Cheryl Demas, creator and editor of wahm.com, an online magazine for work-at-home mothers, takes a break to pet the family dog, Yoshhi, while working outside by the swimming pool at her home. RICH PEDRONCELLI/ASSOCIATED PRESS

In a world of instant e-mail and 24/7 cell phone access, the once solid line between work and home seems on the verge of dissolving

Date published: 4/30/2006

By MELISSA RAYWORTH

For THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

In a world of instant e-mail and 24/7 cell phone access, the once solid line between work and home seems on the verge of dissolving. Technology lets us do business from our living rooms, and often we do.

But as we spend more time working from home, the design and contents of the space we set aside for it becomes increasingly important. By creating a dedicated work space--whether it's a converted spare bedroom or simply a corner of your kitchen--you can increase productivity while also maintaining a healthy delineation between work and play.

"You need to create a separation, even in a one-room studio," says author and home-office designer Neal Zimmerman. "Otherwise it becomes a situation where you're never sure whether you're working or living."

Zimmerman begins by asking clients what kind of work they'll be doing and what equipment they'll need. "There's no sense selecting a specific spot in your home if your work requirements will run in conflict with the space," he says.

Often, decisions are based on work habits. Cheryl Demas, creator and editor of wahm.com, an online magazine for work-at-home mothers, prefers being "in the middle of the action," where she can interact with her family. But many of her readers opt for isolation, choosing the quietest spot in their home to limit distraction.

Next, fill the space with the best--and safest--furniture and equipment. It can be tempting to use hand-me-down furniture or choose pieces based strictly on decor. But it's important to consider the same ergonomic principles that corporations do to prevent injuries, especially if the office will be used frequently.

"People say 'I only do half an hour's work at home at night.' But then they surf the Web, they do all their online shopping, check their e-mail," says Cornell University ergonomics professor Alan Hedge. "The body doesn't care whether you're typing an e-mail to a friend or playing a video game or calculating a spreadsheet for your boss."

Date published: 4/30/2006