The New Corner Office

It's time to put the "home" in your home office. Do you currently work in a room that's a headset away from your dismal, corporate cubicle? We'd like to help you create a personalized, style savvy work space, instead.

A few simple changes could mean the difference between a room that inspires the same dread a 5 a.m. alarm does and one that brings innovation and efficiency.

Marcus Giannella, interior designer for Robb & Stucky Interiors, offers some insight on how to design your way to a chic home office. "The first thing to consider is how you'll need the space to function," he says. "Which electronic and wireless technology will be used? That usually dictates what furniture pieces you'll need."

Take a look at these easy tips:

DESK

Think of the desk as a dramatic foyer chandelier: It's the office centerpiece. The desk will decide the tone and flow of the entire space. If a classic, cherry wood style comes off too stuffy for your taste, consider a peninsula desk or a modular piece. Keep in mind the desk's use. Could a drafting table serve your needs? Don't count out pieces from other rooms, such as a small, shabby chic wooden table or a steel piece that balances out an otherwise feminine aesthetic.

CHAIR

Giannella calls the office chair a "very personal item." Don't make the mistake of ordering this one via catalog or online. Like your bedroom mattress, you will want to experience it yourself before bringing it home to decide if it meets your comfort needs. Also, don't shy away from a chair that doesn't exactly match your desk style. Mismatching patterns and pricepoints is as acceptable in home decor as it is with fashion.

THE EXTRAS

Carefully edit anything you hang or paint on the wall, decorate your desktop with or put on the floor as a statement. "If you have elements like oil and vinegar, this will be that something that pulls them together," says Giannella. Additionally, items intended strictly for visual appeal will be the same focal point you return to when seeking inspiration. Make sure your selections aren't so loud they distract you, rather than inspire you.

LIGHTING

It's easy to get caught up with the fashion aspect of your newly made over office, but you cannot dismiss the function it serves. Ample lighting is crucial when decorating a home office. If you have a window, consider the time of day you'll occupy the room and position the rest of the furniture accordingly. Window treatments provide one more means of splashing the room with your personal taste, as do lamps and track lighting.

OFFICE SPACE

Not every home has a room specifically intended as an office. If you're converting a spare bedroom, Giannella recommends concealing the features that defeat the traditional home office look. Your obstacle will be the closet, which you can use as storage or as an extension to your work space. Try covering the doors with curtains or removing them entirely and pushing in a credenza. "A closet is a great way to keep the clutter out of the way," says Giannella.