New technology is making the mobile office a reality for many - we won't mention the broadband war. Designers have come up with sleek 'bridge' solutions that facilitate the use of laptops as well as well as a place to chat over coffee and serve drinks. Others are content to wade through their workload at the kitchen table.

However, the temptations of raiding the biscuit tin or even unloading the washing machine, which can be a lot more attractive than progressing that project, not to mention the difficulty of distraction by other members of the household, mean that having a dedicated office area can really clean up your act.

Enlisting the services of an architect or designer can help make ingenious use of available space and devise a stimulating, sleek environment.

With home offices taking many forms, from simple workspaces in shared areas to rooftop retreats or garden pods, there's plenty of inspiration out there. Now's the time to get to work on creating a space that will work for you.

Plan a pavilion If you're planning a new build or renovation and want to incorporate an office or study as part of an open-plan layout, ponder a pavilion. One featured in Work Rooms, Planning Your Space and Working in Style by Fay Sweet (Conran Octopus) wraps around a structural column and is screened from the living zone by walls at not quite ceiling height. As the author observes, this reduces the structure's impact by allowing light to flow over the top of the office.

Work that wardrobe Cook up a canny new kitchen design by incorporating a compact office concealed behind tall doors. Include a desk with leg room and a shelving system. At the end of your working day, you can simply shut up shop. This can suit those who work from home part-time or who spend only a portion of their time on the computer.

Under-stair flair Make the most of under-stair space and mezzanines. Sweet says the lack of natural light under-stairs can be made up for in gained storage.

"For example, you could set up a long worktop with plenty of room above and below for storage, " she suggests.

Double up If your guest bedroom is barely used, make it into a multifunctional space with a wall bed, futon or sofa bed along with a streamlined desktop and discreet storage.

Colour code Neutrals such as stone, ivory and grey create a contemplative and sophisticated ambience. Lilac or pale yellow are more unusual shades that create a similar effect, and soft blues and greens will be gentle on the eye. However, some people require an office that is brighter and more stimulating than the rest of the home, Sweet says.

"In a dual-use office the working area could be picked out in a different colour by painting the wall behind the desk. Alternatively, you can keep the colours the same and define the space by boosting the levels of artificial lighting."

Feature areas in dark blue can boost creativity and reduce stress, according to colour experts. You could also go for a broad horizontal band of colour around the walls, or paint the bottom half in a really bold shade, offset by a paler tone above. Otherwise, a single wall of broad, vertical, multicoloured stripes or a chequerboard could add zest.

Floor show In At Home with White (Ryland Peters & Small), Atlanta Bartlett advises opting for a floor that is easy to sweep and practical. "White-painted boards, light coloured woods or polished concrete are all suitable treatments."

Sit it out A good chair should provide comfort and support and be fully adjustable, Sweet counsels. She advises taking note of how you sit at your desk when working and selecting a chair that offers the most appropriate seating option. Go for one that fits your body, that has firm and comfortable upholstery; with well-padded but detachable armrests.

"Make sure the armrests are adjustable or that they are set at a height where they will not crash into your desk worktop, " she says. "Consider carefully whether you prefer fixed legs or castors." Ensure your posterior fits deep into the seat and that your feet can rest flat and comfortably on the floor, with your knees forming a 90-degree angle.

"The seat should be padded and firm and provide support under the thighs, but there should be little or no upward pressure pushing your knees above pelvis height. If the padding is too thin or rigid, there is a danger of reducing the blood supply to the lower leg."

Hot desking Buy the largest possible sturdy work surface that will fit the space. The desk should be arranged so you can see who is entering your office. Position the computer and keyboard directly in front of you, with the monitor at a comfortable distance from your eyes, usually around 60cm. Different configurations can include L and U shapes. The U-shaped option provides plenty of worktop space and can offer plenty of storage. Some desks incorporate handy stowaway space.

Habitat allows you to create your own desk with its mix and match trestle and tabletop combinations in a variety of finishes. It also does a compact desk in powder-coated MDF with a coloured interior and epoxy lacquer, featuring a handy extending work surface.

Ligne Roset's 'Hyannis Port' design by Eric Jourdan is a desk with a real dazzle factor.

Smart storage Assess all your specific needs and try to reflect that in your storage - for example, deep drawers for files, cabinets for delicate material and shelves or presses for stationery. Walter advises using high spaces for books and office supplies and low areas for filing.

If you're likely to be moving house, freestanding units are a practical purchase. However, built-in solutions behind flush doors can stash more and are visually unobtrusive. Room dividers incorporating storage are ace for offices that are part of living areas. Box clever with Habitat's new wooden Revolve or colourful Ammo and Cit lines.

Light up The starting point of any home office lighting scheme should be to assess the natural light available, Sweet says. She suggests building on the central source by adding lighting at table or desk height in the form of table lamps. She also recommends lighting three-quarters of the wall with a standard lamp or wall lights as well as a good task light. An articulated lamp with a heavy base anchors the light source and allows it to be moved to exactly the right position.

Eyecatching sources of light can include spotlights for highlighting and adding drama, floormounted lamps and neon and fluorescent strips above bookshelves. Industrial style bulkhead lamps and wall washers can add interest.

Accessorise all areas While opportunities to personalise offices are often limited, you have free rein to express your personality at home. However, edit displays, especially if clients will be calling to your office. Check out Muji for desk essentials.

If you have room and the budget, splash out on a slick sofa for report reading and that power nap or even a remote control massage chair to soothe away stress at the end of a busy day.

USEFUL CONTACTS

� Habitat: Suffolk Street, Dublin 01-677 1433; Fairgreen Road, Galway 091-569 980; Arthur Street, Belfast 04890-249 522
� Ligne Roset at Arnotts: Henry Street, Dublin 01-805 0400
� Muji: Chatham Street, Dublin 01-679 4591