A home office is becoming a must in today's computerized, tele-commuting world. The more time you spend there, the more important it is to make the office both functional and fun. It should reflect your style and be convenient, versatile and comfortable. Does this Spark an idea?
Office Den Essentials
Consider what work you'll be doing how you'll be doing it. Will you require a lot of desk space and storage or a compact secretary desk solely for writing and keeping up with email?
If you plan to use your computer simply to pay bills and plan your budget, you may just need workspace to lay out your books, pencils and calculator. If you'll be spreading out multiple documents, consider an L-shaped desk. Give yourself easy access to the files and documents you regularly use, as well as to stationery, a printer and telephone. Use desk grommets to conceal and organize cables and wires.
Keep ergonomics in mind if you plan to spend significant time in your office. Your computer monitor should sit 18 to 20 inches away from you, with the top third at eye level. The keyboard should rest one inch above your thighs and tilt slightly down away from you. Your elbows should rest at 90-degree angles. Aim to keep your knees comfortably positioned at a 90-degree angle, too.
Office Den Design
Add your personal touch to make your office den feel like home. Would you feel more comfortable in a formal den with warm mahogany wood and bookshelves lining the walls,or in a sun room-like environment with white-framed windows and sunshine yellow walls?
Warm up a formal den with wooden paneling or beams, but avoid making the room appear too dark. Create the library look with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and rich, leather chairs, but add a few lighter colors for contrast to enliven the room. A stone fireplace is the ultimate addition for an inviting atmosphere; as an inexpensive alternative, dress up a gas or electric fireplace with faux-stone paneling.
A must for a sun room-style office den is, of course, loads of sun. Enhance the natural light of your room by expanding the windows, if possible, and dressing them with sheer curtain panels, bright valances or roll-up blinds. Soften the room with window boxes and indoor plants and with colorful collages of family photos on the walls.
Tags: away from, formal with, Office Design, plan your, should rest, your office