Home office paint colors – the 10 best color schemes for an inspiring space

Over the past year, those of us lucky enough to have a dedicated room in which to shut ourselves away have gratefully recognized the peaceful retreat they provide. However, now working from home is likely to be the norm for many of us, we are thinking about the aesthetics of these spaces. 

But how to add beauty to what is, after all, a functional space? This is why choosing the best home office paint colors are vital to creating a successful scheme.

Home office paint colors – 10 ways to energize your space

1. Paint with a dynamic color palette

‘Make your home office area a brighter space that the rest of the room,’ advises Annie Sloan, color expert. ‘Basic color psychology can come into play here, but fundamentally whichever color you choose – it should be something you love. I think strong colors are important whatever your role: this is not a room for relaxing, you want the space to feel dynamic.’

2. Instil a sense of calm with a green color scheme

According to color psychology, beige greens and yellow greens are the most stress-reducing shades – so they are ideal for a home working environment. They also make a good neutral background for displaying art.

3. Make neutrals interesting 

Even a room that’s lacking in color can still be bursting with visual appeal. In fact, many designers love working with a neutral color palette because I can really translate to any design style. But the key to doing is successfully is to embrace a variety of elements that will add interest. You’ll want to combine materials and textures, which will create contrast and a sense of dimension.

4. Draw on personality and playfulness

‘With many of us working from home these days (at least some of the time), it’s important to foster a creative and inspiring home office environment – and not play it too safe when it comes to using pattern and color,’ says Sarah Peake, founder, Studio Peake.

Your book storage and home office setup need not be staid in character nor sombre in color. Scale up the atmosphere by painting the fitted joinery in a block color and let the books provide the detail.

5. Go for a fail-safe neutral 

A neutral home office offers infinite possibilities for making spaces airy and relaxing, or elegantly sophisticated and timeless

There is no doubt that neutrals have been the most popular tones for home offices during the last year, and for good reason. Many people feel most comfortable when surrounded by carefully balanced colors that create an understated environment and make few demands on the eye. 

This new and updated neutral is are all about minimalism, simplistic shapes and natural finishes, so ditch the chaos and opt for an uncluttered study that inspires creativity. 

6. Paint using a selection of cool tones

When it comes to blue home office ideas, Jane Rockett, co-founder of Rockett St George, says, ‘Cool blues and deep navy tones promote creativity and are the perfect choice for your home office – typically spaces that you go to for visionary thinking.’

Because cool tones aren’t overpowering – in fact they often feel like they are receding – they often help a small room appear to have more space, which can make them a great choice also for a small home office or library. 

7. Separate your work and play space with color

Use color to create a 'zone' for work. Zoning with color helps you to make the most of your work space, by creating a distinct areas for you to shut yourself away from the rest of the home. 

A full immersion of color, with one stunning shade for all walls, can bring interest into the room without overwhelming the eye; deep-tone colors work particularly well for this. The style also complements strong architectural features in a fresh and modern way. Plus, once you step out of the 'zone', you won't feel like you are at work.

8. Decorate in a harmonious color palette

If your home office is bursting with natural light, then why not go for a popular grey color scheme with touches of mood-boosting blue? 

Grey and blue is a harmonious color combination. Dark schemes, such as the deep, almost blue-black charcoal walls here, create an intimate environment for quiet contemplation. 

'The orientation of your space will affect the way a color looks on the walls, and is the reason why exactly the same shade of grey paint can look completely different in different surroundings,' explains author Kate Watson-Smyth.

9. Go for a marvellous monochrome scheme

A study or home office will look sophisticated and smart decorated in black and white, but if you are sticking religiously to the monochrome color scheme, it's really important to ensure that you add plenty of texture into the room to ensure it feels cozy and welcoming. Texture is vital – remember that the most successful monochrome interiors combine depth and dimension with tactile pieces to create an interesting narrative.

10. Create a 'zone' with color and pattern

When it comes to color, don’t be too conservative. A striking hue will inject just the right amount of flamboyance to add energy and foster creativity, as demonstrated by this bold study, which delightfully combines pattern with strong color.

What colors are good for a home office?

Soothing colors, such as greens and blues, will offer tranquility and that all-important link to the outside. However, while these shades suit south- or west-facing spaces, and even light-filled north- or east-facing rooms, you many feel a home office that only receives cool daylight is better suited to warmer colors.

What is the best color to paint an office for productivity?

‘Choosing the correct shade for your home office as important as you job,’ says Annie Sloan, color expert. ‘Select the best hues depending on your personality traits and what your job requires of you. For example, those who lack focus will benefit from bright colors, while those who role requires deep thinking should consider contemplative blues.’