You don’t have to hire a professional interior designer to create a professional home office environment. There are many inexpensive ways to beautify your space. It only takes a bit of imagination and creativity.
One of the easiest ways to decorate a home office on a budget is through the use of used items. Make a visit to your local thrift store for great deals on desks, chairs, hutches, armoires, shelving and storage units. Check your local newspaper for yard or estate sales or attend a public auction. You might be surprised at the items you can pick up for next to nothing!
Chances are good that you already own many items which can be used to decorate your home office. If you have unused picture frames, consider using a stencil to paint an attractive design on them. Use a small pitcher as a pencil holder for your desk. Spruce up an ugly lampshade by adding decorations such as colorful fringe or elegant crystals.
Art work is a welcome addition to any home office. It’s easy to create your own artwork using photographs you have taken. For just a few dollars you can have a photo enlarged to fit the size of your frames. If you own a color printer, you can purchase photo paper at most office supply stores, and print your own photos. The only drawback is that you will be restricted on the size you can print.
If you don’t have any photographs of your own you can easily find bargain artwork in a number of places. The Internet offers an abundance of bargain art work and posters. You can also find art bargains at many retail stores, craft and hobby stores, and some bookstores.
Choose art that reflects your personality and inspires you. Many decorators use “motivational” prints in commercial offices. These prints include words of encouragement and inspirational quotes for the business person. Avoid using art work that depicts any type of fighting, such as wild animals confronting one another or warriors yielding swords. According to feng shui principles, this type of art work could lead to chronic fighting in your business dealings.
Sculptures or knick knacks can make the home office feel inviting and homey. Avoid using too many, as it will make the room feel cluttered. Instead, select two or three pieces and place them in highly visible locations or display them in cases attached to the wall. Look for a small curio cabinet at yard sales or auctions as a way to display art work, trophies and other prized possessions.
Whenever possible include live plants in your home office setting. Live plants are symbolic of growth and prosperity, so if a plant begins to wilt, tend to it immediately. If a plant dies, promptly remove it and replace it with a healthy plant. Never use cactus or plants with spiky leaves. Instead look for plants that have rounded edges and grow in an upward manner, such as a jade plant.
A popular home office decorating idea is the use of a water feature. Flowing water is symbolic of wealth and the gentle sound of flowing water is calming and relaxing. Water features are available in many styles, sizes and colors. Some can be hung on the wall, while others are placed on the floor or desk top. When using a water feature, be certain to keep the water clean at all times, otherwise fungi and bacteria can grow.
You can easily construct a water fountain by using a ceramic, porcelain, or terra cotta container. Add a small aquarium pump, some decorative rocks and a few aquarium plants. In less than 20 minutes you can create a beautiful and relaxing water fountain that will bring you years of enjoyment.
Aquariums are an excellent addition to any home office. If you do not have space for a full size aquarium, use a smaller desktop aquarium instead. At the very least, place a goldfish bowl with one or more fish, on the left side of your desk as a symbol of prosperity.
Another popular practice in home interior design is the use of feng shui. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art that dates back some 2,000 years. It is based on the scientific basis of energy flow. There are four different types of feng shui, with Black Hat Sect being the most common form practiced in the United States.
Feng shui uses colors, textures, and arrangement to promote positive outcomes. There are many books available on the topic of feng shui. Check your local library or search for feng shui tips on-line. When using feng shui, it’s recommended that you study and practice one type, instead of using techniques from each method.
You can find many great home office decorating tips in magazines and on the Internet. You may want to check out interior decorating books from the library or visit home decorating centers to get ideas. Additionally, there are several home decorating shows on television, which provide step-by-step directions for room makeovers, and provide tips for using items you already own.
Designing a home office should be a fun and rewarding experience. It should reflect your personality and the personality of your business. You can create a beautiful space on a shoestring budget if you take time to do some research and venture out to find treasures in unusual places.
Reference:
- HGTV – www.hgtv.com
