Bedroom Decorating: Sharing Space with the Home Office

Americans are making an exodus like move from the office back to the home. This is a wonderful move as it creates more family time, saves a fortune in gas, and saves money for the employer as well.

Unfortunately, working from home also results in an invasion of the bedroom. The room that was once used to relax and get away from the stresses of work, now doubles as the office away from the office. So how does one unwind and relax in their work cubicle?

Here are my tips for creating a productive work environment in your relaxing workspace:

Create a separate room in your bedroom for your home office.

If your bedroom is large like mine (over the kitchen and garage) then you can create a separate room in your bedroom for your home office. Look at the architecture of the room and your current furniture layout and traffic patterns. Ask yourself; is there an area of the room I do not use? If so then you have found the space for your home office. Purchase a room divider so you do not have to see the office space from your bed or lounge chairs.

Use office cabinetry with doors that will close to conceal the office in your bedroom.

This cabinetry can be a simple as a corner computer armoire, or as elaborate as a full wall of built in cabinetry. If you will have a great deal of supplies at home, you may want to call in a company like California Closets to help them maximize your space behind beautiful wood doors.

When it is time to go to bed in your bedroom/ home office.

When your work is done, it is done. There comes a time when you need to separate yourself from the work and stresses of the day. This cannot be done with your work in plain sight. Stack up, and organize your work and to-do list for tomorrow. Turn off your office phone line, and put your work behind closed doors or your room divider. Call it a night.

Next, take an extra step or two into making your room more relaxing. Light candles, spray fabric freshener, fluff up your pillows and take a relaxing bath. It is time for rest and relaxation. Do not, I repeat, do not, take any work to bed.