When thinking up your home office design for creating a workshop space, it is a great idea first to make a list of all the activities your work involves, because from that list will evolve all else that you are likely to need. Don't approach it the same way you would your living room designs, as that room is more aimed at looks rather than efficiency. Instead, look at it in a similar way you would plan your kitchen design ideas - functional first.
The availability of services may well determine where your studio or workshop is best located. Here are some of the facilities you might require:
Power points. For tools, audio equipment, heating, cooking, lighting, refrigeration and so on. As always, it is wise to think ahead and build in more sockets than you currently require, remembering to site these where most convenient (possibly at worktop height).
Water. For photographic work, pottery, painting, cooking, cleaning up and so on. Consider whether you need a hot water supply as well as cold. Mixer taps with a single spout that can be swung to one side over a large sink will allow you to run water to the desired temperature and to maneuver a bucket in and out of the sink easily.
Gas. For firing, heating, welding and so on. If a mains supply is not available, it may be worthwhile considering a tank supply.
Ventilation. To eliminate any noxious fumes/smells and to maintain a suitable temperature in which to work. This can be provided by an open window or fan system (either manually or automatically operated).
Lighting. For all your tasks and for overall conditions - think carefully about what sort of lighting would best suit your purposes. It is always advisable to include some free-standing lighting that can be directed at will - for instance, an Anglepoise lamp. Fluorescent fittings provide good overall shadowless lighting, but be careful with your selection of bulbs if you have a need to recreate daylight conditions (for color rendition purposes and so on).
Security. Door locks to keep your studio equipment and work safe, and to exclude minors from dangerous areas. You may require a safe for storing precious materials and an alarm system to reinforce your security. Always keep poisonous substances under lock and key. Where there is a fire hazard, smoke alarms should be installed and emergency fire-fighting equipment kept close at hand.
Here's some of my favorite interior design articles that I have bookmarked - I refer back to these whenever I need some inspiration or to help my creative juices get going:
Entrance Hall Design Tips (a personal favorite)
