Home Offices

 Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

I work from home as a graphic artist and website designer, so it is vitally important I have my own space for working.  As anyone who works from home knows, it is easy to be lazy or procrastinate when you are setting your own schedule.  Having a specific area in the house where I know I have to go to work and I can shut the door and get down to business is a necessity.  Finding that area in my small house is easier said than done!

 Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

I've tried many areas.  The bedroom.  A corner of the kitchen.  Now, I have a spot in the mudroom on a long counter that is also used for folding laundry.  I have a little trash can and a tiny filing cabinet and a bulletin board with a million things pinned to it.  A small lamp and baskets and papers crammed in everywhere!  But it works.  I had to carve out my nook and create something from nothing.  Ta-da!  Instant home office.  

 Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

The key to making my little area work as a home office was making it multifunctional.  By using an ottoman with storage I can keep my files handy and prop my feet up at the same time.  I have a side table that holds my lamp and also drawers underneath for extra storage. 

 Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

In my home office I take advantage of my vertical space as well.  Utilizing shelves that hang above my "desk" area I can add more storage.  I also use my bulletin board for notices, inspiration and memos to myself.

 Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Most important for me in keeping my home office functional and sane, is that I purge weekly!  In a small space I must get rid of whatever I don't use frequently.  I try to go through paperwork and clutter every week so I can keep my work area efficient.

 Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

A home office can be in a closet, corner or even portable...moving from room to room as the need warrants.  Using rolling carts, laptops and portable equipment you can carry your work area wherever your fancy strikes!

 Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

Constantly looking for inspiration on the web and in magazines helps give me ideas for what makes small spaces function well.  Change is always nice and inspiring, so sometimes my home office gets a total overhaul when I find something that looks fun to mimic!

 Photo Courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Don't forget to make it pretty!  You don't have to showcase cords and dusty electronics just because you are working.  Hide them with cord covers, set up some picture frames, place beautiful objects around to get you motivated!

Wherever your work space is, make it your own!
~Amber