You can download this helpful Space Planner to help you design your area.

Whether your home office design is in a small bedroom or just the corner of a room, there are a few essentials you will want to consider. If you spend a full work week there or even just a few hours, it is important that your home office be a comfortable and inviting place spend time and to get your work done efficiently.

Location is key: Home offices can be in a separate room, a quiet corner or even in your kitchen. The key to selecting the right place for your home office, is to think about where and when you do your work. You will want to select a space that is away from the daily flow and distractions of your household.

Allow enough space: Make sure you allow enough space to work comfortably. Ask yourself if you will be able to move easily from side to side, stand up and sit back from your desk. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it is easy to underestimate how much space you need. To avoid this, use the same rule of thumb professional designers use to lay out a workstation – allow at least 60” (150cm) in width and 84” (210cm) in depth.

Selecting the furniture that is right for you: Choosing the right desk and chair for your home office is essential.

Select a desk that is wide enough for your computer and anything else necessary to do your work. This could be an in-out tray, reference materials, or space to take notes. Ideally, your desk should be 48” (122cm) wide minimum.

However, if all you ever need is a laptop you can get away with less. Most people find 60” (150cm) wide or later to be the most comfortable.  While an adjustable-height desk is ideal, its not always practical in a home office setting. Make sure to include enough storage. Consider your workflow, what comes in, where will it stay while being worked on, and where does it go when complete?  Place your inbox on or next to your desk. Keep your manuals, catalogs or reference books close at hand, possibly locate a shelf near your desk.  Locate your filing system nearby.

Place to Meet: Will you have clients or customers visit during the day? If you have room to have a small meeting are, that is ideal. If not, plan for some additional seating to allow for sit-down meetings. This can be as simple as one or two comfortable chairs, which are easy to pull up to your desks.

Natural Light and View: Good lighting is critical for any home office space. Choose a location with some natural light and a view if possible. Position your desk to face the windows or in a location where your computer screen will not be affected. Translucent window shades or blinds can help reduce any glare without darkening your room. You can enhance natural light by including a mirror and by keeping most of your walls a light color. An overhead ceiling light will provide good general lighting. A pair of open-top floor lamps placed in the corners of your room will do the same. Include a desk light to provide shadow-free task lighting and extra light in the evenings. Add some full spectrum daylight bulbs in your light fixtures an extra boost. No view? Position your desk to face the door instead or place a pleasing piece of artwork or an inspirational pin board above your desk. Either, will give your eyes a rest and something to focus on when you look up from your work.

Tame Your Technology: Nothing makes a home office look or feel more cluttered than wires hanging from your desk and running everywhere. Take control of your technology with these simple tips:

Add a wireless router – you will reduce your wires by half. Invest in both a wireless printer and a wireless mouse.  Add a grommet in your desktop to lead any wires from your desk down below. Attach any visible wires to the underside of your desk or down along a desk leg. Gather loose wires or cables along the floor together with a simple cord tamer or cord management.

Accessorize and Personalize: The great part about working from home is that YOU can decide how you want your home office to look and feel. Match your home office with the design and style of your home. Think about what inspires you. It could be a favorite piece of artwork, a collection of objects, or an invigorating paint color. Include these personal touches when you plan your home office design. It will brighten up your day and make you feel… at home.