Designing the optimal home office

There's something liberating about sitting cross-legged on the living room couch while working away on your laptop. But after a few hours, your productivity wanes, working at home loses some of its luster, and you realize you need a little more structure.

It's not difficult to put together a well-equipped, smartly designed home office. So let us take you through the process of transforming an ordinary space into a workable home office, using plenty of common sense, a helping of design savvy, and a pinch of the Chinese art of placement, Feng Shui.

Choosing a space
You may already have an area in mind, but before making the final decision on where to put your home office, consider the way you work. The area you choose should match your work style and provide an environment that is conducive to maximum productivity. For example, Feng Shui theory suggests that rectangular rooms are best for home offices. To start, get a pen and some paper and write down the answers to the following questions.

What is your budget for this project?
This will help you determine what your options are. If you've got a larger budget, you might consider building a loft, remodeling the garage, or putting an addition onto your home. If your budget is smaller, working with an existing space is more practical.

How much time will you be spending in the space?
Occasional home office users can probably get away with a multipurpose space such as an extra bedroom or a corner of the living room. But if you need the office for more than just a few hours per week, a dedicated room is a better option. Having a separate room will minimize distractions like household chores, the television, or family members who want your attention. And if you only use the space for work, it counts as a tax deduction.

Do you need a separate entrance?
If you meet with clients and don't want them walking through your home (or tiptoeing through the family clutter!) to access your office, you'll want a separate entrance or a dedicated meeting area near the main entrance. You'll also need to have a bathroom nearby.

Are you easily distracted?
For the ultimate in privacy, go beyond converting a regular room in your house and instead transform a space like the attic or garage, where you'll be physically removed from the people and activity in your home. If you can't hear the television in the next room or a family member on the phone, you'll be able to focus better on your work. And though it's only a short distance, the defined separation will also provide a symbolic "commute" to your workspace.

Equipping your office
Each home office has unique equipment and supply needs, but the general list below will help you get started. Survey your space and take measurements before you buy. That way, you'll protect yourself from buying furniture that doesn't fit through the door or give you enough room to move around. Wiring and electrical outlets should also be considered.

• HP Pavilion or Compaq Presario desktop computer system. (Compaq Presarios are designed to boost home office productivity, while HP Pavilions are multimedia machines that are ideal for the whole family.)                            
• HP Pavilion or Compaq Presario notebook PC computer. Get more done no matter where you go!
• A handheld computer such as an HP iPAQ pocket PC
• HP all-in-one (AIO). AIOs perform multiple functions (printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing), allowing you to create a complete home-office solution with one compact machine. So, how do you decide whether to buy an all-in-one, an inkjet, or a laser printer? Get tips on choosing a printer for your home office.
• CD or DVD writer for data storage. (You can store more than six CDs' worth of material on one DVD!)
• Two-line telephone                                 
• Workstation with desk and chair                                 
• Proper lighting                              
• File cabinet                                 
• Shelving for storage 
• Furniture to place peripherals on                                   
• Office supplies (paper, ink, toner, stapler, paper clips, pens, etc.)                                  

A place for everything
At this stage, it's helpful to sketch out a floor plan. Don't worry if you've never done this before: You don't need to be an artist. Using graph paper and a pencil, draw approximate shapes and sizes to represent the major pieces in the room, such as the desk, chair, computer, peripherals, shelving units, and file cabinets. Here are some points to keep in mind when drawing up your plan:

• Work flow. Keep items that you use most frequently close by. Getting up every few minutes to check the fax machine will disrupt your workflow. At the same time, if you are in a very confined space, you'll want to create reasons to get up from your desk so that you don't feel claustrophobic.
• Feng Shui. By using this ancient Chinese art form, you can create balance in physical spaces by allowing energy (Chi) to flow through them. You can apply these principles in your home office to promote the productivity, wealth, and success of your business.
  
  One quick Feng Shui tip is to place your desk in an area where you'll be able to see the door without being directly across from it. Also, it's beneficial to have a wall behind you to create a sense of security. 
  
• Colors. Choosing the right colors can greatly improve your outlook and attitude, while the wrong colors may leave you feeling uninspired and restless. Feng Shui principles suggest that ceilings be painted a light color, since a dark color will make you feel like there's a cloud hanging over you as you work.
  
  For the walls, reds, oranges, and yellows are friendly, approachable, and energetic, while blue and indigo are classic, authoritative, and sophisticated. Use bright colors to add enthusiasm and energy, and opt for muted colors to express a more conservative, casual feeling. But whatever colors you decide on, make sure they help you feel at ease in the room. Your productivity will thank you!
  

Ergonomics
Promote your own comfort and health by creating an environment that minimizes stress on your body. Choosing an ergonomically correct chair is the most important consideration and a worthwhile investment. You should be able to adjust the position of the chair to your own liking.

Also, the top of your computer screen should be at eye level or slightly below to minimize stress on your neck, and you should have wrist rests for your keyboard and mouse. Avoid eyestrain by incorporating sufficient lighting into your space.

Because they don’t flicker, LCD monitors are more eye-friendly than traditional CRT monitors, not to mention that they won’t crowd your desk.

Getting personal
Your office should be a pleasant place to spend your days, so take some time to personalize it. Photos, artwork, plants, and music can all add to the ambience of your space and stimulate your creativity. Remember, one of the greatest benefits of a home office is that you can do whatever you want with it. Cubicles and corporate art need not be anywhere in sight (unless, of course, that's what inspires you!).

Focusing all this effort on the design of your home office means that you'll be able to concentrate on other goals down the road. And keep in mind that your home office will evolve with your needs, so nothing is necessarily permanent.