GUEST BLOGGER

By Kalli Georgiakakis

The home office is perhaps the most misunderstood room in a home. Often used as a storage area for paper, old furniture and homeless items it quickly loses its original purpose. Before long, it’s an indoor storage shed.

More often than not, if you work from home, your office should be away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You need a professional environment to entertain clients, hold Skype meetings and conduct your daily business.

This room should make you feel like you are part of the Fortune 500 crowd.
You’re the CEO. Everything happens in this room. It’s the boardroom, accounting department, printing area, creative zone and administration. No matter how big or small the space, all these functions can be accommodated without compromising functionality.

Unlike a corporate cubicle, your home office can be a true reflection of you.  Create a space that inspires. Is that big boxy desk really your style? Or did you buy it because it was a desk?

Well-designed rooms not only function properly, but they encourage their owners to keep them nice and tidy. Because everything has a place, they discourage clutter. As well, on some level, it’s a matter of pride.

You like to have a spot to write and another to type. Perfectly reasonable. A lot of people do. But is that massive L-shaped desk with hutch really your only solution? Maybe you have room for a desk as well as a table and chairs. Computer work at the desk.  Planning and writing at the table. Zones allow for breaks throughout the day.

Other times, you don’t need or want a home office. But you do need a space to do some filing, pay bills, surf the net or complete some light work. Some newer kitchens now boast a small but functional office area. Kitchen cabinetry for storage keeps clutter at a minimum. The desk area ensures there is a place to work other than the kitchen table.

However, what if you don’t want an obvious office? Consider the ‘office in a pantry’ solution. Done right, it sometimes offers more functionality than most home offices. Electricity to plug in the printer and laptop. Multiple shelves, filing and storage below and on the door.

Whatever option you choose, create a home office that you want to spend time in. A room that will rejuvenate your creativity and propel you to bigger and better things.

Until next time, happy decorating!

Kalli Georgiakakis is the owner and principal of multiple award winning Kalli George Interiors. She can be reached at  [email protected] or 416-238-4316. Visit www.kalligeorgeinteriors.com