IF you’re set to join the millions who work from home, look on it as the perfect chance to tailor a space to suit your taste and needs.

We’ve devised simple but stylish steps, so you can make light work of creating the perfect home office.

1. Make it personal: At home, you’re the boss, and you can truly indulge your taste and have the freedom to express your personality in the decoration of your ‘office’.

In an open-plan space, zone an area with a stunning wall mural, or cork tile an expanse of wall so you can pin up inspiring photos or to-do lists.

Alternatively, paint a wall with black chalkboard paint, to transform it into a wipeable surface for scribbling ideas, plans, or simply expressing yourself. (Rust-Oleum Black Magnetic Matt Chalkboard Paint, £14 for 750ml, B&Q, is ideal for the job.)

2. Pretty up with pink: If you’re after a softer scheme, reduce the risk of workplace stress by choosing a calming colour for a work area.

Pink is reputedly a positive colour, inspiring warm, comforting feelings and imparting a sense that everything will be all right - and who doesn’t like the sound of that?

3: Kill the clutter: Keeping a tidy office is crucial to staying on top of things.

Organising and filing loose papers means you’ll spend less time searching for them - coping with clutter is a big time-waster.

Filing cabinets, desks with compartments, and accessible floating shelves for file boxes are a good investment.

Don’t let a notice board be all to-do lists and bills though, or you won’t ever want to look at it.

4. Carve out a creative corner: “Not everyone has an entire room, or even an entire wall, to dedicate to an office. But that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a space somewhere in your home, be it a landing, bedroom or corner of a living room, to let your creative juices flow,” says White.

“Whatever you use your home office for - computer work, home and life admin, or crafts and projects - an effective work area demands plenty of light.

Equally, you don’t want glare on your screen, so choose your window dressings wisely.

“Shutters and Venetian blinds have adjustable louvres and slats, so you can control the amount of light and are also great for privacy and security,” adds White.

“If you’re easily distracted, opt for a sheer roller blind.

“It’ll still let in plenty of light, but you can pull it down to block out distractions from the outside world when you need to focus.”

5. Dress the desk: One of the best things about working from home is not being in a stuffy, boring office. So why re-create that at home?

Instead, include pleasing decorative elements, such as a vase full of flowers and colourful storage pots, so you can enjoy the comforts of home all through the working hours.

6. Show who’s boss: A shade of dark green, paired with black furniture and office accessories, gives decor a strong visual impact and, crucially, creates a business-like look for an office.

This is especially important if clients are going to visit and you want to convey a professional image.

7. Black is back: Sleek, black furniture spells executive style, never dates, and you’ll win compliments for your chic taste.