There has been a huge movement towards ‘working from home’ in recent years and choosing to do as such can yield many lifestyle benefits. However, in doing so, one must create a comfortable and inspiring working environment, which can be difficult to achieve in a space that you would traditionally use for relaxation.
The fact is, there are so many distractions at home, which can make working optimally difficult to achieve. The good news is, with so many people shifting their careers and opting to work from the comfort of their own home, there has been an influx in new and inspiring home office interior design ideas.
In this article, we are going to share some of that inspiration with you. That way, you can choose the ideas that resonate best with you and start working toward creating the perfect home office in which you can thrive. Here’s everything you need to know…
Choosing the right location
Depending on the size of your property – and indeed how many people you share your home with – finding a dedicate work space can be tricky.
This article is largely going to be written under the assumption that you have a spare bedroom that you can transform into a dedicated home office, however, if that isn’t an option for you, there are a few things that you can try.
- Utilise an unused ‘nook’: if there’s an awkward space in your home that is going to waste, such as a nook in your living room or a space between the kitchen and laundry room, for example, you should jump on the chance to transform it into a mini office space. Tuck a sleek desk into place, hang some shelves, and make that otherwise unused corner your dedicated work space. You could even consider using the entry way to your home if it’s big enough – particularly given the abundance of natural light.
- Get rid of one of your nightstands: if you have space in the bedroom, consider replacing a nightstand with a desk and making that your workspace. Naturally, the bedroom isn’t going to see much use at all throughout the day, making it perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet – rather than being bang-smack in the middle of the action.
- Use empty wall space: install floating shelves on some empty wall space and you can create a charming work area without taking up any much-needed floor space. Just be sure to pick a room that doesn’t see too much in the way of foot traffic to give yourself room to breathe.
Get the colour scheme right
If you are setting up your home office work space in an existing room, such as the kitchen or living area, then consider making your workspace blend in with the existing interior design. If, however, you are starting from scratch and converting the spare bedroom, here are some colour schemes that are trending right now:
- Go minimalist: minimalism will never go out of style. With a simple and non-distracting, monochromatic palette, you can achieve great results – particularly in an open plan setup.
- Muted colours: muted colours are on the opposite end of the spectrum to vivid colours. So, rather than a fiery red, you could opt for a softer, de-saturated red instead. This approach is ideal for creating a calming effect, without the space being too distracting or ‘high-energy’.
- Colours that pop: if you would prefer a little excitement in your office, having some bright colours incorporated can help. Ideally, opt for a muted / monochromatic scheme with a few brightly coloured patterns and pictures for extra depth.
- A splash of green: don’t forget to add plenty of greenery in there. Potted plants for the home office not only create a wonderful aesthetic charm, but they are also excellent for boosting morale, increasing focus, and bolstering your overall mental health and well-being.
Pay close attention to storage
Adding shelves to your home office is a great way for both creating additional storage opportunities, but also making a bold statement and brightening the room. This can be achieved by adding some bold paints or choosing shelves with existing geometric patterns. Alternatively, floating shelves can be great for securing a minimalist look if you’d prefer.
While the bulk of your files and documents will likely be saved online, you should still have some other physical storage solutions. A stackable paper tray that sits comfortably on your desk could be handy.
Don’t skimp on your desk
The desk is going to be the centrepiece of your home office and thus the most important decision when decorating your home office.
Ideally, you should select your dream desk first, then design your home office around it. Just make sure you don’t skimp! Go for something beautiful, spacious, and inspiring. You want to feel confidence and pride whenever you take a seat at your desk, read for the day ahead.
The same applies to your office chair as well. Go for something ergonomic and protect that back of yours!
Accentuate your space with a good rug
If your home office has tile or laminated floors, accentuating them with a rug is a great approach, particularly if it has contrasting colours to create an attractive design element. Just make sure that it is both functional and aesthetic, and compliments your décor.
Bonus tips
- Don’t forget to have plenty of natural light in your home office!
- Remove any distractions – a TV and a console next to your desk is asking for trouble (though fidget toys can be great for pondering ideas and getting creative).
- Keep it cosy – it’s still your home.
- De-clutter everything! A cluttered space means a cluttered mind so get rid of the crap that you don’t need.
- Get up and walk around often. Make sure you are taking regular breaks and stretching those muscles out.
Final thoughts: Make it your own!
Remember, this is your home office, so design it as you see fit. This is a space that you will be spending a lot of time in, so make sure that you will feel great pride every time you set foot in there. You want to be excited to sit down and start working and if you take your time to follow some of the excellent tips listed above, you surely will!
