Whether your home office consists of a spacious basement suite or a miniscule bedroom corner, making the best of your space is so important. Location, furniture placement, and ambience will impact the ease and enjoyability with which you function.

First, identify your home office location. Will you be working when others are at home? If noise and distractions are a concern, consider finding the most secluded spot in your home. Any spare room " ? bedroom, attic, or basement " ? where you can shut the door is great. If you don't have an entire room to work with, get creative. If you can give up a closet, consider emptying one and installing a simple work surface inside. Add shelving above for supplies and reference materials. Pull up a desk chair, and voila, instant mini office! When the work day is done, simply shut the closet door and the office disappears. If you can't give up the closet space, try sectioning off a corner of any room with a fold-out decorative screen.

Next, arrange your office furniture carefully. Consider whether you'll need lots of surface space and where you plan to put your desk and computer. Other items, such as filing drawers and book cases, can be placed next. Make sure to have good lighting, both indirect and direct.

And finally, take the time to add a little "you"? to the room. Paint the walls a color you love. Add artwork " ? whether expensive originals or a child's framed finger paintings. And add a little greenery in the form of a potted plant or fresh flowers. Now it feels like home (office)!

Copyright 2005 Time to Organize. All rights reserved.