With the increase in self-employed freelancers and more opportunities for working remotely from major companies, you may find yourself needing to create a home office in the near future. If you did not plan for this when you bought your home, you may not have a spare bedroom that can be converted into an office. If you have to carve out an office space in a home with an open floor plan, there are several things that you should consider. 

Creating a Division

Creating either a physical or visual division between your home office space and the rest of your living area can allow you to concentrate more easily while you are working and set work aside when you are done at the end of the day. It can also make it easier to calculate home office space when making tax deductions at the end of the year. While you may not be ready to construct a separate study, there are several ways to divide your office space without making large permanent changes to your home. 

• Folding dividers. These can be easily put up when you need a bit more privacy and stored when you need more living space. 
• Curtains. Like folding dividers, these can be pulled into place or opened based on your needs. 
• A Bookcase. A large bookcase can provide a more solid divider for your office space, as well as a wall to place your office desk against. 
• Different Color Scheme. Selecting a different but complementary color scheme for your office visually separates it from the rest of your living area. This can be done with furniture, a throw rug, and decorations. 

Integrating Into the Overall Look 

While creating a separate space is important, it is also important that it fits with the overall design of your home. For this reason, your large furniture pieces, such as a desk and cabinets, should match the furniture choices in the main section of the room. Division should only be created by accent pieces such as a desk chair or artwork. If your overall home is modern, avoid traditional furniture for your office. Similarly, if your overall home has a cozy feel, try to avoid harsh lines in your office area that will break up this feeling. 

Prioritizing Functionality 

While your home office should look good, it should also be a functional space the helps you be productive. You should follow the basics of ergonomics by investing in a high-quality work desk and an office chair. You should also consider the layout of your office in relation to the rest of your home to make sure everything you need is within reach. For instance, if your home office is far away from the kitchen area, you may want to install a small water dispenser, coffee pot, or electric tea kettle in your office area. 

Contact a company like Desks, Inc. for more information on office furniture options you might like to integrate into your home.

Converting Space 

If you have an open layout but not a lot of space in your home, you may need to look into various pieces of convertible furniture to maximize your space. For example, some desks can convert into dining tables or be hidden away when you are not working on them. Even a choice such as a roll-top or secretary desk can hide your work clutter when you are not using it, making your space seem larger. However, when choosing convertible furniture, make sure they have features that you will actually use on a daily basis. If you will never put your desk away, there is little point to getting a convertible model. 

Working at home can be both a challenge and a wonderful experience. Designing an ideal work space will help remove the challenges and make working from home more comfortable and easier.