If you could design the home office of your dreams, what would it look like? What kind of space would you want? Would you have a giant desk? A great big picture window? Quiet, private space where no one could bother you? There are many things to think about when designing the perfect space, and there is no right answer except what works for you and for you in your home.

The first thing to think about is space. Where will you be most comfortable and productive? Would you have a dedicated room just for you, or a nook somewhere in a larger room? The nice thing about having a dedicated office space is separation from work and play. It’s easy to blur the lines when you work at home between work time and playtime, but when you have a separate room, you can shut the door on work and create distance. Don’t have a dedicated room? Create one with a hanging barn door or two and make your own office space tucked away in the corner of a living or family room. This is a great way to make a separation between open concept rooms.

What about furniture? You will need comfortable and functional furniture in your home office. First, you’ll need a desk. The size of your desk depends on two factors, your space, and again, you. What do you want and need? Some people like a large expansive desk while others prefer to work on a small desk. Only you know what’s best for you. Make sure you pick something cozy and comfortable with enough space for you to work, but not too big to overwhelm your work area.

A good ergonomic chair is important too. You’ll be sitting all day and you want to be comfortable so pick something that feels good to you. But, remember, there is also an aesthetic component to the furnishings. How do you want your office to look? If you prefer light and bright, you might consider using light neutral paint or white furniture. Do you have an eclectic style? If so, you may want to consider adding interesting textures and bold colors to your decor. Think about these things as you outfit your new home office.

When it comes to accessories, you might want to think on the personal and cozy side since this is a home office. Make it feel like home with throw rugs. Add decorative touches like mirrors (these also add the feeling of space), and even add artwork around your desk. Add inspirational prints or bold colors. Make it your own.

Finally, don’t skimp on the technology. Make sure you have what you need to get your job done. Set yourself up with a good computer, printer, scanner or whatever it is that you need to be productive otherwise you won’t feel good about working in your home office. It’s worth every penny to invest in that printer or scanner, or large monitor or whatever piece of technology you need to do your job and do it well.

You’ll enjoy going to your home office if the space is designed well for you. You’ll also be more productive and happy if you can close the office door at the end of the day. Contact us for questions about adding a barn door to your space so you can put your work to bed for the night, ready to start again the next day in the office of your dreams.