Working from home can be a rewarding experience, especially when you have a designated space equipped for the job. While a good ergonomic desk and chair are essential, it takes more than well-designed furniture to create the perfect home office. Achieving an atmosphere conducive for work is just as important. Use these tips to design an office that will not only make working from home more pleasant, but more productive too.

Set the Mood

Whether the atmosphere is calm and serene or stimulating and energizing, a home office gives you the chance to create a space suiting your individual style of working. Take the opportunity to experiment with colors, shapes, and design styles to discover the type of environment best for you.

Streamline Functionality

Keep maintenance chores in mind when it comes to choosing furnishings and materials. The last thing you want is to spend your free time cleaning up work messes and mishaps. Think about upkeep for electronics too. Many devices continue to draw power even when they're turned off. Plugging them into a power strip and shutting down with a flick of a switch will help you manage your operating costs.

Light It Up

Nothing drains your energy faster than an office with inadequate lighting. Make the most of available natural light to give your energy levels a boost. Layer the room with ambient as well as task lighting, and to reduce eye strain, ensure light fixtures aren't adding glare to monitors.

Banish Clutter

Productive work takes focus and concentration, so make sure clutter doesn't distract you from the job. Storing work supplies neatly in color-coordinated containers lets you feel more organized and ensures everything you need is at hand. A clutter-free environment is particularly important when you have limited space. Place bric-a-brac and little-used furniture into storage, so you don't feel cramped. The money you'll save on enhanced productivity will be well worth the expenses.