An empty room in your home can easily end up being a place to store your boxes and unused knickknacks, but think about the potential underneath all of the clutter. There are many uses for a spare room, but the most functional has to be the home office. Of course, there are a number of reasons why you might want a home office, so it is best to ask yourself several questions during the planning stage.

"What is the home office for?”

There is no point redecorating and buying stylish home office furniture if you haven’t thought of the reason for your home office. You don’t need to work from home every day in order to justify one though; it can simply be a quiet place to getaway to read your newspaper or check your emails. Knowing what your room will be used for will help you when you come to plan the layout and design.

"How often is it used?”

In the same vein, you should also question how often you will use your room. If you are to be using it as your main workplace, you will need to ensure that your space can handle the demands of any other office. This includes having a fast internet connection and ample phone lines, and perhaps even somewhere to make a cup of coffee!

"Will clients see it?”

Although the room should be catered to your needs, don’t forget about any potential visitors to your home office. A comfortable place to sit is essential, but other minor finishes such as a coat hook and umbrella stand can be a welcoming sight. Clients may be people just like you, but as business comes first it would be sensible to keep your room looking as clean and tidy as possible in order to project a professional atmosphere.

"How should it look?”

How you want your room to look is completely up to you. You may use your home office for arts and crafts, and therefore might like a bright and airy feel. If you want to go completely traditional, you might want dark wooden bookcases and desks mixed with dark and elegant green. If you don’t have a clue, seek the advice of a designer who can help you to transform the room into a studious paradise.