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Home offices are no longer relegated to a corner of the basement or inside a small closet. With more and more people working from home, the home office has become an important space in the largest home or the smallest apartment. This is what interior designer, Coral Nafie, has to say about home offices. She goes on to offer some expert help.

This feature appeared on website about.com and is all about setting up your ideal home office. Here’s a summary of what Coral suggests.

To begin planning, let's look at the top five needs and solutions for a great home office:

Identify the Space for Your Home Office

If your space is limited, you won't have as many choices. By removing the clothes pole and installing electrical connections, you can easily convert a closet of any size into a work space. I installed a working desk at the top of some stairs in my home.

If you'll be spending a lot of time in your home office, you might prefer a better view and more room. Identify space that is infrequently used, such as a guest room or dining area.

Plan Your Work Area

Think of all the things that you'll need to work comfortably and efficiently in your home office. Start with proper temperature control and lighting. Have a telephone installed in the space or be sure to have a portable phone available. Your desk chair will be moving around in the space, so flooring should be a hard surface, at least near the desk. Select window coverings (if you're fortunate to have a window nearby) that will allow you to control the light in your area.

A Place to Write

Probably the most important piece of furniture you'll have will be your desk or work surface. Whether you select custom-designed cabinets and writing surface or use two file cabinets with a door stretched across them, this is where you'll spend the most time, and it should be large enough and the right height to most comfortably do your work. If your space is limited, draw out a floor plan on graph paper and move the shapes around until you find a workable space.

To make the most of limited space, have shelving installed behind your desk. Books and supplies will be easy to reach.

Sit in Comfort

Select a chair that is comfortable, the right height, and provides proper back and arm support for the type of work you will be doing. I like to put my feet up, so I have a small footstool (about 10" high) under my desk.

Install a slide-out keyboard holder so that your computer keyboard is the right height for easy and comfortable use. Place your computer mouse in a place that is accessible and provide cushioning for your wrists.

• How to Set Up a Workable Home Office
  Plan Your Home Office for Greatest Efficiency
  By Coral Nafie, About.com