Do you want to give up commuting and go to work in your pyjamas - or are you worried about being buried alive under that avalanche of bills and documents that have piled up over the holidays?

Either way a home office could be the answer.

New technology makes it an increasingly popular option.

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'."

So remember you're the boss, create the office of your dreams and wave goodbye to the workday blues.

If there's no suitable room for an office, think carefully about where you will site your desk.

Avoid busy areas in the home - particularly if you have children - unless you are disciplined about tidying up and putting things safely away it could be a recipe for chaos.

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 or work so sleep isn't disturbed by gazing at an overflowing desk.

If you choose easy-access open-shelf storage, use colour coded storage boxes to make filing easier.

Think about colour. Blue walls promote creativity, while green creates a calm, focused atmosphere. Or paint one wall a vibrant shade such as orange for inspiration.

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

A comfortable chair is a must. They can be found quite cheaply secondhand.

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

Storage boxes are vital and needn't be boring.

Screen off a home office with fashionable sliding panel blinds. Alternatively, use a wooden screen to conceal that workstation.

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.