Your home office should be a place of power. Whether it’s your daily workspace or only used occasionally for paying bills and checking email, your office environment is a key element to your success. Pay the same amount of attention to your home office as you would to your best client. It’s your worldly battery – keep it fully charged.
Choose your office location depending on the kind of work you do. If your work is action oriented, it’s best to locate your office toward the front of the house. However, if your work is more contemplative, the ideal location is toward the back of the house, where it’s usually quieter.
Your office should be an escape from other household activities, and similarly, you should be able to close the door and leave the office behind you after a day’s work. If possible, the office should be the sole function of the room. If you need to share the space as a guest room, try to make the office the main focus and conceal the bed, either by making it foldaway, or placing a screen in front of it. Choose colours that inspire you and keep you active and motivated, such as terra cotta or earthy tones. Avoid the colour green, which soothes the spirit, calms the nerves and is less appropriate for an office.
Take the reins of success in your hands by placing your desk in the power position, facing the door with your back against the wall. Place an inspiring object or piece of art in front of you. When choosing a desk, determine what your needs are before deciding on size and design. Do you need one large surface, or several smaller ones? How much equipment will need to be placed on your desk?
A multipurpose printer/ fax/copier/scanner is a good choice.
Bookshelves, filing cabinets and other storage should all be easily accessible from your desk area. If the furniture is a mismatch of colours and materials, paint all pieces in a pleasing colour and they will instantly match. The best colour for a desk is one where white paper contrasts just right.
Buy the best ergonomically correct chair you can afford with full adjustments and good lumbar support. Hide computer wires as much as possible, so it is pleasing to the eye both when you walk in and while sitting at the desk. If you are right handed, place your phone to the left, so you pick it up with your left hand while writing with your right hand. Pay attention to ergonomics while using your computer.
Keep your office organized. Large stacks of paper on the floor create a negative environment. File everything immediately, sort materials in baskets on your desk and get rid of clutter and junk mail right away. If the task is too overwhelming, hire a bookkeeper or professional organizer so you have more time to concentrate on the tasks that make you money.
Be aware of electromagnetic fields your equipment emits. A tester will give you an idea of what EMF you are exposed to when you use your computer and other electric equipment. Your best defence is to know the level your equipment generates, and then to use it accordingly or stay out of the field of radiation, usually three feet. Healthy green plants will also help offset EMF. If you have any interior decorating questions, please e-mail Helen at helen@hhnh.ca.
Helen Varekamp of Bayfield, the owner of Huron Hearth & Home, specializes in helping people redecorate and organize their living space. Based on the principle “work with what you have” she can transform a room in a matter of a few hours. Helen is also a Feng Shui consultant and professional organizer; she will listen to your needs and work within your budget. As a homeowner you choose to implement the balance and design you are comfortable with.
Proprietor and published by Sun Media Corporation - A Quebecor Media Company at 120 Huckins Street, Goderich, Ontario, Canada N7A 4B6
