Working out work space

The line between work life and home life is getting ever finer, and most houses will need an office space. Jo Caruana looks at the many ways you can make your home work space work hard for you.

Home offices are no long relegated to a corner of the bedroom or the back of the garage. These days they are pretty much essential and central to getting things done.

Whether you actually work from home, or simply need a specific space from where to organise the household finances or browse important websites, a dedicated work­space has become just as important as a well-designed kitchen or properly planned living room – and your home will run much more efficiently once this is sorted.

As always, though, the age-old problem is likely to be ‘size’. A two-bedroom property will probably need a desk set-up to be incorporated into the living area, while three-bedroom ones will undoubtedly need to maximise on the available area and play a ‘multi-purpose’ role.

“Really think things through,” advises Dino Fino, commercial director for C. Fino and Sons Ltd, when asked for guidance on planning a viable home office. “You need to establish how large you need the desk to be, for instance, as well as how much storage you will require in your office. Additionally, work out whether you would like normal cupboards or hanging file space.”

As Mr Fino explains, organisation is key, as you don’t want your office to become the dumping ground for unsorted bills, letters and other paperwork. “Guests will still come and go, so you don’t want them to be faced with mess,” he says.

“It may be a luxury, but do try to dedicate a whole room to your home office if you can, as this will keep you far away from the noise and mania of the rest of the household, while also keeping work-related paraphernalia out of sight.”

So, as you would with any room, take the time to plan it correctly and consider enlisting the help of a professional designer or furniture retailer. Bespoke options can prove perfect, if the budget is right, but the right amount of forethought can ensure even the smallest space comes together in the most work- and cost-friendly way.

Get to work: tips on creating office space

• Think techie. Technology is absolutely vital, so consider the way it will slot into your office from the get-go. Do you need a desktop computer? Or would you be better off with a laptop that can be moved from room to room? Do you require a headset for your phone, allowing you to type while talking? Or will a simple cordless suffice? Moreover, ensure all the required connections are in place, including extra sockets, so that you won’t have to keep pulling plugs in and out all the time.

• Get connected. One of the most important elements of any work space has become its ability to connect with the rest of the world. Plan your work space so that you can comfortably reach your internet connection (ensuring this is well within your wifi zone), telephone and, ideally, intercom. It’s best to opt for modern wire cabling, and consider covers to keep wires out of sight.

• Are you sitting comfortably? There’s no point dragging a kitchen chair towards your desk every time you need it; buy an appropriate office chair to get the job done properly. It needs to be comfortable and the right height, as well as to provide proper back and arm support for the type of work you’ll be doing.

• Top table. Your desk or work surface will undoubtedly be the most important piece of furniture you buy, as this will be where you spend most time. It should be large enough to house everything you will need within easy reach – from your computer keyboard and printer, to your pile of ‘to action’ paperwork.

You can have desks custom designed to really match your needs, as well as to perfectly fit the space available. Additionally, it may be worth installing a slide-out keyboard holder, so that this doesn’t take up extra room unnecessarily.

• Light right. There’s nothing worse than working in a room that isn’t properly lit. The amount of light you need will depend on the work you do, but don’t underestimate its importance. Try to make use of natural daylight by positioning your desk as close to a window as possible. Meanwhile, to reduce eye strain, install lighting over your reading area, computer, and behind you so that there’s no reflection off the computer screen.

• Embrace creativity. Just because this is a work space doesn’t mean it has to be boring. On the contrary, it should be bursting with all the inspirational elements that will help you get things done. Have fun with the décor and use colours that also invigorate your mind. Meanwhile, pack the walls with pictures of people or places you love, as well as items that remind you of past accomplishments.