Public Servant Lifestyle

How to create a quiet corner in your living room from which to work.

Working from home is becoming an increasingly popular option but few of us have the room in our house for a real home office. Our designers show you how to create a quiet corner in a living room from which to work.

Space may be at a premium, but with clever planning it's possible to adapt part of your living room and create a place for work, rest and play.

Tips

To set up a work area you'll need to organise your space. Dividing a wall with a new stud partition wall will provide two areas that can be used for different purposes. Plan carefully where the wall goes and be sensitive to details like skirting boards.

To separate work space further from living space install a raised floor. Use pallets to raise the area, fit laminate flooring over the top, and finish the edge with skirting board.

Alcoves are also ideal sites for work areas. For an instant solution, use a decorative screen or room divider that hides mess away at the end of the day.

Wall Mounted

A good desk is essential; why not try one on wheels so you can move it about and make your living area more versatile?

To ensure that you have enough light when working, choose directional lights that can be centred on your work or reading area, like these adjustable wall-mounted spotlights.

Have fun...create a focal point above a desk by painting a white circle on the wall and fill it with a favourite decoration, a calendar or a simple paint design.

Finally, give your room a modern edge by fixing plywood panels, painted with wood stain, to the walls.

More information available in Living Space, Ideas, Home Office, DIY, Home Working, Home Computing, Home Improvement