Set up your office at home

Whether you use your home office for paying the bills or running a company, and whether it moonlights as a guest bedroom or occupies its own self-contained space, you'll need it to work hard for its living.

Colour your work life

A home office doesn't have to be serious even if your work is. The idea is to create a space that puts you in the mood for work, so make sure your decor is inviting and personal. Blue is generally considered to be the most mentally stimulating colour (and it works for walls), but any light, bright scheme fits the bill.

Sit comfortably

Ergonomically speaking, the most important element is the chair, which should be fully adjustable to support the arms, reduce strain on the neck and shoulders and keep pressure off the thighs. Fulltime telecommuters are advised to consult a professional office supplier or at least opt for a quality-controlled range.

Think big

Choose a desk large enough to support your computer, fax machine, copier and printer, and install a slide-out keyboard holder. Position your mouse so that it's easily accessible, and provide supportive cushioning for your wrists.

Make light work of it

Select fuss-free, pull-down blinds that allow you to control the flow of light and, to reduce eyestrain, have lighting installed over your reading area, over the computer, and behind your head. Place the computer a comfortable distance from your chair, so that you don't need to squint or use reading glasses to read the screen.

Organise your space

Have shelving installed behind your desk, so books and supplies will be easy to reach and, identify a space for printer paper, computer program manuals, back-up discs and reference books. Sort the mail in the same place every day and have the telephone within arm's reach.

Be ruthless

Remember that clutter is distracting and reduces efficiency. Sort through your supplies and get rid of anything you don't need; then splash out on task-specific storage (including trays, boxes, bins and magazine files).

Think state of the art

Form is finally catching up with function - you only have to look at the latest iMac to see that hardware manufacturers are getting wise to the game. So invest in task-specific office accessories; they now combine high-tech prowess with high style.

Coordinate effectively

For a clean, modern look, colour-coordinate everything down to the last mouse pad. And unless you really want that time-worn gentleman's study feel, think chrome and plastic rather than leather and wood.

Factor in the feng shui

Have a separate outside entrance to your home office if possible, if not house it in a room near the front or back door. Sit with your back to a wall that displays an Earth element, such as a picture of a mountain. The next best position is angled away from a doorway or facing a wall featuring a Water element, such as a fish or a picture of lake.

Decorate to attract wealth

Place objects on your desk that symbolise the five elements. In the corner of the room facing east, place either a green, smooth-leaved plant, a symbol or picture of red fish, a red envelope containing several coins, three Chinese coins tied with a red ribbon, a pearl or anything spherical. These objects symbolise success.