Garret

I work from home and having a home office that you love to be in is a great blessing. Here are some tips I've used to create my own personal space.

Color is personal and extremely important. Since you can't paint, decorate with fabric. Curtains, upholstery and sofa pillows can all be used to create a space using the colors you love to look at. Consider buying a plush area rug in colors that go with your decor. Even if you already have carpeting on the floor, if the color or carpeting is not pleasing to you, you can still place an area rug over it. Buy the best carpet you can afford that you really love. After all, you can always take it with you and if you love it, you will always find a place for it.

Place your desk where you can look up away from the computer and focus on a window with a view, a piece of art you enjoy, or an arrangement of accessories of some favorite items.

If possible, create a cozy corner with a small sofa or lounge chair with an ottoman, a side table and good lighting. It's good to be able to move to a different position so that you don't get bored or stiff sitting at a desk.

Decorate the room as you would any other room in your favorite decorating style. Don't feel it only should have a desk, computer and file cabinets. Your desk could be nothing but a favorite table where you have lots of room to spread you work on. Consider an armoire for your computer station or as a bookshelf and display for your favorite collectibles. Place a round, to the floor, tablecloth on the end table by your chair. Add a coffeepot or electric teapot to the room. Bring in some favorite photos for the wall.

Flowers are always a welcome accent. If you like scented rooms, use a reed diffuser or effusion lamp filled with scents that appeal to you.

When you work in your room, keep asking yourself, "What do I really like about this office?" What do I really dislike about this office?" Use your answers to gradually create a space you love to work in.

Above all, keep clutter out of your way. It is hard to enjoy working in an area that is always messy and you have to clear out a space to work in it.

Do yourself a favor by creating a favorable work atmosphere where you enjoy going each day. Many times it is not only discipline that keeps people working on a schedule and getting work done at home, but an office that is comfortable, inviting, and functional.

Gloria Daniels has worked in many areas of the home decorating field and has been helping clients decorate their homes creatively for over 20 years. For more help and hints on creative ways to decorate you home, visit her website at Home Decorating Room by Room While there sign up for her ezine Home Decorating Workshop Each month receive a dozen home decorating tips along with a lesson in how to develop your creativity when decorating your home.