With more of us opting to work from home, a designated office space is high on many wish lists. When you set up your work area, you should consider how you are going to ensure your work time is separate from your home time.

Creating a good workspace should allow you to keep everything in one area. In my own home, I use part of the living room as an office and store my files and papers in a closet allowing me to keep my open work space relatively neat.

So, whether you need a full-time setup or a place to pay the bills, be sure it adds to, not subtracts from, your living space.

Here are 10 ways to make it work.

1. Landing ovation: Stair landing space, often overlooked, is ideal for keeping a work zone separate from the living room. A small desk at the top of the stairs offers a perfect little place to drop your keys and mail. It's also a convenient spot to pay bills, write letters or file papers. Use that little rolltop desk that never fit anywhere else or look for smart, ready-made solutions.

2. Hall order: That unused space under the stairs is perfect for an office if organized properly. Choose a narrow, collapsible table and a folding chair that can be hung on the wall when not in use and won't protrude into your hallway. Pile up lidded storage boxes and hang file folders on the wall to create a storage system. Add a clip-on light to save desk space and keep the area tidy as it will be visible from the front door.

3. High and mighty: Tuck a desk away into an alcove. A ladder desk is perfect, providing plenty of storage space for books and files. Add an office chair with wheels so it can be easily moved out of the way and invest in a large, lidded storage box that will double as a coffee table. For privacy, add a curtain to hide away work without having to clear up.

4. Working wardrobe: Transforming a closet into a compact office space complete with shelves and storage hooks means at the end of the day, you can simply shut up shop and leave work behind. A closet with shelves is your basic requirement, but try to leave enough leg room below desk level so you can sit in comfort. Don't forget a work lamp.

5. Behind closed doors: Squeeze a home office into a built-in cupboard by installing a floor-to-ceiling storage system and desk that can be concealed behind doors. IKEA sells storage cubby units that work well.

6. Divide and hide: If cupboard storage is at capacity, a room dividing system is worth considering. Sectioning off part of a living room with a room height divider means you no longer need to mix business with pleasure.

7. Crammed kitchen drawers: If you're creative, it's possible to utilize an area of your kitchen for work. Invest in a large secondhand or new armoire that provides plenty of storage space. Line shelves with boxes for filing and store smaller items in pots and jars. Your kitchen table can double as a part-time desk.

8. Under the eaves: To use an awkward space under a sloped ceiling, have a carpenter build in your shelves and desk. Or, if you're handy, do it yourself. You can also get shelving cut to your measurements at most building centres.

9. Room at the top: Convert unused loft space into a functional office using adjustable wall-hung shelving units for maximum flexibility.

10. Bedroom office: An office that shares space with a bedroom can be both inspiring and serene. Be sure to create a distinction between the sleeping and working areas. The two should be well-defined, but linked with a shared palette and furniture that harmonizes with both. Keep the office area uncluttered.

Once you've found your perfect spot and before heading out to the stores, take measurements for furniture and accessories. Most in-store designers will be happy to work with you. IKEA offers a free, online office design planner. (Go to www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/rooms_ideas/office/download1.html).

source by http://www.canada.com