You may own your own business, be a starting freelancer or simply need a place and a space to call your own. You might also just want a space to keep your bills and papers organized. No matter what the reason, a home office is a wonderful addition to your home.

A home office offers you organization, privacy, a space to create and be creative or just to simply escape from the noise, hustle and bustle of your busy home. On days when you can’t be at work or on the job, who knows, maybe you can work from home as well. Setting up a home office doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 4 tips to create your own home office space.

Take Inventory of Your Space

First decide what your space will be used for. Will you use it just to pay bills or is it your actual work-from-home office? Once you know what the purpose of your space is, you can then better create your vision. Knowing what your space will be used for helps you to allocate furnishings, space, and other home office tools. Besides, you'll have to decide which of your spare rooms will be the one that you'll turn into a home office. This isn't a thing to take lightly. You have to pick one with perfect lighting for work, enough sockets for your devices and enough privacy to save you from distractions while you work. Don't have a spare room but need the office nonetheless? You'll have to think about a home addition!

Keep it Clear

Clear out the space you intend to use as your home office. It’s not a good idea to create an office in your bedroom. If you have to, see about removing a closet or extending a wall in order to create a separate space for your home office. You want to separate your home office from other rooms in your home to give your mind a clear instruction that this is a place for work and not a place to entertain or to sleep. A minor remodel can help you there, as long as you have enough space.

Choose Your Colors

When painting, or creating a new space for your office, make certain to keep to neutral tones. Colors that are too bright might prove distracting and keep your mind over active while colors that are too soothing may put you right to sleep. Choose neutral palettes for the best result. Can't decide? Go with white - it goes with everything and will provide you with enough light to prevent you from turning your lights on early.

Location, Location, Location

For the best outcome possible, choose the right location for your desk. If you are the type of person who is easily distracted, then a small corner facing desk will do the trick. However, if you need to feel connected to nature (perhaps you are a writer or teacher) then being able to see the window would be the best and most optimal choice for desk placement for you. You can always add pieces of furniture, but for now a small desk and a good file cabinet – perhaps a decorative one to match your desk – where you can hide all your supplies without it appearing too cluttered would be the best choice.

These four tips are the perfect way to get you started and up and running for your new office at home.