A solo workspace may need less seating and desktop space than one the whole family will use. If clients will be coming for meetings or work sessions, a separate entrance might be useful to keep them from traipsing through the house. Work surfaces and storage will probably need to be designed on a budget. A modular office-furniture system, which typically includes desks, computer tables, bookshelves, and file cabinets, is the most affordable option. They can be assembled much like custom built-ins, but they can also expand as the need for workspace grows, and are available in an array of styles and prices, from lowly laminates to finely finished hardwoods.
Flexibility is another advantage of modular units.
Don't place your computer monitor too near a window or skylight, says Barry Brukoff, an interior designer from Sausalito, California, because glare can disrupt your work. Shades or drapes may be necessary. Since desk lamps can also cause glare, Brukoff recommends installing recessed lights to brighten the room from corner to corner, and using smaller task lights to illuminate specific work areas. It causes less eyestrain. It may make sense to add extra outlets to accommodate electronic equipment, from fax machines to paper shredders.