Storage is important in a family office where multiple people will be using computers and supplies.

For families with kids, the kitchen can become a catch-all place — meals, homework, crafts, games, you name it. Not only does that create a lot of clutter, it doesn’t allow anyone to focus, especially when you are trying to cook, one kid is bouncing a ball and another is attempting to study math.

That’s why a lot of our clients are turning to the family office concept. While many homes include an office for adults, few have a dedicated place for family workspace. But family home offices are easy to create — here are a few tips.

* Select a place in your home that is at least partially closed off from the rest of the hubbub. An extra bedroom is perfect.

* Think about how many workspaces you will need for everyone. A corner desk allows you to add two smaller desks to either side of it, for example, accommodating three people at once.

* In addition to desk chairs, include comfortable seating such as a chair or small sofa where the kids can read while you’re checking email or where you can curl up while overseeing their homework.

A comfy chair and plenty of light make this a welcoming family office.

* Since this is a space where you are likely to plan family events, menus and other activities, add a bulletin board and a large calendar. White boards are also handy for you and the kids to write messages and reminders.

* Store markers, pens and pencils in colorful jars. A plastic caddy can hold scissors, tape and glue. Look for cute yet functional storage pieces to give the room energy.

* If your space is large enough, add bookcases and a project table with child-height stools.

* Include a few green plants for a touch of the outdoors.

The best office is a warm and inviting place that provides a terrific work environment. When you create a family office in a designated space, your kitchen will re-gain its original purpose, and you will feel more organized. My family loves our office — I’m sure yours will too.

Please contact us at Style on a Shoestring if we can help with providing a family office of for any of your home design needs.

Bulletin boards covered in matching fabric give this office a coordinated feel.

If you’re like most people, you probably want an organized, appealing office space, whether that’s in your home or at your business location. Studies have shown that we are much more productive when we work in a clean and welcoming environment, so it makes sense to spruce up your office if you want to be more achieving.

The first thing we do at Style when we’re redecorating or remodeling an office is empty it completely, which gives us a clean slate from which to work. Then we add a fresh coat of paint in a color the client finds stimulating. Your home office doesn’t necessarily need to coordinate with the rest of your home if it is a separate room, so feel free to think outside the box on office color—show your passion! You might just find work a little easier if you’re drawn to the space.

After painting, we begin reintroducing items to the room, starting with the desk and other furniture, such as bookcases and chairs. Just like with the wall color, use your imagination with furnishings. For example, try a bright or patterned upholstery for your desk chair. Bring in a vase or pot with flowers to add some color punch. Add a decorative wall clock and framed pictures of family or favorite vacations, or other inspirational art.

Also consider how to bring your personality into the space. For example, I designed an office for a photographer that included a collection of old-fashioned cameras for visual appeal. If you have limited wall space, perhaps just adding your initial or painting a favorite saying on a wall would make the office feel more “yours.”

Many people like a large bulletin board in their office. Rather than the traditional (and boring) framed boards, try covering cork with a fabric that matches your chair or another accent piece for an updated and coordinated approach.

Remember how I said we take everything out of the office? Well, we rarely put everything back in it. Instead, we call on our amazing de-clutterer, Carol Sandborn, who specializes in organizing homes and offices. We also bring in baskets, boxes or other containers to arrange and store files, supplies and all of those other things that seem to accumulate in offices. When we bring in the computer, we de-cord as much as possible, either upgrading to wireless computer components or tucking cords into convenient caddies.

A bright wall color like this lime green can be invigorating in a home office.

An office should be an individual room that provokes creativity and action. With just a few changes, you can have a home office that makes you want to work!

Please contact us at Style on a Shoestring if we can help with rethinking your office or any of your design needs.

1. Remove everything from your desk. Place your phone on your left if you’re right handed and on the right if you’re left handed. Display personal items elsewhere.

2. Keep a spiral notebook by the phone for messages and phone notes. Write your voice mail messages in it and delete them from the system. Jot down reference notes before you make a call to reduce phone time.

3. Open your planner or turn on your PDA and place it on your desk. Use it to keep track of to-dos, follow-ups and ideas.

4. Keep office supplies in one drawer only. Buy a dozen of your favorite, inexpensive pens and keep them in a cutlery tray in the drawer. Keep back-up supplies in a plastic storage container with drawers.

5. Sort through your desk files. Keep in your desk drawers only files you use weekly or those that are personal or confidential.

6. Place your computer at a 90 degree angle to your desk. Keep your desk work surface clear of everything except essentials and your current project.

7. Set up a system for active files either in a step file sorter on your desk or in your file drawer. Sort your paperwork into it: Do, Consider, Awaiting Answer, File, Hold, Read and Refer.

8. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to keep your desk organized. Place tomorrow’s top priority project in the center of your desk. You’re ready for anything.

 

You’d probably be surprised to know that interior-decorating your office space can be just as important as designing the rest of your house, maybe even more important. A well laid out office space can improve your productivity and your happiness.

 Your home office should be some place where you will have privacy. A spare bedroom or an out of the way alcove will work great. You still want to be part of the house, but you also need your privacy for those phone calls and business client visits.

Natural lighting also should be a significant part of your design plan. A window gives you something to look at when you get stressed out and some fresh air when you feel cramped. Speaking of lighting, try to avoid glaring overhead lights like you find in a regular office. Go for more diffused lighting. A good lamp may be all you need.

 You shouldn’t paint your office in drab gray or black nor should it be too gaudy. You want your new office to be a pleasant and comfortable place to be.Neutral colors work best. But, if you really want to add some personality to your walls, add artwork.

Plants also are wonderful additions to home offices. They, too, will add color and personality to your space. When they bloom, it’s like adding a whole different element to the room.

While you may not think of storage as an “design element”, it’s actually a very critical part of your home-office design plan. Storage can be anything: a built-in wall unit, unique shelving or even something your own creation. Be artistic. It’s your space.  Make sure you do account for storage. A cluttered desk and work area can be distracting. Another item that can greatly reduce clutter is a multifuction printer. As a home office worker, you have necessities: printer, fax and copier. Yet, these can come in one neat package.