Product Description

This book gives the home office market what it is missing. It is an information-packed visual book on carving out space (since most homes don't come with an office) plus a guide on how to design and lay out a home office that will contribute to business success. Not only a decorating book, it will help the reader determine what kind of worker they are and what kind of space they need in order to be most productive. The new home office is not a re-creation of the workplace cube or box, but ergonomic space personalized to habits and tastes. Examples of real home offices coupled with information on planning, set-up, and organization of a flexible, personal space provide essential advice for every home worker.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #658610 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

About the Author
Lisa Kanarek, founder of HomeOfficeLife.com, is a frequent lecturer and business consultant. Her 'get organized' approach has helped countless clients increase productivity. Kanarek is also author of three books on home office life: Organizing Your Home Office for Success, Everything's Organized, and 101 Home Office Success Secrets. Kanarek lives in Dallas, Texas.

Customer Reviews

Beautifully Done!
Lisa Kanarek is well-known for her expertise in home office design and operation. She's written other books, published articles, and appears frequently as a professional speaker on the topic. Because of her knowledge and positioning, Lisa appears in the media frequently. I was understandably startled when I saw this coffee table book with her name on it.

I started looking through the book and discovered that the author's valuable advice is plentiful. And so are gorgeous full-color photos of examples of the designs and approaches the author recommends. The book is best suited for someone contemplating developing a home office, but it can be just as valuable for someone who already has a home office but is thinking about making improvements. Prepare to take copious notes; you won't want to write in this book.

If you look in a bricks-and-mortar bookstore for this book, you may have some difficulty. The publisher has categorized the book as "Home Decoration/Interior Design." OK, I acquiesce. It is a beautiful book on decorating and design, and it is related to the home. But this is a business book, make no mistake about it. The volume does, however, demonstrate that it is possible to have an efficient workspace that also looks really good.
And that bothered me about Home Office Life. Everything is so neat and pretty in those pictures. I'm not sure our home office looked that good on the first day of operations! I suppose you have to make everything look pretty and sterile for such photos, though.

Lisa Kanarek covers the waterfront for us. The first chapter deals with How to Make a Better Business at Home. Some of us really need this! Included are planning, set-up, and organization. You'll learn things about how to carve out a space for yourself and how to design the office that will work for you. And you'll get lots of tips along the way.

The second section of the book talks about Getting Down to Business. You'll learn how to put your home office to work, setting up shop and getting settled in. The third section deals with reality, presenting real examples of how home offices can work. This section has the information needed by people considering a makeover of their home office. A resource list and an index make this book even more valuable.

With the movement toward home offices, this book is a winner. You might suggest your architect buy one, too. If you use an interior decorator, get yet another copy.

Great helpful ideas, hints & tips
This is a fantastic book that will help anyone create the perfect home office. It is packed with great ideas, hints and tips as well as lots of example photos. The two major issues of the home worker, limited space and integrating work functions with living space, are always kept in mind.

The book starts by helping you identify your needs and determine what type of worker you are. By using this information you can establish a home office plan. It also helps you choose the right location, exploring the pros and cons of different rooms.

Office design is next. Here the book guides you through choosing materials including flooring, wall-coverings and window treatments. It shows you a variety of floor plans and assists you in planning a your workspace arrangement. Selecting the appropriate lighting and purchasing furniture follows. There is a useful ergonomic tip sheet and a chair buying guide. Creative storage solutions, filing secrets and the basic home office supplies you will need are also covered. There are even small sections on décor and creating a client-friendly office.

The final chapter shows you real world offices including guest room and laundry room makeovers. Other offices, including those of an interior designer, a web designer, a researcher, a writer and literary agent are shown as well. Other examples feature a wide range of styles. I loved a funky black & white office with an "S" shaped bookcase and offbeat variety of wallpaper. I found an office under a metal bunk bed interesting as well. Whether you have a whole room or just a tiny corner to work in this book will help you.

Helpful & Inspiring Resource
It's rare to find such a book that is both beautiful to look at and filled with helpful advice. Along with dozens of inspiring photos of innovative home office set-ups, there are many useful checklists and tips that are easy to follow. Plus there's an outstanding categorized "Resource List" at the end which includes a helpful description of each resource. I also liked all the real-life examples from a wide variety of home-based businesses-- there's something here for everyone.