Whether setting up your home office or just sectioning an area to house your computer and bills it is important to make sure your system is up to date so that you know where everything is at an instant. Scattered sized binders, boxes and different array of colours are going to visually Holt you into being constructive in this workspace.

Points to look for to get the most out of your office

Depth of desk - make sure it is deep enough for your laptop or your hard drive. 600mm is the basic depth but if you can stretch to 700mm you are going to have a much better area to spread out and not feel cramped.
Lighting- more often than not the only source of light is central to the room and behind your head as your working casting shadows. If you have fixed overhead shelves you can put small 12v lights under the shelf for a direct spread of light onto your work area.

Having a desk light can take up valuable bench space so look for one with a clamp so you can put it on the edge of the bench or direct from a shelf above. If you are lucky enough to have an area for a large bookcase or storage area keep a couple of sections for a couple of pictures or a small statue and accent it with some lighting to make a break form the clinical edge that can sometimes happen in an office
Power – Having Power points and telephone plugs close by are important to make sure you don’t have extension cords leading all around the room. The expense of an electrician to install these will be money well spent.
Colour- our responses to colour are integral to what we are doing. Our work areas are there for different reasons to use so have a think of what are the most tasks you will be undertaking. White is for being decisive and clear direct thinking.

Green for soothing and creating calm if you have a hectic and erratic work area. Purple and pinks will offer stimulation and creative flow and reds and oranges will stimulate and invigorate.

Space planning – Being guided by the natural light of the room is a great indicator of where your desk should be positioned. If you are lucky enough to have a view position yourself with your view and window to your side. If it is directly in front you may start day-dreaming and staring into the space rather than getting on with the tasks needed.

Feng-shui recommends not having your back to the door opening to be aware of enemies. The practical side of this is you will feel boxed in with no exit and a sense of being backed into a corner. Create an area that has a sense of flow by leaving some open space to walk in and out easily with out feeling congested and stifled by your surroundings.
Paperwork system- there is no use in having the place looking good if you haven’t got a proper file and document system. If you don’t have your paperwork in some sort of order you will constantly have your paperwork scattered and will not be able to keep the area clean and tidy anyway.

(Image: Kikki-k)

Check out the programs by in8 that are held at Kikki-k shops around the country. They are a very and inspiring and insightful way of getting your life organised. www.in8.com

Furniture- being comfortable is important if you are going spend productive time in your office. Try the chairs in the shop before just looking to see if it is the right colour. Does it allow your legs to sit firmly on the ground when you are at bench height?

Does it follow the curves of your back and support your upper back when you need to stretch back after working hard hunched over. Spending a good amount on your chair will be investment in your comfort. www.sitbackandrelax.com.au has a website showing a beautiful and ergonomically range of seating perfect for the home office.

Planning ahead and making a floor plan first is the best start to planning your office before you hot foot it to the shops and pick up pile of brochures. By planning first you will know the measurements required and your limitations before you get into hot water.

by
Shaynna Blaze-Vaughan
www.blankcanvasint.com