Seven ways to give your home office personality

Here's how to create a comfortable study to suit you and your style - by Tahn Scoon

Home office heaven

However you use your home office - whether you run a home-based business or just a busy household – creating a dedicated workspace keeps paperwork pristine and clutter controlled.

1. Start by getting the light right. Plenty of natural light is essential for comfort and mood – position your desk near a window and keep heavy window treatments to a minimum; light sheers or a diaphanous blind are as dense as you want to go.

CHRIS WARNES

2. Pick the right position

Can you 'borrow' unused space from a landing, hallway or under the stairs? As long as you have a laptop and wireless connection, the fit-out can be as simple as a desk, chair and overhead shelf. Even your desk can be a simple, bespoke construction, with the assistance of trestle legs and a sturdy length of wood.

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Alina Gozina

3. Tidy up

Cables and wires that run rampant are not visually appealing. Try Officeworks for an off-the-shelf cable tidy, or even a reusable Velcro wrap, which can be strapped up under your desk. Visit 4cabling.com.au.

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NICKY RYAN

4. Think pretty

Decorative touches instantly prevent a room from looking too office-y. It's also a chance to stamp your style on the zone, making it truly yours, as well as making it a space you're happy to be.

CHRIS WARNES

5. Be organised

Labelling your filing and storage boxes helps to keep clutter under control and looks pretty to boot. There are masses of pretty labels and stamp kits (try Typo) which you can use to give functional file-holders a unique look.

Brigid Arnott

6. Sit comfortably

While your chair doesn't need to be a standard office model, it should be one that works perfectly for you, with ample back support. When seated, your feet should be flat on the floor with your thighs parallel to it.

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John Downs

7. Pack in the storage

Where possible, add as much storage as possible. Floating shelves are a good option in a small space, while a white-on-white palette will maximise the feeling of space. Hide away the not-so-pretty essentials in drawers, reserving display zones for attractive pieces and personal items that make you feel at home.

Sue Stubbs