Have you ever tried to work in front of the TV, and lost your sense of focus? Or, have you ever sat down in your cubicle to do some brainstorming, and not one good, creative idea came to mind?

In Feng Shui, we try to match the place to the project and to the individual’s workstyle. So, your workstyle is probably the best place to start.

Start by taking a quick mental survey of the projects you’ve worked on in the past.

Where have you come up with your best ideas? Is that the same place where you are able to keep your nose to the grindstone and complete challenging projects?

Probably not.

So, if you’re planning up a home office, consider creating multiple work areas in the room. Each should be designed to match your personal work style and make optimum use of the room.

If you’re creating a new home office, it may be simplest to start ‘by the rules’ and see what works (and doesn’t) for a few weeks.

IF YOU’RE DESIGNING ‘BY THE RULES’

If you’re following strict Black Hat Sect (BHS) Feng Shui rules, your reference books will be on your left as you enter the room, in the Knowledge area.

As we continue around your home office, clockwise, here’s what can go in each area:

• After your reference materials, the next area should be for the core of your business. It’s the Stability part of the room. If you sell things, this is a good place to display your inventory. If you are in a service industry or deal with data, your desk or communications center could be here.
• The back left corner–the Money area–of your home office is for bookkeeping, and symbols of success and affluence.
• To the right of it as you circle the room, think about Fame and Reputation. Display diplomas, awards, and promotional materials.
• At the far right corner of the room, relative to the doorway, set up anything that has to do with your customers. This is your Relationships area. It’s smart to display endorsements, thank-you letters, and pictures of you with happy customers or clients.
• Heading back towards the doorway, the next area has a Creativity theme. Whether you assemble products here or do your brainstorming in an overstuffed chair, keep this area open and equipped for your most energetic and original work.
• Finally, the area on the right side of the door (as you’re looking into the room) represents Helpful People and Travel. Display photos and news about your mentors or role models, as well as postcards from friends, and pictures of places you’d like to visit for business or on vacation.
• The center of your home office is symbolic of growth; keep it as open as possible, with plenty of fresh air and good lighting.

Related posts:

1. Design Your Home Office with Intuitive Feng Shui
2. Traditional Feng Shui for Home Office Success
3. Feng Shui Your Desk