Office Gets Back In Working Order

Aug 10 2008 Justin And Colin

Get The Look

START WITH A CLEAN SLATE

Don't incorporate negative elements into your new design - be ruthless and remove all that's bad before starting. Losing piles of rubbish, broken furniture and decades of dust will provide a blank canvas for you to move forward. Remember, efficiency wins hands down so archive older documents and only file current papers close to hand.

CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Rather than leave the homeowner's photos and certificates rotting in boxes, we framed them and hung them over the desk to create an achievement wall - a visible reminder of how fabulous the guy is. Doing this will reward you every time you sit down to work and ensure you're in the right frame of mind to do your best. For great online picture framing, see www.pictureframes.co.uk

THE GREAT SPACE RACE

Paring down in the home office should free up loads of space. Don't over-stuff - try to leave room to think. Too many items on walls, too much congested furniture and piles of messy filing are distracting. Buy trendy file boxes from The Holding Company - at £17 each - in great colours such as brown, orange, grey, white and red. Log on to www.theholdingcompany.co.uk

HOUSE HARMONY

If housing an office in your living room, at least make it harmonious with the rest of your scheme. Here, a faceless office desk has been replaced with a period character piece. We got rid of the big old box computer for a laptop that fits easily into a drawer when not in use. Scanners, printers and other bulky items are stored in a nearby cupboard and accessed using wireless communication.

EXPLORE THE CLASSICS

Create a timeless look by mixing traditional pieces such as the desk with modern items like the chairs. Reproduction classics such as the Corbusier chairs are much more affordable these days so there's no excuse. The chairs cost £499 each from Modern Classics Direct. Visit www.modernclassicsdirect.co.uk

TAKE AN INFORMAL APPROACH

Home offices shouldn't feel institutional so leave room for a comfortable chair to blur boundaries between work and play. Not only will this soften your look, it will also provide a cosy hangout for you to relax and do your most creative thinking. Perfect for de-stressing.