Organization is the one aspect of any study area or home office that everyone agrees is crucial. The size of your work area influences the general layout, as does the number of activities you intend to pursue. You may want more than one work surface: one for reading and writing, and one for typing. Placed at right angles and possibly at different levels (lower for typing) they can make an efficient work area. The general principle for organizing any study area is to arrange your equipment and supplies in the order of use. Throughout this chapter you’ll find excellent ideas for efficient organization .

Just a word about home offices: tax laws have changed recently. It is not easy to claim a home office as a tax deduction.

Bookshelves soar to ceiling

Part of an extensive family retreat this library features an antique desk positioned like a command post in front of bookshelves. Besides a desk lamp, the area is lighted y a skylight and sliding glass doors; spotlight focus on art objects. This all is the result of a planned home improvement.

A Den is a post from: Home Improvement

Lighting should be easy on the eyes. For good reading light, place the light source behind the reader so light comes from over the shoulder. Soft general light should be part of the scheme; too-otherwise the glare from a single reading light makes your eyes weary. If your den has display shelves or contains special wall hangings or art, use spotlights or wall washers to show them off. Strip lighting in shelves or mini-track systems in bookcases could have a place in den decor they’re unobtrusive and can add to the quite mood.

Brown seems to be the classic color for a den, but you could be bold and decorate in whatever color relaxes you. If you decide to use the brown leather-and-wood look, consider using green plants as color accents.

All the dens shown here have the requisite mellow atmosphere. The two dens on the opposite page are tower rooms, isolated above the entire house. Your den doesn’t have to be entirely cut off from the household, though quiet and privacy are important.

Cozy but sophisticated

Looking down from a loft, you see how much can be paced into a tiny area without losing the illusion of uncluttered spaciousness. Besides a fireplace, there are a stereo system, TV, storage for books, and invitingly comfortable seating. Bright throw pillows and matching chair cushion perk up the warm wood tones. Architect: Ernst Meisner.

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While you await the advent of such a prodigy, look at some of the alternative in this page. A snug den might be to your taste. Or perhaps an informal library could meet your needs. Some of the situations are complete rooms isolated from the rest of the house; others are desk areas shoehorned into closet size places. You’ll also find a special section on bookshelves, desk organization and lighting.

The word “den” suggests a private lair where you can retreat for quite activities. As a room the den is a recent invention, coinciding with the decline of the formal library and the rise of more casual life styles. Most dens retain some flavor of the library study and have a desk as well as room for books. In addition you’ll usually find a television and a comfortable chair.

A small extra bedroom makes an easy transition to a den. Decor and furniture arrangement, rather than any special architectural features, will give room its character. Plan to have a good reading lamp by the easy chair, task suited lighting over the desk and good general lighting. And don’t forget displays shelves for that trophy engraved “To the Best Dad in the World” and the clay cat your third grader made for you.

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