Creating a functional home office takes more than just setting up a desk in a corner of the living room. It requires an inspiring design that balances function with style. When moving into a new home, it is exciting yet it can be stressful. Removing the worries of the technical stuff like wondering “How much does an appliance service call cost?” can take the joy out of moving. Remove this worry so you can focus on fun things like designing your home office.
Decorative office accents like house plants that cleanse toxins and a framed photo of your kids can help keep your creativity fuelled. Storage is also key for a well functioning home office.
- Get Organized
The first step to any home office makeover is organizing. Start by going through old paperwork and deciding what to keep, toss, or file away. Next, consider digitizing receipts and business cards to save storage space and simplify maintenance.
Instead of just filing supplies in drawers and cabinets, dress up containers to make them more visually appealing. Look for stylish bins and woven baskets to hold office supplies, books, knick-knacks, or any other home office necessities.
You don’t need to buy all new supplies for your home office either—repurpose pretty possessions like silver vases and vintage tool boxes to hold pens, scissors, and other desk items. And hang a metal bar to hold mugs and baskets of infrequently used items for a sleek and functional home office.
- Designate a Space
Whether you have a dedicated room or a makeshift office in your closet, it is crucial to have an area for work that is set apart from the rest of your home. This will help keep you focused and motivated and will also provide clear boundaries between family life and business.
It should be well-lit and spacious enough for your workspace needs. Ideally, it will have ample shelving or cabinets for storing your work supplies, folders and documents. Having them organized will make it easier to find what you need and save you time from digging through piles of papers in the future.
- Get a Desk
If you’re serious about working from home, invest in a solid desk and plenty of storage. If you don’t have a dedicated cabinet, repurpose a chest or bookcase to house files and other office supplies.
Maximize productivity with storage that puts everything within arm’s reach. Mount shelving cabinets above your desk, or opt for floating shelves that offer a sleek, minimalist design.
Keep pens and pencils handy with cute organizers like romantic French-toile wraps on recycled metal cans or glass vases. Or, use a decorative wall-hanging to hold in progress projects or to-do lists.
- Add Storage
Having the right amount of storage is crucial when designing a home office. Too little means everything ends up on your desk or piled up in a chaotic heap. Too much means you have a hard time finding what you need.
Keep a separate box or bin for personal paperwork and documents, and label it clearly so you don’t accidentally mix them up with work papers. You might also consider investing in a shredder, recycling bin and trash can to reduce paper waste.
To further streamline your workflow, try a whiteboard or calendar to stay on top of projects and appointments. Plus, pretty accessories like vases and vintage toolboxes can double as storage for items such as pens, pencils, scissors and paper clips.
- Get Creative
A stylish home office doesn’t have to look like a business space. Using your favorite decor elements can make your office feel more personal and fun, which may help keep you motivated to get work done.
A bold wall hanging can set the mood for your workday, and a framed piece of art makes a stylish backdrop to a desk. Adding a few cherished knick-knacks or a special photo can also inspire you to get creative or crank out some serious emails.
Add interest to a simple desk shelf by painting it in a contrasting color. This trick creates a chic focal point that helps delineate a workspace in an open-plan room.
- Decorate Your Space
When it comes to home office design, the details are what will really make your space feel finished. Look for pretty mugs and pencil holders that keep your desk organized, decorative waste baskets, and fashionable notepads and sticky notes that will inspire you to stay on task. Wrap bulletin boards and bookshelves with a fabric you love, or create a gallery wall with inspiring quotes.
If possible, choose a location that gets good natural light for your home office design. This will help to keep your eyes from feeling tired after working at the computer all day.
- Create a Workspace You Love
It’s important to make your home office something you love, especially since you will be spending so much time there! Try adding decorative touches, like a pretty mug as your pencil holder or a stack of trendy notebooks and sticky notes.
Also, be sure to add plenty of storage. Having enough room to keep all your supplies organized is essential. If you need to store less frequently used items, try incorporating wall mounted shelves or using a dresser or armoire for extra storage.
Finally, don’t forget to add lighting. A well lit workspace is essential for focusing on work and maintaining healthy eyesight.