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Tim and I are in the midst of a home office makeover adventure.  As with any makeover project, there have been many things to consider when pulling this space together.  I thought I would share our top five picks and tips with you.

Lighting. Whether your space it lit by natural light, desk lamps, ceiling fixtures or a combination of lighting elements, lighting is a very important component for your office.  Carefully consider it’s placement in relationship to your work area.  This will ensure you have proper lighting and are not straining your eyes while working.  If your desk includes a lamp, be sure to place it opposite of your writing hand.  That way you will not have the shadow of your hand blocking light on whatever you are trying to read.  Whatever type of lighting you go with, pick something stylish and functional that works for you!

Organization and Storage. Let’s face it, our home office is the one place clutter can accumulate the fastest.  The best way to prevent this is to have adequate storage and a organizing space. Sit down and list out the things that need to “live” in your office to ensure you have a place for anything.  This doesn’t just mean file cabinets, bins and drawers, also consider needed counter space and shelving for such things as printers, books and phones. Be sure files and drawers are properly labels so you can quickly locate items when they are needed.

Seating. If you are spending a considerable amount of time in your home office, you want to be comfortable.  Make sure your chair is the proper height for your desk or work surface.  If you plan to have clients visiting your home office be sure to accommodate for that as well in your planning.

Resources and Equipment. Make a list of the necessary materials you need for conducting your business.  Whether your office is simply a space for surfing the web and checking emails or you’re a savvy business person working from home, you want to ensure you have all the right equipment at your fingertips.  Having a thorough list of your necessary resources and equipment will also come in handy when determining the proper storage for your space.

Paint Color. When selecting a paint color for your office pick something that you can work in; something that inspires you.  If you aren’t comfortable bringing in a lot of vibrant colors on your walls that’s ok.  You can stick with a neutral paint color and bring in the boldness through accents and decor.  Just have fun with it!

So there you have our short list of home office necessities.  I hope you find these tips helpful and can create a space that inspires and works for you!