Design Ideas for Your Work Space

Don’t skimp on space in your home office because you’ll be spending a lot of time there (e.g. squishing a tiny desk into a windowless closet to preserve the rarely-used guest room). Consider the flow of traffic and your capacity to stay focused in the face of distractions. Do you want to work in a bustling environment or should your office be tucked away in a quiet corner? If you expect clients to drop by, you’ll need a secluded area with plenty of seating.

Don’t make the mistake of sacrificing form for function.

Your workstation, shelves, and storage should work for you, not against you. Before you buy furniture, think about your workflow and what you need at your fingertips, and then look for pieces that are both beautiful and functional.

Instead of screaming “soulless cubicle,” home office furniture should match other rooms in your home. If you have the space, warm wood and soft, comfortable seats or a couch are great for a traditional home. Artistic pieces or trendy metal furniture can be used in a contemporary home office.

Choose a color that you like for the walls.

You need a color that makes your work motor hum. Forget “office beige.” For some, a bright, cheerful color like orange or lime green is the answer. Others require a soothing color like botanical green or sea foam blue to function properly. Learn more about how different colors can influence your mood.

Take a look at yourself.

When you look up from your computer, place the desk so you can look at something other than a blank wall (even if you like the color). Natural light from a window is best, but if you don’t have one, hang a lovely picture over the desk or turn your chair to face the entrance.

Accessorize with Cozy Accents

Choose extras that enhance the comfortable atmosphere of your home office, such as a gorgeous mug for a pencil holder, fashionable notepads and sticky notes, and a colorful waste basket, unless you’re going for a contemporary appearance. Wrap a beautiful fabric around your bulletin board, and conceal utilitarian bookshelves behind drapes made of the same material. Whether it’s your kids’ framed artwork or a famous painting, hang encouraging posters on the walls.