| Issue #37, December 8, 2006 |
The Coziest Office
In today’s homes, computer and home office areas have become as common as kitchens. Many home offices or computer areas remind me of being at work. It’s important that the computer area reflect the personal “you.” After all, you probably spend more time in your computer/office area than any other room in your house. Pick your favorite spot in your house (even a closet) and own it! Integrate your office décor to match your home or use this space to escape the mundane and go crazy adding color and fun!
Comfort is the number one necessity in a home office. Remember that you are not at work so comfort can be your number one priority. Think of all the things you dislike about your workspace at the office and make sure to change them in your home. I enjoy being able to put my feet up, so I bought a desk that has a foot-rest. You could also by a small stool and place it directly under your desk for a foot rest. Take a look around your computer area. Is the view inspiring and calming? If not, move the location of your desk or hang up things that make you smile (no matter how silly they are). Lighting is also extremely important when working with a computer. Make sure you have adequate lighting above and behind you to help prevent glare and eye strain. Take the time to adjust the monitor to the right distance to avoid having to squint or wear reading glasses when looking at the screen.
Closets can make a wonderful office area if your home is tight on space; just take out the clothing pole and install electrical connections. Most closets measure around 30” deep and 60” wide, which is plenty of space for a small computer cart and a filing cabinet. You could also install a computer shelving unit directly into the closet. There is no need to clean when you have guests over; just remove the chair and close the door. Investing in an all-in-one fax/copier/scanner/printer unit will also help to save a lot of space in a small area.
Color plays a large, more important role on your mood than you would typically think. Some colors motivate you while others can distract you. “Cool” colors, such as blues, greens, and purples recede into the background and are not distracting or disturbing. Many offices and schools are often painted in “cool” colors, so they tend to sometimes remind us of these more restrictive settings. “Warm” colors, such as reds, yellows, and oranges are active colors, and make an area cozy because the colors appear to be moving towards you. These colors can be invigorating and cheerful but also distracting, leaving you with a feeling of anxiousness. “Warm” colors work best when they are muted rather than bright. White is a pure and peaceful color. For some, it is boring, but it can also help to make a small area appear larger.
You do not need to spend a fortune on redecorating your home office. Try and think outside the box. Take a drive around your area. People always seem to be getting rid of bookshelves and desks, leaving them at the end of their driveway for you to take. Check out your local thrift store and garage and yard sales. After you find a few interesting pieces, try sanding them and covering them with a layer of paint. I love fairies so I bought a cheap white cabinet and sketched a rendition of Tinker Bell on it. Use decorative flowerpots to hold pens, pencils and scissors instead of your standard wire mesh cup. As an innovative space saver, use a canvas pocket shoe caddy that hangs on a door to hold all your excess office supplies, label with a permanent marker. Use wicker baskets for holding files and mail instead or sterile wire baskets. If you have extra fabric or old curtains lying around, use them to cover boxes to hold CDs or to wrap up an old bulletin board creating a style in your home office unique to you. Flowers and plants are known to keep people in a more positive mood and, besides, they improve the surrounding area’s air quality; so find your green thumb and pick up some indoor plants for your desk.
Technology has made our lives easier and arguably a little more stressful, feeling the need to always be connected. Taking the time to recreate your home computer area will give you a break from the computer and in the end, the work you do at your computer will be better, and you’ll have a new appreciation for your surroundings – truly feeling at home. Taking the time to create new items for your home office will not only enhance your capacity to perform well in a more comfortable setting, but will be endlessly rewarding because you are surrounded by your own creations.
– Kelly Merritt
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