Home Office Courtesy of C&A

More and more people can work from virtually anywhere, thanks in large part to high-tech developments and devices like wireless home networks, audio, video and Web conferencing, laptops, hand-held PCs and cell phones. Increasing numbers of Americans are making that very choice. In fact, one third of all homes accommodate a home office, and the ranks of teleworkers rose by 17 percent in the past year alone, according to a recent survey by the International Telework Association and Council.

“Whether it’s used full time or part time, today’s home office is one of the keys to the family-focused, custom-designed life,” says Susan Dountas, vice president of merchandising for Sauder Woodworking. “This is the space that makes it possible to welcome in the outside world, but in the comfort, privacy and security of our own homes.”

Expanding definitions of what constitutes a home office, where it belongs and how it should be set up have helped pave the way for traditionally professional-level furnishings and technology to now enter the home environment, explains Dountas. These changing attitudes and preferences have encouraged furniture designers from around the country to carefully consider the functions and even dimensions of today’s home office furnishings.

“Creating a viable home office is essential to forging a customized life,” Dountas says. “Today's home-oriented consumers are demanding versatile furnishings that support their more family-centered work arrangements and lives.”

A host of compact designs -- such as computer carts, computer armoires and corner workstations -- are scaled to make the customized life a reality even for space-challenged homes. Sauder’s Cottage Home computer armoire with its own fold-away chair that stores inside the cabinet, for example, creates a self-sufficient -- and space-efficient -- home office in an area less than four feet wide. Ample work surface, generous storage, and ergonomic details such as adjustable chair seat and keyboard tray fit the job description for today’s business needs and the flexible, self-contained design helps ease the transition to family time.

Sauder is also making the personalized home office more accessible than ever with a free space-planning service for its new Adaptech line. Qualified space planners provide consumers with a layout grid and furniture templates and then help them analyze their individual work needs and develop a custom-fit, professional-level work environment. The sleek, contemporary Adaptech line of modular furnishings is designed for easy reconfiguration as office needs change. Versatile components -- including cubicles, open work spaces, peninsulas, conference tables and hutches -- provide limitless opportunities to create comfortable, productive work areas to fit nearly any floor plan and work situation.

For more information about Sauder Woodworking, please visit www.sauder.com or call .

Courtesy of ARA Content