can simply close the doors,” she suggests.
Regardless of office size, it’s important to “think comfort,” advises Cameron. “If you’re spending hours at work, you want to make sure you don’t get fatigued due to poor furniture, lighting or space planning.”
At minimum, you’ll need
- a comfortable desk
- an ergonomic chair
- ambient and task lighting
- storage for files and supplies
- space to set up your computer, printer, wireless hub, fax and telephone
Move in and make your mark
Once you’ve identified where to set up your new corporate digs, think of ways to personalize. Here are the major players and how to use them to your advantage.
Wall colour
Go for a colour that enhances productivity and comfort. “Blues and greens are very popular for a home office as they are conducive to a calm, professional working space,” says Sharon Grech, colour and design manager for Benjamin Moore Canada. Her current favourites are Benjamin Moore’s Wedgewood Grey (HC-146), Raindance (CC-680) and Herbes de Provence (CC-634).
Think twice before painting your walls a high-energy hue like an intense red or orange, as they can be distracting. If you want to go for warm and spicy, look for shades in the middle of the paint sample card, which are more muted, advises Grech.
When in doubt, go neutral on walls and use trendy or intense hues in accessories (artwork, desk sets) instead.
Lighting
A dim office is an unproductive office. Treat your windows to blinds that can be fully opened to take advantage of natural daylight.
Make sure your ambient, or overhead, lighting is generous. Use at least 100 watts total, or the equivalent in compact fluorescent bulbs.
Add task lighting in the form of a desk lamp so you don’t have to squint when crunching numbers.
Furniture
Desk: Go to showroom-style stores such as IKEA or Staples where you can sit down and try the desks. Are they sturdy enough? What table surface size do you prefer? Do you want open-style or one with built-in drawers? Corporate or eclectic? Consider hitting Goodwill or flea markets for a vintage look.
Storage: In a petite office, consider amalgamating your desk and filing units by buying two two-drawer office filing cabinets, placing them a few feet apart and then laying a writing surface over top.
For most home offices, it’s safe to start with one small filing cabinet and add on as needed. Units set on casters are ideal as you can move them with ease.
Chair: Your chair should be comfortable and ergonomic. “Don’t use a spare dining room chair!” warns Cameron. Buy the best quality chair you can afford, whether from an office-supply company or a design house like Design Within Reach.
Get wireless
One of the best things you can do to enhance productivity in your home office is to use a laptop and wireless printer. Mobility is a huge boon to the intrepid entrepreneur. (Take your presentations on the road or to the coffee shop.)
Other benefits
- Connect as many computers to the printer as your home network will allow.
- Save space and ink cartridges with one printer for the whole family.
- Reduce cord clutter.
Although wireless printers have been around for a few years, wireless-ness is not yet standard, so be sure to ask before you buy. You’ll also need to purchase a wireless router, says Stan Ivanov, product marketing specialist with Epson Canada.
Once you’re wirelessly set up, you’ll get to experience the other perk of a home office: working in the yard on a beautiful, sunny day!
