DESIGN : Creating a Home Office That Works in Grand Scheme

Here are some simple tips for designing a home office that works for you.

Be sure to put your office where you’re most likely to actually use it. A quiet hideaway in a second-story bedroom may fit the bill if you work full time at home and can’t afford any disruptions. Many people, however, find that their offices get used more frequently when they are somewhere close, but not too close, to the heart of family life. A quiet corner of the living or dining room or a first floor study are common choices.

One of your key design considerations is lighting. To avoid eyestrain, be sure to install plenty of down-lighting directed to your main work areas. Although you want to keep your computer screen out of the sun’s glare, plenty of daylight is essential if you hope to make your hours of work as pleasant as possible. Because your office may feature several specific areas--desk, computer table, reading spot--you may need to vary your lighting to suit each task.

Standard electrical outlets and telephone lines are all you need for most computer equipment. Install your outlets close to where you plan to put the terminal, copy machine and printer. Consider adding a separate business phone line, as well as extra phone lines to accommodate a fax machine and a modem. When you buy a computer, be sure it’s rated “Class B” by the Federal Communications Commission. That means it won’t interfere with television, radios and appliances.

Even with falling microchip prices, office equipment is anything but cheap. Protect your investment by keeping equipment away from dust-blowing vents and heat-generating sunlight. Surge protectors attached to individual pieces of equipment or installed in your home’s circuit box can prevent electrical spikes that can ruin a hard drive in short order. Consider a protector with backup battery power that accommodates several pieces of equipment.

Consider outfitting your office with built-in cabinetry to make the most of limited space and to create a unified decor. Even stock cabinets offer a host of well-designed and reasonably priced options for the home office. You may also want to build a snack area with a small sink and refrigerator to save you a walk when you need some refreshment. Built-in bookshelves and file cabinets can also stretch your space.