SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME SWEET OFFICE
Are you one of those lucky individuals able to work from home?
The world just seems like a nicer place when you’re dressed in your
pajamas, doesn’t it? But work is still work. You need a place that’s
organized, designed well, and in which you feel comfortable. Chances
are, you may also need a degree of privacy to do your best work.
One of the most overlooked factors in productivity is lighting. Many
studies demonstrate that natural lighting is best whenever possible,
and results in more productivity among workers and a more positive
attitude toward the work itself. Lighting can have a profound effect on
your mood and can even influence your hormones. A good overview
of this subject is provided by Andrew Jensen, a business growth,
efficiency and marketing consultant, at AndrewJensen.net.
If placing your home office in an area with windows is not
possible, try the soft lighting of a lamp instead and try to avoid harsh
fluorescents. Adding a silk plant or two, along with a picture of the
outdoors, will help to transform a windowless area into a more
inviting space. Warm colors such as reds, yellows and orange will also
help warm up an otherwise dark office area such as a basement.
Next, you’ll want to design your workspace with cabinetry where
office supplies and files can be tucked neatly out of sight. Shelving that
is custom-designed for the way you work can transform even a tiny
space into an efficient work area. Having cabinets and shelves that are
suited to your exact purpose will eliminate a great deal of frustration
and overwhelming feelings of disorganization. A designer and expert
carpenter can help you get the most from your workspace.
Just because you don’t have an entire room in your house to
dedicate to your home office doesn’t mean that you can’t have
a dedicated workspace. Even a closet can be transformed into a
workspace with the right planning, and the whole office can be put
away at day’s end by simply closing the closet door.
If you have even less spa