7 steps to turn that extra space in your home into a money-making machine

By Ken Lauher

Spring is a time of renewal and birth. Are your thoughts turning to economic renewal? With the new burst of energy that spring brings — plus longer days to accomplish more! — spring is the perfect time to start a business, enroll in college courses to earn your degree and enhance your earning power, or even ask your boss about telecommuting so you can save time and money at your current job.

For any of these endeavors, a home office that follows Feng Shui principles but, beyond that, is a place where you will love to spend time, will lead you to the greatest success. We all work better in a space that offers us comfort and inspiration and is in alignment with our goals.

One of the benefits to a home office is you don’t have any of the constraints of an office building — harsh overhead florescent lighting, uncomfortable chairs, or a lack of space you can decorate as your own.

With this in mind, it makes sense to decorate your home office as you would any other space in your home — so that it reflects your goals and purpose, and matches the “themes” (whether that is a color or a time period that ties your whole house or apartment together) of the rest of your space. I’ve put together a list of seven aspects of your home office you may not have considered, and offered some tips to make the space happy, comfortable, and the ultimate environment for productivity.

1 – The chair’s the key – I talked about a good Feng Shui office chair on my blog, but there’s even more to the perfect chair for your home office. Consider breaking a few design rules and using a comfortable chair you might not normally find in an office setting, but matches the design statements set in the rest of your home. Or splurge and go for a distinctive designer chair — something your boss probably wouldn’t provide you with unless you’re a C-level executive (and maybe not even then.) Just make sure it still has a solid back and follows other Feng Shui principles for success.

2 – Anything goes for your desk – Offices have pretty rigid requirements as to what constitutes “a desk.” But you can get creative in your home, choosing an ultra-modern design or choosing an antique writing desk to place your tablet or laptop. Feng Shui principles state, simply, that a desk should have a solid surface, such as wood (not glass), and rounded edges are best to eliminate “killing chi,” but those parameters leave a lot of ways to get imaginative. Again, match the design aesthetic in the rest of your home for a space that makes you truly comfortable.

3 – Choose carpet – Whether it’s a plush throw rug or comfy wall-to-wall carpeting (spring for the best padding you can afford), a carpeted office space will feel better on your feet, help dampen sound (so the kids playing in the next room won’t distract you as much), and give your home office a home-y feel. Remember, the goal when you’re working from home is to feel as if you’re not really working. That means choosing a pursuit you love, and surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good about spending time in your office.

4 – Light it up! – Natural lighting is best, so if you can place your home office in an area with windows, that’s great. Open the blinds or curtains during the day; you’ll save money on lighting and improve your mood. Pay attention to where you position your computer monitor to avoid glare. If natural lighting is impossible, choose soft, natural light bulbs with task lighting (such as for reading or at your desk), rather than overhead lighting, is best.

5 – Open the door to your dogs or cats. – Most offices have a strict “no pets” policy, but working from home gives you the freedom to let your dog nap at your feet or let your cat sit on your lap as you work. Pets bring positive chi into a room, help relax you, and give your home office space that “homey” vibe. If your pets don’t bother you while you work, why not let them stay?

6. Don’t forget the walls. – Office cubicles don’t leave a lot of opportunity for decorating. Instead of relegating family photos to your desk as you might in an office setting, you can really create an inspirational space in your home office with family photos, mementos of trips, or a vision board that helps keep your desired end result in plain sight.

7. Bring the outdoors in. – It’s spring! Open that office window to let the smells (and sounds) of the season in, as long as they don’t cause a distraction. Considering hanging a bird feeder outside near your window so you can take a break and watch the wildlife. Also remember to bring the outdoors in with live plants and fresh flowers…. another benefit you may not enjoy in an office due to co-workers’ allergies or a lack of natural light.

6 – Crank up the music. – Some people work better with music, and it’s your office, so why not crank up your favorite Internet radio station while you work or choose your most inspirational iTunes playlist? Music may also help drown out background noise and distractions — one of the biggest challenges for people who work from home.

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7 – Surround yourself with scents you love. – Creating an environment you love in your home office is not just about how your space looks. A positive atmosphere exhilarates all the senses. Co-workers may find scented candles or Himalayan incense offensive, but if you like gentle scents while you work, light some. You can also choose an aroma therapy diffuser, or just dot some scented oils on a tissue that you keep near your desk. Rosemary and Bay Laurel are known to enhance learning, while citrus scents and mint help improve focus. Studies also show that information learned while you’re smelling pleasant odors will be retained better.

Remember, the most important thing about a home office is that you feel comfortable there. It should fit in as a part of your home but, if possible, be a distinctly separate space where you can focus on achieving your goals.

Is your home office in need of a spring makeover?

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About Ken – One of America’s premier Feng Shui consultants, Ken Lauher helps thousands of people achieve their goals through Feng Shui. He can help you become a money magnet, attract passionate love, jump-start your career and get unstuck. Visit www.kenlauher.com to get your FREE Feng Shui guide and discover the ancient secrets that can help you unlock your true potential.