Make Your Home Office More Efficient

“Almost every home office has lousy lighting,” says design consultant Terrence Schlesinger of LightYears2.com in Kauai, Hawaii. To make your office an exception, choose a space with a window or skylight.

You’ll definitely want an overhead light or floor lamp that illuminates the entire room and a bright desk lamp. Schlesinger prefers a halogen desk lamp with an adjustable arm so light can be placed optimally for each task. Don’t forget to position your computer so the monitor is free from glare.

Another mood booster: bright paint colors. “It’s not just paint; it’s energy," says Schlesinger, who specializes in helping clients choose paint colors. "I recommend that you get away from anything traditional. Pick your favorite colors — not just one or two, but many.”

He suggests painting each wall a different shade, although he recognizes that not everyone is ready for such an adventurous approach. "I like to change colors every 90 degrees," he says. "And don’t forget about the door."

Not sure you trust your inner decorator? Luckily, there are plenty of Web sites that allow you to test out color combinations in virtual rooms. Some sites to try: Behr.com, BenjaminMoore.com and Sherwin-Williams.com.