Creating a Beautiful Home Office

More and more people are working from home.  Our organization efforts in a home office can quickly be outmatched by the demand for storage.  The problem is that we actually use the things that need to be stored, so we have to keep them close at hand.  Eventually, everything is close at hand which means that it’s stacked up all around us.  If you work from home, you really need to get your office organized.  This is especially true if you need to meet with clients.

Having clients, customers or potential clients and customers in your home can be a really bad idea if you don’t have everything organized and decorated nicely.  Your office is a direct reflection on you.  If everything is a mess, then clients can only assume that your work will be a mess as well.  Can they trust you with important documents?  Will their deadlines be met?  Are you even a reputable business?  All of these things will pass through your clients’ minds if your home office is not up to snuff.

So, with that said, here are some tips to help you turn a disaster area into a photogenic, usable paradise.

Organize your office into sections.  One area will be for supplies, like paper, paper clips, folders and pens.  Another area will be used for your printer, fax, copier and shredder.  A reference area can be a simple bookshelf containing books related to your field, computer manuals and other things that you might use for work.  Set aside an area for a couch, coffee table or end table where you can put out flyers and business cards for clients to look at in case they have to wait.

Look at things from a client’s point of view.  You will need a computer desk that is somewhat separate from the desk that you meet clients at.  You don’t want them staring at cords and dust on the back of your monitor while you pitch your plans at them.  The back of your computer should always face a wall.

Avoid harsh light or an office that is too dark.  Sheer curtains or linen blinds diffuse natural light that is easy on the eyes.  Avoid fluorescent bulbs or bulbs that point down at people’s faces.  If you do not have a window, make sure that you use a few lamps to create enough light for client’s to read documents.

Consider what they might need when they come in.  A mini-refrigerator disguised as a cabinet may be a nice addition to your office area.  This will keep people out of your kitchen when it may not be ready to be seen.

Have a coat closet with nice wood hangers ready for them to hang their coat.  A hook or coat rack may damage or cause a nice coat to lose its shape.  So, a simple hanging bar with nice study hangers can be a nice addition for putting your clients at ease.

Finish out the area with framed diplomas or other credential certificates.  Depending on your field, you may want to display samples of your work or pictures of your family to give the room warmth.  Get your home office set up right and your business is sure to soar.