Yes, it’s 2013… already!!! If you’re like me, your New Year’s resolution is to get organized. (The good news is that it’s easier than losing weight or quitting smoking!) One of the best places to start is creating a home office space. Whether you work from home full time or occasionally, or would simply like an area to take care of household bills, a home office will help you manage your time and your tasks more efficiently.

Getting Started

Location & Lighting First things first, you need a space. If you have a spare bedroom, this is ideal. Some people set up in an attic or basement, but be warned, you may find it dark, damp or dreary. Other suggestions are a corner of the dining room (if you don’t sit formally for meals often), or an area in your master bedroom. Keep in mind how much disturbance there will be wherever you choose. Also, make lighting a priority. Natural light lifts the spirits! Add task or accent lighting to be sure you aren’t straining to see.

Electrical Be sure you have enough outlets and connections for all your tech tools – computer, scanner, phone, fax, etc.

Furniture It begins with finding the perfect desk. I like a large desk with room to spread out projects. There are many desk options available: a computer desk with pullout keyboard shelf, executive desk with pedestals, L-shaped configurations and desks with built-in shelves overhead – the list goes on and on!  Another option is to use a kitchen or dining room table as your desk – lots of space! If you’re tight on room, a wall-mounted folding table can be installed right next to your desk, folded out when needed and folded away when it’s not.

Next to consider is your chair – and again – there are many choices. The only really important question to ask is “Am I comfortable sitting here?” Try various executive chairs, task chairs, ergonomic chairs, swivel chairs, leather chairs and fabric chairs on for size – see what works best for you. Aim to give your back lots of support.

Once you have a desk and chair, depending on your needs, budget and space, you can add shelving, a credenza, storage units and filing cabinets.

Set Up

If there is room, have your desk facing the door. It allows you to survey your space and feel unconfined. If you can’t achieve this, try arranging it on an angle that gives you at least a partial view into the room or out the window. Try to keep things you need frequently in easy reach. I use baskets for odds and ends and stack them to keep them tidy.

You don’t have to achieve a matched look with your furniture and design. An antique desk can look gorgeous with a modern leather chair. As with the rest of your home, make your office a place you enjoy spending time!

Colour

Hmmm… what to do with the walls? If your home is neutral, perhaps you can complement the look with a soft orange or yellow paint. Greens and blues are calming and may help you focus, while spicy reds and golds are energizing and uplifting. Maybe one dark wall for achievements or artwork would work well. Your office is a great place for expressing your colour personality!

Plants

Plants reduce stress and increase productivity. Enough said!

Wood

According to feng shui, wood inspires creativity, so attempt to bring wood into your office space through your furniture and accessories.

Details

Just because it’s a work area, doesn’t mean your space has to be all business! Add some whimsy with colourful art, candles and fun storage containers. Maybe upholster your office chair in an animal print! A beautiful office will promote productivity…

Whatever your plans for your office space, be sure to drop by Stoney Creek Furniture to see the great selection of furniture available. Stoney Creek Furniture has a huge variety of traditional desks, L-shaped desks, file cabinets, bookcases and more, in many styles and price points.

Wishing you health, happiness and success in 2013!

Tags: decor, Furniture, organization