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Creating a professional looking home office doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. One of the great things about modern office style is that it's sleek, simple, and clean. Acheiving this look can also be accomplished easily without spending all the profit that you worked so hard to earn. Here are a few tips:

Tip 1: PAINT

Paint can transform any room, especially a home office. Choose a color that fits the personality of your business. If you are an architect or financial consultant an attractive neutral hue may be best. If you're a photographer or advertising specialist a bright and energetic color might be just for you. Color will make a strong first impression so choose wisely and enjoy the results. Paint is a cheap fix for a dull and depressing office.

Tip 2: FURNITURE

One of the great things about modern offices is the simplicity of the furniture. Gone are the overwhelming dark wood desks and filing cabinets. They have been replaced by streamlined new designs that also fit quite well with smaller budgets. Places like IKEA cater to this type of office style and offer some of the best prices you'll find.

Tip 3: STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION

Although it might not seem like it, organizing your office and creating adequate and effective storage does fall under the scope of decorating. No matter how well you decorate with paint and furniture all will be lost if your home office is messy and unorganized. Making sure everything has a place is the most important part of staying organized. If you have photos, blueprints, or samples you can use colored canvas boxes for storing these items, also adding a decorative touch to your home office space. Discount stores like Walmart and Target are great places to find affordable storage solutions.

Tip 4: LIGTHING

Lighting can make or break any room and a home office is no exception. Mixing multiple types of lights in different places not only creates a warm and comfortable feel in the room, it also is the healthiest lighting set up for your eyes. There should be overhead lighting elements mixed with some indirect lighting and table lamps. An elegant table lamp can also add a touch of class and elegance to your home office. Natural light from windows can also be enhanced by simple and sheer window coverings. Think of rice paper covered windows.

Tip 5: ACCENTS

You can accent your home office with live plants, artwork, and prominently displayed credentials such as a degree or certificate. These accents add personal touches to the space. Live plants can help energize an otherwise dreary office and artwork can add a splash of excitement to even the most boring offices. Don't over do it, but a few accents can go along way toward making your home office stand out. Many times you can find artwork, plants, and other decorative items around your house making this tip extremely affordable. Another money saving idea would be showing off your work - photographs, blueprints, and even reports and proposals can be arranged and displayed in an artful and attractive manner.

All of these tips can really spice up your home office without breaking the bank. Remember to shop around and buy items when they're on sale. You can also find great deals on gently used items on Ebay.com or Craig list.org. Remember, a sharply decorated office can lift your level of productivity by being a place you enjoy going to work.

Learn more about this author, Dale G. Holmes.
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