Some experts have said there are only two essentials for a functional home office: a comfortable chair and a door that closes. In this age of information, we'd probably add a few items.
Whatever your leanings, it's time to block out the basics. Scan the photos and text throughout this book for ideas. Shop around, floor plan and measuring tape in hand. Talk to retailers. Look at magazines and advertisements and check out mailorder catalogs'. Dream a bit.
Then start putting your ideas on paper. Most office owners want space for desk work or paperwork, keyboard operation, telephone/fax use, and storage. A fifth space, the seating/conference area, is important to some, unnecessary to others.
In addition, consider the things that affect your overall well-being. Some of these are tangible, such as good lighting, safe wiring, and ergonomically correct design. Others, though less visible—such as the need for quiet or privacy—are no less important. Independence can be important, too; providing an under-counter refrigerator and a coffee maker or small microwave could help cut down on those distracting forays to the kitchen.
One way to save time—and your back—when planning is to use paper cutouts. Draw the outlines of any large equipment and modern or contemporary furniture you're considering to the same scale as your floor plan, then make several photocopies of both and cut them out. Slide the cutouts around on a copy of your map until you see a promising layout, then trace the outlines onto the plan. Create and compare several layouts. Review your priorities. Then choose the setup that offers the best solution to your own individual needs.
Whatever your leanings, it's time to block out the basics. Scan the photos and text throughout this book for ideas. Shop around, floor plan and measuring tape in hand. Talk to retailers. Look at magazines and advertisements and check out mailorder catalogs'. Dream a bit.
Then start putting your ideas on paper. Most office owners want space for desk work or paperwork, keyboard operation, telephone/fax use, and storage. A fifth space, the seating/conference area, is important to some, unnecessary to others.
In addition, consider the things that affect your overall well-being. Some of these are tangible, such as good lighting, safe wiring, and ergonomically correct design. Others, though less visible—such as the need for quiet or privacy—are no less important. Independence can be important, too; providing an under-counter refrigerator and a coffee maker or small microwave could help cut down on those distracting forays to the kitchen.
One way to save time—and your back—when planning is to use paper cutouts. Draw the outlines of any large equipment and modern or contemporary furniture you're considering to the same scale as your floor plan, then make several photocopies of both and cut them out. Slide the cutouts around on a copy of your map until you see a promising layout, then trace the outlines onto the plan. Create and compare several layouts. Review your priorities. Then choose the setup that offers the best solution to your own individual needs.
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