A well-thought-out home office marries the efficiency of a business workplace with ... well ... the comforts of home. Whether you're a home-based entrepreneur, a telecommuter working all or part-time away from your company's offices, or just someone looking for a cozy place to pay bills and surf the Internet, some sort of home office probably figures high on your list of living spaces.

Let the pages that follow bring you up to speed on what you'll need to create a work haven at home--a spot that functions well for you, and most importantly, is a pleasant place for you to be.

What sort of office do you need--and where?

Integrating an office into your home requires that you first decide on your particular needs, then scout out the spot that comes closest to meeting them. Start by answering these questions.

* Do you prefer to work in a quiet setting, or does a little household noise keep you motivated?

* Are you willing to share space with a spouse or child, or have the office serve as an occasional guest room?

* Will clients visit your workspace? If so, will you try to provide it with a separate exterior entrance so visitors won't have to traipse through your home's main living areas?