Lighting
An efficient home-office work area requires both ambient and task lighting. To avoid eyestrain, lighting should emanate from above or from either side of your computer. Facing a bare window is never a good idea. Shutters, decorative blinds and sheers can provide relief from glare. If your space is limited, consider a tertiary option, such as a floor lamp that will light the ceiling and provide ambient light without taking up desk space. A clip-on light can provide space-saving task lighting.
Wiring
When buying a computer, consider purchasing a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) as well. Computers, laser printers and large photocopiers should be put on separate circuits because they each draw a lot of power. An electrician can guide you in the best placement of lighting, phone lines, power supplies and cable lines.
Decor
Inject your work environment with personality to spark creativity and prevent you from feeling isolated. Surround yourself with objects you love – showcase treasured collections, display family photographs. Draperies and wall-to-wall carpeting will provide warmth and control noise. Since you'll likely be spending a lot of time in your office, it's important that you love your colour scheme. Intense, warm colours are a great stand-in for sunlight – choose terra-cotta, Provençal yellow and eggplant hues. If you love dark walls, weave in texture so that the space doesn't feel oppressive – try wicker, wood and stone accents.
Kimberley Seldon is STYLE AT HOME's decorating editor. For more great decor and design ideas, visit kimberleyseldon.com.
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