Whether you're a telecommuter, a home-based entrepreneur or your home's CEO, you need an office that helps you work like a pro.

Good ventilation.
Let yourself breathe! Whenever you tackle paper work, you don't want to sweat to death, freeze your fingers off, or sneeze from too much dust or pollen. Make sure you have sufficient air conditioning (not blowing on you), adequate heat, and easy air flow (install fans, if necessary). Keeping the area clean of allergic triggers also helps. Install a dehumidifier in humid, mouldy spaces like basements.

Inspiring view.
Every mind needs a window to the world. But don't go overboard. To stoke your creative juices, consider a window with a view that's pretty enough to be mind-expanding but not so distracting that you will want to run outdoors and play. Enjoying the change of seasons can help you feel connected to the world in the midst of heavy tasks, but make sure you can shade yourself from the sun with shutters, drapes, or blinds.

Bright lighting.
Your office eyes deserve the best. Create a lighting plan that provides consistent lighting throughout your work space. Natural sunlight is always best, but talk to your lighting store or electrician about what's best for your space. Halogen bulbs give you clear, bright light but they burn very hot, and pole lamps with halogen bulbs have been known to cause fires. On your desk, check out lamps with firm bases and long arms that can position light directly on your work. Don't position your computer so the sun is shining on your screen.

Low noise.
My father used to do his paper work at the dining room table every night, but not everybody has his powers of concentration. Know your limits. If you can't work with the TV blaring or kids screeching in the background, find an office nook in an area with less traffic. Good sound absorbers include: carpets with good quality padding, draperies, solid-core doors, and cork wall coverings. A fish tank with an air pump also deadens noise.

Private but easy access.
When I put my home office in the garage, I never heard the doorbell and missed a lot of packages being delivered. Installing an intercom helped. Today some phone systems can be connected to your doorbell so you can talk to the person at the front door by answering the phone.

Smart desk/generous space.
A work area includes not only the appropriate desk for your needs but also savvy storage space. Make sure there's room for shelves (to hold reference books and work materials); filing cabinets; equipment (PC, typewriter, phone/answering machine system, and fax); and a supportive desk chair. Depending on your line of work, you might find that a long work table is better than traditional desks with drawers, but it requires even smarter storage ideas for pens, stamps, paper clips, etc.

Nature calls.
Don't believe you will work better if you have positioned yourself far from bathroom and kitchen access. For me, a great office includes a small fridge stocked with snacks, and a toilet nearby. More time can be wasted by running to the other side of the house when nature calls.