Laurel LaneRustic Home Office, Philadelphia

1. Comfortable ChairIf sitting at a desk is a big part of your workday, make sure you have the right chair for the job. This is especially important if you work at a computer. Look for an overall fit that supports your back and encourages good seated posture. Features to look for include adjustable seat, arms and back, as well as legs on rollers and a seat that swivels so you can easily get in and out of the chair and reach for things without straining.

Each component of the chair should be adjustable. But don’t stop at adjustable. Make sure the lumbar support, armrests and seat height adjust to you and your body. “Movement is key,” says Jen MacKaben of Fully, an ergonomic furniture manufacturer in Portland, Oregon. MacKaben suggests a chair that moves 360 degrees and allows rocking and bouncing.

5. Get Down to Family BusinessOftentimes people need an office-like space to manage family schedules, budgets, chores, events and more. And it’s vital to have a carved-out space for such family business. A built-in desk in this new Philadelphia home creates a spacious quiet corner office for catching up on email, organizing family photos and more without distraction. See more of this home

Considering shifting the desk to the corner to allow more space for a larger sofa.

Similar office ceiling and space size.

Dee's get-a-way at her upstairs room at the farmhouse.