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Make home your office

Design Style
Last Updated 07 February 2013, 15:26 IST

Dreaming of owning an office and need space? That too in Delhi? It is tough, if not near impossible (the cost of commercial real  estate being prohibitive) to rent an office space in the City. But it is not only the cost, even space crunch adds to the issue. But yes, what you do have is a home and surely it’s one of the best places to start.

Also, it is a plus point if you are an architect, doctor, lawyer or a CA because then you can practice from home. The trend nowadays shows that many designers - in jewellery or fashion are also working from home and this trend is in and here to stay. For a working professional woman too, it’s a boon as it will be a bonus managing work along with home chores and kids too.

Ritin Gulati, a Delhi-based interior designer and architect, gives a few vital tips for making your office at home. “The room should be an efficient space with minimum external noise, minimum equipment. For less the clutter, the better organised a space. Walking spaces should be comfortable and the space should not coincide with your personal life and home working. Always remember it is a space for work and not just another place to complete personal stuff.”

The most important part of an office is the chair. Having a comfortable desk chair can cost a lot more than a cheap chair but your health and comfort are worth the expense. Secondly, have a separate sitting area where you can sit away from the desk, such as a small sofa for times when you are not working on the computer as this will give you a break from the desk. Thirdly, get plenty of light and get organised. It is important to have an organised office. If your surroundings are disorganised, it is likely to have an effect on your thoughts too.

Another interior designer, Dimple Kohli of Qboid Design House, too some workable ideas to make a SOHO. “First of all, it is very important to know what kind of work one wants to do, depending on the nature of the work that area is set up. Like for example, if your work is done through telephone then you can even use your bedroom for calling your clients.” She adds, “One can use various areas in a home for office purpose, like the area under a staircase or the study area too. One can also use the garage and convert it into a mini-office if you have a few employees because many don’t like employees to enter their personal space, i.e, homes.”

As for furniture, one should go for multi-purpose pieces because a home office will have a space crunch. Like folding chairs and overhead cabinets, small collapsible coffee tables, and foldable work stations – if necessary.

Part of making a home office comfortable involves decorating it in a way that inspires you and encourages creativity. Remember to keep a comfortable temperature. Trying to work in an environment that is too hot or too cold is not a good idea. Being comfortable with the temperature will help you to be able to stay productive for longer periods of time.

So go on - get down to work to begin working from home.

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(Published 07 February 2013, 15:22 IST)

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