Designing the Perfect Home Office for your Client

    
With starting home businesses, it’s important to create a space that motivates you to work and handle clients. It’s not enough to have a laptop and files strewn over your bedroom desk and call it an office. Creating an office space needs planning, and that can start from an unused bedroom. To do this, you use your creativity with your interior designer to create something that blends workflow and ergonomics. Your office should fit in with the rest of your home décor, yet represent the brand you’re trying to create.

1. Space and layout
Plan ahead on the layout of your office, according to availability of office space.  You can go for L-shaped units as that looks good in any office space and creates space for your computer, printer, and paper storage, stationary and “to-be-filled” bins. It’s a good idea to have many outlets in the rooms, to avoid the tangles of extension cords and unnecessary power strips. Remember that your home office will have many devices to plug in – laptop, cellphone, headset, telephone, printer and more. Cut down on clutter and go for wall space to store your stationary essentials.

2. Lighting
Lighting is one of the important components of a home office. A single overhead fixture or a table lamp will only add to your problems. You’ll need focused lighting for your work space, and relaxed light for quieter moments. Therefore, you go chandeliers, sculptural console lamps, hanging light units, tracking lights, mirrors and tall floor lamps. You could also look for deep-toned or highly wallpaper for surrounding the desk.

3. Seating
Your home office should be a welcoming space, and this can be achieved by comfortable seating. A sturdy desk chair is a must, and concentrate on the wall behind your desk. Keep a plush leather sofa or guest chairs to entertain your clients. They are also perfect for a casual business discussion or enjoy some relaxation time after strategy sessions or a serious meeting. If space allows, you can also have a small round table for impromptu meetings or enjoy tea together after your work hours.

4. Flooring
The rule is to have lighter floor colors if your room is done up in darker tones. You have interior wood paneling such as walnut dark wood flooring and cherry hardwood flooring. You could also try oak hardwood flooring or heart pine flooring over carpets, which are difficult to keep clean.

5. The overall look
Your home office should reflect your personal style, with family portraits, baby photographs, bookshelves and favorite collectibles. Allow for privacy, and close the door off to the rest of the household. Make your room soundproof to minimize outsides noise and echoes in your office. A private entryway to your office is also recommended, to keep a professional space. You can also have a giant whiteboard to jot down ideas to be discussed.

Designing a client’s home office, therefore, requires before function and relaxation. Look for a good interior designer who would tell you what goes best with the specifications of your room. From there, choose the best upholstery and lighting to create your professional space with a personal touch.