A desk, chair, and computer do not an office make. When you can create a personal space where you can work, create, think, and dream, make sure it’s a place of comfort and concentration. Before you start, plan out and imagine its final form and how it will address your needs for quiet, storage, and inspiration. Here are several tips for you on how to convert a room into a workspace.

Make a List of What You Need

Before you buy your furniture, stop, sit down, and consider what you want to do in this workspace and how to make it more productive. Are you planning on strictly doing paperwork? Consider a desk with a lot of space to spread out. Planning to author the Great American Novel? Consider whether you need no distractions or the inspiration of an open window. Ponder your work needs: the number of peripherals like computers, printers, and other devices you need to set up as well as outlets and connections for Wi-Fi and more; space for furniture, like a meeting table or a sofa where you can rest; and more. Write it all down!

Measure for Measure

Now that you’ve thought about what you want in your office, think about what’s possible next. Your next course of action is to measure the space and draft a schematic of the potential layout and the amount of space for furniture. Keep in mind that if you’re pressed for space, you can buy multipurpose furniture that serves two or more functions. In smaller spaces, consider substitutions. A side or entryway table can serve as a desk, for example. You’re working with a finite space, so figure out how to make the most of it by taking accurate measurements first.

Keep Storage in Mind

While it’s great to imagine working or lounging in your office, don’t forget you’ll need another workmate in your office—namely, storage. Consider the general amount of stuff you’ll have in your office, from paper to pens to files to scissors and so much more. If you have a closet in the room, so much the better. Keeping filing cabinets, supplies, and more out of sight will keep the office looking tidy. If you don’t have a closet, figure out where everything will go without getting in the way. Desk drawers, of course, are a good place for stationery and the like. Bookshelves can hold books and more, of course, but look for shelving with drawers and hidden alcoves for the things you want out of sight.

Color Your World

Here’s your final tip on how to convert a room into a workspace: pick a paint color that’s restful without being too restful and professional without being too staid. Skip the institutional beige and go for a pastel green, blue, or red that enriches your field of vision without being overwhelming. Make the most of natural light and pick paint that reflects and shares the sun’s light with the rest of the room, making even work a pleasure.