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Design Center - Home Office

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Home Office: Family Friendly Computer Stations

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It's no surprise that computers have affected all of our daily lives in the way we communicate, handle our finances, do homework, keep up with daily events, and much, much more. While most of us have adapted to the computer age, we haven't been as quick to adapt our furnishings to accommodate this new focal point in our homes.

While most family members have a need or desire to use the computer, our computer stations are not very user-friendly for the entire family. The truth is that not every family has the space in their homes to dedicate an entire room as a home office, but almost everyone needs some kind of space that is a center for a home computer, bills, receipts, mail and other important paperwork. For some, that spot is in the kitchen; for others, it is the bedroom or the dining room.

So how can you create a workstation that is designed to work just as well for Mom as for little Billy? The key is to get organized! No, that doesn't mean you have to change everything about the way you work or use your desk (the vast majority of us let things pile up and hope to have a day when we can sort out the mess). But it does mean having separate areas for each family member's belongings so everyone has equal use of the space. Here are a few ideas of how to make a family workstation work well.

1. Invest in adequate furniture. Some people buy a cheap, small desk in hopes of making the desk less obtrusive in the room. However, a well-made, taller piece with shelves and storage is often a better purchase because of the versatility it offers. Not only should you have space for your computer hardware and peripheral equipment, but you should have space for each family member to store their work or papers.

A wide variety of selections are available in all price ranges, from full-size desks, to office armoires to smaller writing tables that are great for laptops. You may want to start simply with a desk and a chair, and later add pieces as your budget allows, such as a hutch or a coordinating bookshelf. Don't forget to add lighting though - invest in a good lamp that will help you and your family members perform various tasks at the workstation without straining the eyes.

2. Give everyone a space. One of the easiest ways to help keep your family workstation clean and organized is to assign each family member a basket, large enough to hold full-size papers or magazines. Baskets can be stored right on top of the desk or on a nearby shelf and can help your piles of papers look neat and tidy - while keeping them handy at the same time. Mom has one basket to put the mail, bills, coupons and photos in. Dad has one for his work papers, calendar, Blackberry, and sports magazines, and little Billy has his own basket for homework, his iPod, favorite CDs, and Webkinz codes.

When one family member is using the workstation, he can easily get to his or her things in one place, and just as easily put them away when he or she is finished. No sorting. No filing. Just keep your things in your own basket. If you basket gets full, it's time to dump some things or start putting some things away. It's an easy system that can work well regardless of the family member's age or tidiness habits.

3. Conceal cables and wires. Fold mailing labels back on themselves around each cord and label the wire. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components to each other, as well as the cord to the electric supply. Then bundle like wires together to give you easy access to the cords but also cut down on clutter behind your desk and on the floor.

4. Get an adjustable chair. For every family member to use the computer or desk space comfortably, invest in a good chair that is easily adjustable for different height requirements. Teach children how to raise the chair to the proper height so that they don't have to strain their eyes to see the screen or their arms to reach things on top of the desk. A good chair that helps kids use the workstation appropriately will also make them less likely to hurt themselves by standing on the chair to reach things just out of their grasp.

The bottom line is simply that a great family workstation should work well for all members of the family. By implementing a few rules and some simple solutions, your family computer station can be a fun and functional addition to your home

Home Office: Organizing your Home Office Space

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Not every family has the space in their homes to dedicate an entire room as a home office, but almost everyone needs some kind of space that is a center for a home computer, bills, receipts, mail and other important paperwork. Sometimes that space is in the a spare bedroom, the dining room, or even the kitchen. Regardless of where your "home office" space is, keeping it organized is often a challenge because most of us let those things pile up, waiting for that magical moment when we "have time" to clean it up.

It'd be great if we all had color-coded folders neatly aligned and hidden in drawers. But the reality is that most of us just want something that is convenient. Here are a few suggestions to keeping your office space - big or small - organized and easy to maintain.

1. Invest in adequate furniture. Some people buy a cheap, small desk in hopes of making the desk less obtrusive in the room. However, a well-made, taller piece with shelves and storage is often a better purchase because of the versatility it offers. Not only should you have space for your computer hardware and peripheral equipment, but you should have space for reference materials, filing space, supplies and paper.

A wide variety of selections are available in all price ranges. You may want to start simply with a desk, chair and lamp, and later add pieces as your budget allows. Most home office manufacturers offer multiple pieces within collections and you can build your home office configuration one piece at a time. Also consider an office armoire that simply closes up, providing an attractive alternative that offers no clue as to the amazing functionality hidden within.

2. Focus your office space into activity areas:

· The Work Center, which includes a clear workspace, the computer and frequently-used office products. This space should include anything that needs to be acted on immediately, such as bills to pay and messages to return. Keep these things separate from the other mail and paperwork that you don't need to act on but want to keep.

· The Reference Center, which includes binders, manuals, dictionary and professional books and materials. This space includes those things that are not urgent, but need to be saved, such as bank statements, newspaper clippings, receipts, correspondences, etc.

· The Supply Center, which contains office and paper supplies. This doesn't have to be in your desk, per se. Fax and computer paper, extra pens, file folders and the like can be put in a closet across the room if you need more storage space for folders and other paperwork.

3. Attack and sort the paperwork. Pre-sort the mail at least into its correct section of the desk (work center or reference center). Use a variety of containers such as baskets to serve as separate "catching places" for the mail, notes, and office supplies, paper clips and pens. Booklets, magazines, and catalogs can stack up on a desk in a hurry - buy a few magazine boxes to store the ones you want to keep.

4. Conceal cables and wires. Fold mailing labels back on themselves around each cord and label the wire. Don't forget to label the cords that connect different components to each other, as well as the cord to the electric supply. Then bundle like wires together to cut down on cord clutter behind your desk and on the floor.

5. Invest in a good chair! Remember that a comfortable desk chair could be one of the most important pieces you select. The proper chair not only improves your comfort, but it also helps reduce fatigue, ensuring optimal functioning as you work, play games or surf the Internet.

6. Decorate your space. Make it attractive and pleasing with a selection of artwork, accessories and/or collectibles appropriate for you and your family. Don't forget to add a nice lamp for good task lighting while you're sitting at the desk. Choose a few fun items and/or photos that show off your style - having some decorative items that you want to show off will help take up some of the space that would otherwise collect clutter.


The key to getting better organized is to start with one small step and then take others one at a time, even if it's just 15 minutes at a time. Once you start breaking down the big piles of paper, then each smaller pile becomes less intimidating and more manageable. Once you've started, stick with it. Getting organized is the first step - persistence and follow-through will keep it that way!

Home Office: Do Your HOMEwork

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Like millions of Americans, you're bringing your office home. Now that you've mastered the hi-tech world of home computers, it's time to get that monitor off the kitchen table and those files out of the laundry basket. Luckily, you don't have to face the home office dilemma alone. Regardless of the size of your workspace, our member stores have a vast assortment of home office products that are both functional and beautiful. Working from home has its advantages, no dress code and no commute, but the first step is designing and organizing a home office that works for you.

When it comes to creating a home office, commercial-looking pieces aren't your only option. There are plenty of fine furnishings that can provide comfortable workspaces too. If you're a part-timer who's short on space, consider a simple writing or secretary desk. Whether your style preference is clean and contemporary or more fanciful French, a writing desk can easily serve many functions. A delicately scaled piece can tuck neatly into a corner of a room or be placed diagonally in a corner for asymmetric drama.

If space is a consideration, consider one of today's attractive office armoires. Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, these pieces open their doors to reveal writing surfaces, as well as plenty of specially sized niches for computers and other must-haves. When you're through working for the day, you can close the doors as you would in any other office. Armoires also work well in extra rooms with a sleeper sofa to provide both office space and extra sleeping accommodations for guests.

If you're the full-time traditionalist, there's perhaps no better option than the full-fledged executive desk. This age old favorite is taking on a few new twists. Though given the same library look, today's versions are more apt to accommodate up-to-date equipment.

Careful planning is the key to having a flexible, efficient and multipurpose setup. After all, the quality of your work may depend on it!

Choosing an Area for Your Office

Think about the following when searching for an area to suit your needs:

· How much time will you spend in the office? Full-time businesses require a dedicated office area designed for comfort and function.

· What type of work will you be doing? An interior designer, for example, needs a lot of flat work area to spread out plans and books. On the other hand, a web designer needs much less desk space.

· Will the office center around the computer system? Equip the area to handle a computer desk or table.

· Will customers or vendors be visiting you? If so, you need a door with direct access to the outside to avoid taking visitors on an unsolicited tour of your home.

· How much privacy will you need? Less outside disturbance equals more productivity.

· Can the area be closed off by doors, screens or a curtain that can be tied back? Being able to close off your office from other parts of the house helps to separate your business from your personal life.

Lighting Your Home Office

Pay careful attention to the lighting in your office. Poor lighting can cause headaches, double vision and fatigue. When planning your office lighting, remember these simple but important guidelines:

· The home office needs a good general light source. If you spend eight hours a day in your office, you will want light that is long lasting and energy-efficient. A smart choice would be to use color-improved warm fluorescents in the ceiling fixture. Warm fluorescents reduce the bluish cast associated with fluorescent lighting. Halogen bulbs are also cost-effective and render colors well.

· Light the wall behind the computer to reduce eyestrain. Place light sources beside or above (never in front of) the terminal. The light needs to be at least the height of the monitor. To avoid glare, position the computer screen away from windows or other light sources. If that is not possible, use blinds or curtains to control the light.

· A desk lamp with adjustable arms and a three-way bulb may prove practical. You can position the light where you need it and you can adjust the level of the light to suit the particular task. Place the lamp to your left if you are right-handed and to your right if you are left-handed. The bulbs in the task lighting for desk work or reading shine about three times brighter than bulbs in the rest of the room.

· If your home office includes a comfortable chair for reading, use a floor lamp with a three-way bulb to provide an appropriate level of light.

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