Would you like to give up commuting and go to work in your pyjamas? Or are you worried about being buried alive under an avalanche of bills and documents that have piled up since Christmas?

Either way, a home office could be the answer.

Judith Wilson, author of The Well-Organized Home, says: "If you're not sure whether you need a home office, give it serious thought.

However tiny, a well-organised study can become the nerve centre of the whole house.

"We've all got documents and possessions that we must keep, yet which inevitably clutter our main living spaces. Plan good storage space for them in an office and let the rest of your home breathe."

Creating an office could help you to wave goodbye to the workday blues.

LOCATION LOCATION
If there's no suitable room for an office, think carefully about where you will put your desk. It is best to avoid busy areas in the home, particularly if you have children.

If space is an issue, consider converting a dining room, attic, landing, garage or even a cupboard under the stairs. If it's a corner of a bedroom opt for a unit which hides files so sleep isn't disturbed by gazing at an overflowing desk.

In fact, screening off a home office with fashionable sliding panel blinds can be an attractive way to hide it away. Alternatively, use a wooden screen to conceal that workstation. Then, once you've chosen a spot, think about colour.

Blue walls promote creativity, while green creates a calm, focused atmosphere. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, paint one wall a vibrant shade, such as orange, for inspiration.

DIVINE DESKS
"The style of the desk can make or break a home office," says Judith. "It must be deep enough to accommodate the computer and keyboard."

Look for styles that incorporate a couple of slim drawers or a traditional pedestal with twin columns of drawers.

All the major DIY and home stores have excellent ranges to choose from or you could customise your own by buying a length of glass, MDF or steel worktop. You could even try using a length of whiteboard so you can scribble down telephone numbers and messages.

STORAGE
"Roomy shelves and/or cupboards are the lifeblood of a good office," says Judith. "Steer clear of real budget offerings as some are badly made and will buckle easily."

Before you go shopping for storage units, measure everything from the printer to box files to avoid expensive mistakes, and remember that sturdy domestic shelving is often cheaper than designated office storage. If you choose open-shelf storage, use colour coded storage boxes.

OFFICE TREATS
Accessorising your home office is the fun part, as it gives you the opportunity to personalise it in a way you never could at work. Just because the space is functional doesn't mean it has to be boring.