Beyond a desk area and bookshelves in today’s home office, there’s little that is standard from home to home. There are no rules other than to personalize the space for your own needs. Homes offices are doubling as guest rooms or combining several functions, such as a den, library, and even a music room. Whatever form it takes, the office centers on storage. Just design for the way you like to work and keep these tips in mind.

• Make it cozy. You can install a gas fireplace just about anywhere, and it can help make and office more inviting and welcoming. • Hide the mess. Planning an office that will double as a guest room? Consider purchasing an armoire-style cabinet that can hide the computer, filing drawers, and storage space when not needed. • Bring in natural light. Views might not be the most important thing in an office (you’re supposed to focus on your work, after all), but you’ll still want natural light to keep the space bright and cheery. • Be creative. If you don’t have a whole room to devote to a study, you can transform one end of your living area. Pocket doors or a screen can close off the office when your work is done. Even a closet can be turned into a comfortable and functional office. Corner bookcases can pack storage into otherwise wasted space. • Choose flooring carefully. Durable, low-maintenance flooring is a great choice for an office. For a warm look, wood is a top contender. If you prefer carpet, choose a low pile or commercial carpet that will allow you to roll your office chair easily