Working from home - in the office... More and more of us will be spending less and less time in the office!
Don't get too excited. Unless you win the lottery, working from home is the future. But how best to create a stress-free environment in which to put in the hours so that you can continue to earn a crust?
As the space needs to be task-orientated its design will be governed by practical considerations. But multi-purpose can end up being mega-chaos if you're not careful so you want to strike the right balance between domesticity and function.
Studies often double as the guest bedroom so it's more than likely the existing furniture will include a sofa bed or a futon. However, unless you've got sluggish guests who won't stop snoring when you are trying to work, that needn't be a problem. It's good for the brain and for the body to get up, move around and change seat from time to time.
Good, bright lighting is vital. It will be easier to work in and feel less cramped even if space is at a premium. If screen glare from the window causes problems on the computer a blind will keep direct sunlight out, while still allowing daylight in.
Of course, sockets for power, phone and TV points will govern the placement of the furniture.
Storage - and plenty of it - is important along with a desk that won't dominate the room. Calming colours such as greens, soft browns or pale blues all help keep a busy space soothing.
Once these basic needs have been met you can add your own touches and they can be as wild and wacky as you like - because there's no glowering line manager to tell you what you can and can't have on your desk.
