ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Kathy Collard used to dread the idea of working in her spare bedroom. The second-floor space doubled as a guestroom and work area for Collard, a Kingston-based professional organizer. But the room lacked comfort, inspiration and personality, leading her to work in her living room.
Today, the room is transformed. Still a guestroom, the space is bright and welcoming, with seascape prints adorning the walls and souvenirs of past travels proudly displayed.
“It’s like a sigh,” says Collard, owner of Home Inspirations, of her redecorated office. “I feel very calm in here. And I know when I come in here, I’m supposed to be working.”
Collard is just one of about 2.8 million Canadians who do some or all of their work from home. In an age of non-stop information and technology, as well as congested traffic and fluctuating gas prices, it’s no wonder so many Canadians are choosing to cut the commute and work from home.
But with that decision comes the need for an efficient and inspirational home workspace, and while creating one may seem like a daunting task, it can be achieved with a few simple steps.
The ideal office is in a separate, enclosed room, says Bill Stevenson, who has owned Tall Pines Interiors since 1974. If that’s not possible, a corner in the kitchen or family room will do, or even a spare closet, as long as there’s enough space for shelving and a desk. If you will be receiving clients in your home, an enclosed room with adequate seating is necessary. Stevenson recommends installing French doors, so the rest of the house is in plain view. If you are considering glass doors, however, he offers this warning. “We are naturally more relaxed in our homes, so there is a tendency to become untidy. If you are particularly messy, put a curtain on the door.”
A focal point is key when designing a home office. Whether it’s a large window with an amazing view or a hardwood antique desk, having a focus gives the eye an initial point of interest. Stevenson’s own office boasts a comfort area, complete with a mirrored wall and couch, which immediately draws the visitor in.
Space organization and storage are the most common problems in home offices, and one way to address this issue is to remove any clutter.
Both Stevenson and Collard recommend evaluating your storage units often, discarding anything unnecessary and taking note of any organizational shortcomings. Filing systems should be simple and easy to use, so consider organizing important papers in alphabetical order or in colour-coded folders, Collard advises. In the end, how you choose to organize must fit your personal lifestyle.
“Ask yourself what is working and what isn’t,” she says. “Make changes and modifications where necessary and come up with a system that works for you.”
Colours have therapeutic properties, so follow your instincts and choose those that inspire you. Blue, for example, encourages concentration and serenity, while brighter tones of yellow and orange are stimulating and best used as accents.
“Colour is a very personal thing,” Stevenson says. “If you are planning on spending a lot of time in the home office, then you should use softer, quieter shades that are easier on the eye, easier on the psyche, and use the heavier tones for accents.”
Collard’s office is a sea of neutrals and pale blue, accented by splashes of raspberry red in the form of picture frames and throw pillows. The colours you choose should ultimately inspire creativity and boost productivity, and not distract from the tasks at hand.
An effective home office is one that has sufficient lighting, and natural light is ideal for daytime. Stevenson routinely uses pot lighting in clients’ offices, but he also recommends the use of a desk lamp. With light comes the inevitable glare on your computer, so design your lighting scheme with that in mind.
If you plan on spending many hours at your desk, be sure to invest in a comfortable chair. Make sure your back is supported and your hands can rest comfortably on the desk. A swivel chair is often best, as it allows you to move easily.
If you have neither the time nor the patience to design your own home office, consider hiring an interior decorator or organizer who will take into account such considerations as what the office will be used for and what colours inspire you.
“Your office has to be inviting to work in. It needs to be relaxing and welcoming, but also have some stimulation,” Stevenson says. “An interior designer’s job is to help create that office, not take over and rearrange your life.”
Regardless of the type of work you do, an inviting and functional home office can be achieved with a little effort and inspiration, helping you perform your best.
