As someone who works from home fairly regularly, I understand firsthand the importance of having a designated at-home workspace. But more often than not, that workspace can feel like the focal point of a room – drawing unwanted attention to work-related matters and undermining the room's aesthetic with its utilitarian setup.

I noticed this exact scenario happening in my apartment. Despite my best efforts to position my WFH setup out of the way, it was starting to look like the statement piece of my small studio – the first thing you'd notice when you walked through the front door. Rather than a space for living, my studio was beginning to feel like a space I designed solely for work.

Instead of letting my dominant desk completely take over the aesthetic of my apartment, I decided to start looking for something that could help me create a work-focused zone that blurred into the room. The solution was IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk – an unassuming, multi-functional desk that acts as a workspace when needed and tucks away when it's time to log off.

Unlike most desks, IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk isn't large and bulky. Instead, this model is subtle and unobtrusive by design. Built with two tiers – the lower of which can slide out to provide an additional surface – this desk is highly versatile and can adapt to your needs throughout the day. During work hours, you can pull the lower tier out to create a full-sized desk, and once work is over, just push it back underneath and out of the way.

For those who don't want their WFH setups to become the focal point of their room, this desk is clearly the ideal candidate. But aesthetics aside, this desk is one of the most practical space-saving ideas I've ever seen. If you live in a studio apartment or work from a small bedroom, this desk will make sure your at-home workspace doesn't take up more floor space than it needs to. When work is over, simply push the lower tier away, and this full-size desk transforms into an unassuming credenza that'll sit flush against the wall to allow more space for moving around.

One of the things I like most about this desk is that it creates a clear boundary between work and life. Because of its movable lower tier, you can physically tuck work away at the end of the day and reframe your space for living. Sure, it's a small adjustment, but it's one that can make your home feel much more relaxed and designed for you – not your job.

With its multi-functional design and its undeniable versatility, this desk makes a strong case for reimagining what a WFH setup can look like in 2026. And since it's sold for just under $100 on IKEA's site, I'm certain that it's well worth a spot in your home.

Shop Desk Accessories from IKEA

Whether you use IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk as a part-time WFH setup or a daily desk, you'll need some accessories to help increase its functionality. Shop must-have desk accessories from IKEA, below.

With IKEA's LÄNGDHOPP desk, your at-home work setup won't overtake your room. Instead, it'll adapt to your daily needs and minimize the amount of space you dedicate to your job – making your home a place meant for living rather than working. Not only that, but it'll give you more floor space to work with, too.

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In 2026, home offices are in for a makeover – a maximalist makeover. No longer condemned to their traditionally cold and utilitarian style, home offices can be every bit as playful and creative as the more lived-in rooms in your home.

There's been a shift in interior design trends over the last year, a move away from the said beige era of the 2010s to a more colorful, more characterful, more maximalist aesthetic. And it was only a matter of time before we started seeing this style in even the most serious room in the house.

Here, we look into how to embrace maximalism in your home office design, carefully balancing practical considerations with bold color and pattern. After all, what inspires productivity more? A bland beige room, or one filled with personality?

'A home office isn’t just a room where emails get answered, it’s where ideas are born, decisions are made, and goals are accomplished,' interior designer Ashley DeLapp muses. 'When a space reflects your personality, it sparks creativity in ways that a generic room can’t.'

Interior designer Samantha Lane explains that since a home office is a part of your home, it should feel like it belongs there. 'There is no reason this room shouldn’t feel as special as every other room in your house,' she remarks. Think of it this way: if the rest of your home exudes maximalist energy through characterful details, why shouldn't your home office do the same?

And there are more profound reasons as to why you should allow for some maximalism in your home office. 'If you work from home, you usually spend an awful lot of time in your home office. It’s important to fill it with things that bring you joy and inspire you to be productive – it’s a smart investment to really make it yours,' Samantha explains.

Erin Fearins, Principal Interior Designer at Studio SFW, thinks similarly, explaining that 'a home office needs to be an environment that supports and promotes focus and positivity. How better to do this than with elements that feel special and personal to the individual using the space?'

If the muted, minimalist office look works for you, no need to change. But if by nature, you prefer interiors with character and expressive energy, then read on to understand just how to get the maximalist look for your home office.

1. Consider the Room's Color Scheme

As traditionally small rooms, home offices are the perfect confidence zones – spaces in which you can go bold with your design choices because they're not the main focus of the home. And one of the best ways to go bold is through color.

In the home office above, the design team at Studio SFW chose this captivating blue as the home office paint color. Its vibrancy enlivens the space with maximalist energy.

'Color is a huge part of the feeling of maximalism in this space,' Erin Fearins explains. 'We color drenched the room in blue, painting not only the millwork but the surrounding walls, doors, and trim in the same color and finish, creating a cocoon effect that feels rich and luxe.'

Here, the color gives the office a personality of its own, creating an environment that's design-oriented but still functional for work. And because the blue color scheme is continued through other details in the room, the space doesn't feel overwhelming at all. According to Samantha Lane, restricting the number of colors is especially helpful when designing maximalist home offices. 'Too many colors and lots of things can end up looking a bit chaotic,' she says. But like Erin and the Studio SFW team accomplished here, a room grounded with one color in varying shades can make for a stylish and chic home office.

2. Incorporate Vintage Finds for Added Character

Decorating with vintage is always a good idea, especially in the home office. If you're eager to give this room more character and maximalist style, but you're afraid that a bold color choice might be too much, vintage finds are the perfect alternative.

Designed by Alice Palmer, this playful home office is centered around the stunning vintage desk – a personality piece. Then to add to the maximalist aesthetic of this office space, Alice designed the room with Denim Stripe Wallpaper and the Carmine Candlestick Lamp Base – two features from her homewares brand that reinforce the personality of the room itself.

'⁠It’s important that your home office reflects your style so that you’re happy to spend your time there. The items, colors, and patterns that you choose to surround your workspace with should lend themselves to your way of working and make you feel relaxed as well as productive,' Alice muses.

3. Decorate with Details That Speak to You

One of the most effective ways to make a home office more characterful and maximalist is by using small styling moments to tell a story.

'Add pieces that really speak to you,' Samantha Lane recommends for creating a maximalist home office. 'If you have open shelving, create vignettes with things that are special, but also make sense in the space (i.e. books that you love, art, objects that tell a story, etc.). Baskets on open shelves are also a great way to add texture while stowing away things you may not want to have on display.'

In this office, Samantha and her team used the shelves to display characterful details that give the room a personality and enrich its elevated aesthetic. 'We made sure to add closed cabinets to the built-ins for items that are necessary to have close at hand but would take away from the overall feeling we were aiming for,' she says.

Of course, there's a fine line between an expressive home office filled with personal details and one that's simply too busy. That's why it's important to be selective with how you style the space. Like Erin Fearins says, 'books and meaningful objects certainly bring personality to any space, but the key is to combine these accessories and elements in an organized way so that the space doesn't feel cluttered or overwhelming.'

4. Go Bold with a Wallpaper

Just because a home office leans maximalist in style does not mean it's any less sophisticated than a minimalist office. 'A boldly designed office doesn’t lose its professionalism, it gains presence,' Ashley DeLapp explains, the designer of the above office. According to Ashley, bold, vibrant, and maximalist home offices 'make a statement before you even say a word.'

'When pattern and color are intentional, maximalist home offices create a sense of confidence rather than chaos,' she continues. 'A vibrant backdrop actually elevates your workspace. It shows creativity, style, and a point of view; all of which are incredibly professional in today’s world.'

In the space above, Ashley chose an exciting wallpaper that acts as a statement feature in the space. The room's maximalist design is supplemented with brass details and long, blush drapes that add warmth and create cohesion in the space.

'We kept the styling minimal, adding enough of my client’s personality without a lot of clutter,' Ashley explains. 'Maximalism works when it’s controlled. This room proves you can have color, pattern, and personality while still maintaining a functional work space.'

Shop The Maximalist Home Office Edit

Decorating your maximalist home office won't happen overnight. In fact, the most characterful interiors (home offices or not) are the ones that are developed over time – interiors that adhere to the principles of slow decorating. So don't rush to finalize your home office – let its design evolve with you. There's nothing more characterful than that.

The Opening Note

Working hybrid – two days in the office and three at home – has completely changed the way I think about a workspace. It’s never just about having a desk and a chair; it’s about creating a space that inspires focus, sparks creativity, and offers a sense of calm amid a busy day. A well-designed home office should feel purposeful, yet welcoming – a place you want to be, not just a corner to get through tasks.

I’ve grown to appreciate the little details that make a workspace truly intentional. A thoughtfully arranged office desk, clever home office storage solutions that keep clutter out of sight, and personal touches that bring joy all combine to transform a simple corner into a space that feels alive.

You’ll rarely find me at my desk without my favorite pen and a monogrammed notebook close at hand. They’re small details, but they make the space feel unmistakably mine. There’s a quiet pleasure in knowing everything has its place, and that the room reflects both the creative work I do and what I’m drawn to right now – rich brown tones, tactile, luxurious textures, metallic accents, and the ease of wireless lighting. Practical, yes, but unexpectedly stylish too.

I’m drawn to pieces that make working from home easier and more enjoyable: desks with character that invite you to sit, ergonomic chairs that support long hours without fatigue, and storage that balances practicality with style. Layering these elements thoughtfully creates a workspace that is energizing when you need focus but calm enough to step away from at the end of the day.

For anyone navigating a hybrid routine, small updates can make a huge difference. By curating a home office setup that feels inspiring rather than chaotic, you create a space that encourages productivity while remaining personal, functional, and in tune with your daily rhythm. With a little care, your workspace can become not just somewhere to work – but a place that energizes, motivates, and truly reflects who you are.

The Edit: Home Office Essentials

In the Spotlight: Papier

Few stationery brands feel as personal to me as Papier. I’ve bought a Papier diary every year since they launched, and over time it’s become a quiet constant in my life – something I return to again and again. The Damson Madder Dotted & Spotted Journal is my latest buy. There’s something reassuring about starting each new year with one, knowing it will slowly fill with plans, lists, thoughts, and moments that matter.

What I love most about Papier is the character in their designs. They’re thoughtful, expressive, and full of personality, whether bold and graphic or soft and understated. The option to add monogramming or personal details makes each piece feel truly yours, not just another notebook or diary, but something made especially for the person using it. That personal touch is what sets them apart.

Papier pieces also make the most meaningful gifts. A monogrammed notebook, a personalised diary, or a set of stationery feels considered in a way few presents do – practical, beautiful, and deeply personal all at once. They’re the kind of gifts that get used, kept, and often treasured, rather than tucked away and forgotten.

Papier is about more than paper goods. It’s about capturing everyday life in objects that feel special, expressive, and individual – pieces that quietly collect stories over time.

In the Queue

Next week on The Very British Edit, I’ll be turning my attention to creating a tidy, considered home that goes far beyond the home office. Rather than focusing on one room, I’ll be looking at the everyday systems and solutions that help keep the entire house feeling calm, organized, and easy to live in.

I’ll be sharing my favorite home organization ideas and storage pieces that bring order without sacrificing style – the kind that are as pleasing to look at as they are practical. Think beautifully designed trays, boxes, baskets, and accessories that earn their place out in the open, rather than being hidden away.

This edit is all about thoughtful storage ideas: pieces that help streamline daily life, reduce visual clutter, and make spaces feel more intentional. When storage looks good enough to be on display, it naturally becomes easier to keep things tidy and in their place.

If you’re drawn to a home that feels organised yet warm and lived-in, this upcoming edit will offer inspiration for creating order in a way that feels effortless, stylish, and genuinely sustainable.

The Very British Edit is a shoppable guide to beautiful living with a distinctly British twist. From heritage patterns to timeless decor inspirations, each edition blends personal insight, design expertise, and a love of craftsmanship. It is stylish, trustworthy, and endlessly inspiring.

After all the fun and revelry of Christmas and New Year's, it's no surprise that the majority of us might need a little help getting focused and realigned when it comes to going back to work for the New Year, none more so than those of us who work from home.

We've spoken to our Feng Shui expert for her top three tips on tweaking your home office space to boost focus and head into the new working year with a clear head and uncluttered space that maximizes motivation and productivity.

Here, she shares how to perfect your office Feng Shui.

3 Easy Feng Shui Tweaks for Your Home Office

1. Declutter

As Suzanne Roynon, Feng Shui consultant and interiors therapist, points out, 'It's important to use the time between Christmas and New Year to reclaim your space by decluttering – out with the old to make space for the new. This is as relevant for the home office as it is for your wardrobe.

'Clutter creates stagnation, not to mention bringing you down emotionally and contributing to those 'out of control' feelings,' which can, in turn, affect your home office productivity.

For this, Suzanne recommends decluttering your home office as an essential.

'Start with the desk and work your way through drawers, storage, and files,' she advises, paying particular attention to getting rid of paper clutter. 'Be ruthless. You’ll find you can discard much more than you imagine, and then archive anything that is now complete.

'Keep old tax records, invoices you have paid, and anything to do with financial outlay in the East, preferably in blue or black files or folders. The East represents the past, and blue mutes the spending energy.'

The Amazon Basics Classification Folder available at Amazon will keep everything neat when organizing paperwork at home. And, if you're unsure how long to wait before getting rid of important paperwork, our dedicated guide details everything you need to know.

'For new projects and income generation, use files in fiery colours or greens to represent positive energy and growth,' continues Suzanne. 'Put these in the North (Career), West (New Beginnings), or Southeast (Wealth) area of the room.'

2. Move Your Desk

'If your desk position means you face a wall with your back to a door, you’re impeding the ability to see the bigger perspective and likely experiencing obstacles in your work, as well as feeling a touch insecure,' advises Suzanne,' which is why it's crucial to consider Feng Shui furniture placement and, in particular, desk Feng Shui.

'Reorganise the space so you face out into the room with your back to a solid wall, so you can see the door directly or in your peripheral vision – this is known as the ‘control position’ and gives a greater sense of focus and purpose while supporting wellbeing,' she continues. 'If your desk is wobbly or not big enough, a firm, spacious replacement is going to help.'

We suggest the Caidence Computer Desk available at Wayfair as a worthy replacement, which is available in four colors.

3. Keep the Desk Top Clean and Fresh

It may seem obvious, but as Suzanne highlights, dusty paper-logged desks covered with coffee rings and a trail of biscuit crumbs will not inspire you to great things.

'They just feel tired and unloved, and it’s easy for that to become your daily experience,' she warns. 'Be sure to take everything off the desk and spritz it with an antibacterial spray [such as the all-natural Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray available at Walmart] at least once a week to keep you healthy and enthusiastic about your work.

'Generate good vibes with products that cleanse and uplift the energy within a space. Choose one which works for you or make your own DIY cleaning solution with a spray bottle and some energising aromatherapy oil.'

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

As with any space, it's just as important to avoid any Feng Shui design mistakes in your home office as in any other space. You can also start the New Year with a new habit, including writing morning pages.

One place I almost always turn to when I'm looking to give my home some character is the thrift store. They're filled with all sorts of home decor gems that make creating a personal, intentional, and eclectic space an affordable and inspiring reality. While the beauty of thrifted pieces is that they work in practically every room in the home, I've recently been focusing my attention on a space often practicality over takes personality – my home office.

Whether it's an assortment of vintage trinkets lined up on a bookshelf or a simple piece of retro furniture, decorating with vintage can work so well with home office ideas to transform these often quite bland spaces. These second-hand gems make your place of work feel not only inspiring but curated, speaking to you in a way that makes working from home feel enjoyable and comforting.

Interior designer Betsy Burnham says, 'Home offices should be special – we all spend so much time in them, it’s important that they reflect and support our personal style. So I think thrift shopping is a great way to furnish them. Find some great secondhand stores or a killer flea market, and just pull things that speak to you. Maybe you’ll find a piece of art, a guest chair that you can reupholster, a colorful area rug. These things are treasures and they’ll inspire you as you work.'

1. Vintage mirrors

While you may not initially expect to see a mirror in a home office, they're a surprisingly effective way of not only introducing character into the space but creating a sense of depth and dimension. They can also make these usually small home offices look bigger.

The beauty of decorating with mirrors is that they come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it's a floor-length gilded style that you've picked up at your local thrift store or a more ornate inlay piece to hang above your desk, these pieces open up a space (that's often one of the smallest in the house) and add scale. They reflect natural light and allow the room to feel brighter, resulting in a more uplifting space that soothes while you work.

North Carolina-based interior designer Lisa Mende swears by this technique. She says, 'When designing a home office, I often seek out vintage or thrifted pieces to add a rich patina to the space. Incorporating vintage mirrors with unique frames can add an unexpected charm and make the room feel both larger and brighter.'

2. Decorative trinkets

I don't know about you, but decorative trinkets and ornaments are one of the first things that jump out at me when I enter a thrift store. From uniquely shaped paperweights to glass bud vases, these small but mighty objects are perfect for creating a home office that feels representative of your tastes, welcoming you as soon as you enter.

Interior designer Shani Core proves the versatility of thrift stores as she explains the decoration in her own home office (pictured above). She says, 'From the vintage lucite dining table I use as my desk to the sterling compotes which hold my paper clips and rubber bands, so many items have been bought secondhand.'

While you may have once thought that decorating with vintage ceramics was only for the kitchen, think again, as china vases, lamps, and even plates make welcome additions to the walls and surfaces of a home office.

Shani proves this in her space, 'The sea glass porcelain Chinoiserie vases are a favorite decorative item, and also the special mounted coral on acrylic. And then my rattan etagere holds so many more thrifted items: ginger jars, antique plates, art, and books are just some of the items I keep on hand for styling and photoshoots!'

3. A reliable desk

A home office isn't complete without one essential piece – a desk. And it's these larger pieces of furniture that you want to last that can often be more affordable (and characterful) if you shop them second-hand. From midcentury mahogany to hand-painted pieces, these artisanal styles are far better value at the thrift store and just as lasting.

Betsy proves the power of one spotlight piece of vintage furniture in a home office. Referring to a recent project (pictured above), she explains, 'We recently did a home office in Beverly Hills for a wonderful client who loves a mix of styles. She wanted a big desk, and we were lucky enough to find her a fabulous vintage one.

'It’s actually a partner’s desk, so it’s extra wide and has storage on both sides. It’s made of white oak and has good lines, but it was pretty worn when we received it. We had it refinished, got all the drawers and doors working, and now it’s honestly smashing. Along with the client's many framed family photos, it’s the highlight of the room.'

Whether you're channeling transitional design tactics and opting for a retro desk that contrasts with your more minimal decor, or you're going for a full-blown maximalist haven with a colorful piece, a thrifted desk will bring character and patina into any style home office. The key to either look is choosing a piece that's high quality and sturdy, as you'll be sitting at it for long periods at a time.

4. A retro chair

Much like a timeless desk, a vintage chair can make all the difference to a home office, giving it a real dose of personality and charm. Thrift store stocks vary from place to place, but it's not hard to find some iconic styles when you look hard enough.

Chairs can be a cheap thing to thrift that will make your home look more expensive. While it's not always possible to find a specific style, going into a thrift store with an open mind will encourage you to feature an array of pieces from various eras.

Mixing decades creates a truly eclectic home office that exudes elegance and your tastes as a collector. Lisa agrees that this style can take a home office from ordinary to extraordinary. 'Additionally, a mid-century chair or a rustic table can elevate the aesthetic. When everything is brand new, a room can sometimes feel a bit flat. Blending new and vintage elements creates a welcoming warmth and imparts a distinctive character that is hard to achieve with solely new items.'

A midcentury style vintage leather desk chair is a classic style to look out for, as you can count on this variety to radiate sophistication and provide the utmost comfort. Don't be put off by swivel chairs either, you can find some iconic vintage styles that stray from the controversial gamer chair.

5. Artwork

If you want to create an uplifting home office that sparks inspiration and creativity, always decorate with art. It's surprisingly easy to find vintage prints, paintings, and sketches at the thrift store that can make your work-from-home space feel characterful and unique, nodding to your tastes and inspiring you as you glance up at them.

Whether you're channeling gallery wall ideas and showing off a collection of various sizes and styles of pictures on one wall behind your desk (think a antique landscape painting next to a little line drawing and a framed poster) or creating an accent wall with one iconic graphic print opposite your desk, art can give your office a real sense of individuality and charm.

Fear not if a thrifted print doesn't speak to you, as the frame just might. Thrift stores are filled with pictures from a variety of decades, meaning the frames are often unique in style, from simple gilded pieces to more ornate inlays. These accessories can give a wall a unique edge that beautifully contrasts with other, more contemporary styles.

If your home office is lacking character and charm, consider heading to your local thrift store for some one-of-a-kind treasures that will take your space from bland to eclectic. It's not just the home office that secondhand pieces can elevate; there are thrift store finds that can transform your living room, too.

It seems like everyone is decorating with paper lamps these days. From their globe-like shape to their light-as-air fabrication, these lamps are an attractive home decor feature that I, for one, can't seem to get enough of. Since I most often see them sold as hanging pendants, this clever paper desk lamp from Amazon caught my eye – it's petite, but just as stylish as its larger cousins. Not only that, but it's on sale for Amazon Prime Day.

This desk lamp has the same features as typical paper lighting, just in a smaller form. Because of its rice paper shade, it emits a soft, radiant glow that can create a cozy and inviting ambience. And since it's small in size, it can fit almost anywhere – use it as a desk lamp (as I plan to), place it on your nightstand, or let its attractive design style a bookcase.

Aside from that, its shape and texture make this lamp a perfectly fitting feature of the modern organic trend – an interior design trend that has captivated design lovers like myself over the past few years.

While other paper light variations can be quite pricey, this model comes in at less than $20 with its Amazon Prime Day discount.

I'm a firm believer that the simplest designs make the most impact in home decor, and this paper lamp is proof. With its warm yellow light output and chic round shape, this desk lamp has the potential to create a soft and inviting atmosphere in your home office – and looking at the reviews it's bright enough to work by too.

Aside from my praise, this paper lamp has received some glowing reviews (pun intended). One person wrote that they're obsessed with the lamp, saying it's even more beautiful in person. 'I've gotten so many compliments on this lamp already – it's definitely a conversation starter! But beyond its good looks, it's also super functional and provides great task lighting for my desk,' they wrote.

So, if you're like me and you can't seem to escape the paper lamp trend, now is the time to jump in. If you love the trend, but after a slightly different style, find three equally as stylish paper lamp choices – all of which are on sale for Prime Day – below.

If you love the Japanese-inspired design of these paper lamps as much as I do, read on to discover the Wabi-Sabi design trend, and how imperfection and asymmetry can actually make a space more desirable.

Joanna Gaines' Mini Reni series continues to inspire and surprise. You'd think after seven projects, inspiration may begin to wane. But not Joanna, channeling her modern rustic style and fusing it with her clients' needs, she created two deeply personal his and hers home office ideas.

Joanna started with an all-white box room that lacked character, divided by a pair of doors. She was tasked with creating two separate his and hers offices for a young couple with different interests and styles. She explains the project was about, 'Balancing two rooms – one that’s very masculine, and one that is very feminine.'

The result is two distinctly individual spaces. One is luxe, moody, and filled with old-world decor, and the other is refreshingly elegant and French-inspired, both representing the owners' contrasting personalities.

Joanna uses clever styling and a classic palette to make the two rooms feel connected, transforming a once neglected space into stylish studies. Plus, she's shared where to buy the key pieces from each space.

Before

His home office after

Despite the home offices being very different in style, Joanna uses rustic, vintage-inspired decor to give both spaces a similar sense of character and aged elegance.

Starting in his office, Joanna explains how she added character to the space. 'This was their formal living room, into the formal dining room. Literally just a white box with concrete floors. And now what you see is these warm laminate floors. After we applied the molding and this chair rail, we then painted it all one color and then added this beautiful wallpaper. The (Windsor Blue wallpaper available at Home Depot) is from my newest collection with York. I love how all of this really comes together. You have these layers, you have this texture.' These architectural touches frame the space and radiate grandeur, perfect for a refined study room.

The keywords for this room were Masculine & Moody, which this space certainly feels. But it's not without a softness and warmth too, mostly in thanks to the gallery wall

All good home office desk ideas feature some chic desk decor. Joanna scatters gold accents that contrast beautifully with the deep navy walls, like the brass calendar and tray.

Her home office after

Taking one space and dividing it into two, Joanna separates the rooms with a pair of doors. Although the two rooms are different, Joanna explains that you can blend the two spaces together using the right decor, common colors, and good styling. 'Then you step from dark to light, and you see how these patterns and colors and even the styling all tie back to each other. You can really blend that beautifully, even in the difference, even in the contrast, how do you tie it together so it doesn't seem so different?'

The keywords from her office could not have been more different from Masculine & Moody, for this space the brief was Happy French Girl.

Starting with the wallpaper idea, Joanna says, 'In here I used my wallpaper, this is French Linen Stripe from Magnolia. We did some trim work on the ceiling and painted it Sunday Stroll from Magnolia. Taking their very basic, normal, hollow core door, we added this applied molding to make it feel just a little more elevated.' Like his office, her office features similar architectural features that create a sense of character.

Like all good rug trends, this piece helps bring warmth and pattern into the room. Joanna says, 'I really wanted to ground the space with this beautiful patterned textured rug.' The vintage-style furniture gives the space some patina and personality. 'These sweet, simple chairs just help create a moment where they can drink coffee, tea, and connect.'

There are plenty of thoughtful details in her office, but the personal shadow box is an intentional touch that nods back to the client. Joanna says, 'The story here was she wanted it to be very French-inspired. This is one of my favorite things to add to any space, just a collection of stories and intention that makes the room feel a lot more meaningful.'

Joanna makes the home office look beautiful with her signature elevated country style. It's obvious that the young couple has been considered right from the start, as Joanna nods to their personalities in small but mighty ways throughout the design.

Your home office might be the place you feel most productive – but when was the last time you cleaned it?

After a day of work, it's no surprise that setting about cleaning can often slip to the bottom, or even off, your to-do list. But, say our cleaning pros, a clean home office space is vital for a clear mind, and taking the time to do so will improve your focus and productivity too.

Here, they share their cleaning tips for boosting your output, without feeling burnt out.

5 tips for a clean home office

1. Dust shelves and desks

As Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless, says, 'Your home office should be a productivity hub, not a dust collector. Keeping it clean helps with focus, reduces allergens, and keeps equipment in good shape.' And, if there's one thing that screams dust magnet, it's a shelf filled with books.

For this, Carolina Kazimierski, co-owner and president of Sophia's Cleaning Service, recommends, 'Dust all open shelves and desks about once a week. Just a quick wipe down will do, and I like to use microfiber cloths [such as the Great Value Microfiber Cloths available at Walmart] for this, dampening them a bit if necessary to pick up dust most effectively.' The Scrub Daddy Damp Duster, available at Amazon, is also great for this.

Just make sure, as Karina advises, to start from the top and work down, to avoid having to re-dust lower surfaces.

Then, as Alma Hinojosa, professional cleaner at BetterCleans, suggests, the best way to keep on top of wiping down your desk is simply to do it each and every time you turn off your laptop.

She says, 'This is pretty simple, and make it non-negotiable. Keep an all-purpose spray and some paper towels right in the office so it’s easier to freshen up the surface without any fuss.' We recommend the Method All-Purpose Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit, available at Walmart, for this.

2. Disinfect light switches

This one might seem a little less obvious, but light switches are more than likely overlooked spots you are forgetting to dust, and are certainly high-touch surfaces that need cleaning.

'Disinfect light switches and doorknobs weekly, especially during cold and flu season,' advises Karina, using a wipe or spray, such as the Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner available at Amazon, which kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses with a biodegradable formula.

3. Vacuum once a week

'Use your best lightweight vacuum at least once or twice a week,' recommends Alma. 'A clean space helps clear your mind. It’s just easier to focus

'And if you have allergies or sensitivities, vacuuming helps reduce dust and allergens. Feeling physically better means you can work longer and with more energy.'

Pay particular attention to under your desk and around cords, where dust tends to settle, adds Karina. 'The BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Cordless Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon is a compact handheld vacuum that's perfect for corners and keyboards.'

4. Do a 'clean sweep'

Unfortunately, with clutter often comes dust and dirt. Therefore, even if you don't have time to fully declutter your home office, cleaning expert Carolina recommends doing a 'clean sweep' to reduce visual clutter in a home office.

'Oftentimes I'll have some trash to take out to the main bin, some papers to organize, and some office supplies and other household items to put away,' she explains. 'This really helps me start the next week feeling organized and refreshed.'

After all, say our pros, micro-resets might just be the key to a tidy home.

5. Declutter monthly

And finally, recommends cleaning expert Karina, when you do have the time to try out some decluttering methods, schedule a monthly decluttering session. While this isn't a cleaning tip per se, clutter blindness can often lead to cleaning neglect, so it's important to clear surfaces before setting about sanitizing.

'Declutter monthly by reviewing papers, pens, or tech items that have piled up,' she says. 'Use drawer dividers or a desktop organizer to keep only essentials within reach. The Simple Houseware Mesh Desk Organizer available at Amazon keeps your workspace neat and accessible.'

Don't forget to do a digital declutter, too, to clear your online space as well as your physical.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Your home office may be associated with work, but that doesn't mean you can't find solace in the everyday. For example, Punteha van Terheyden, head of Solved, has found easy ways to make her tiny home office peaceful.

When I was freelance, I worked in the living room, kitchen, or in my favorite coffee shop. Then I took a remote job at Homes & Gardens as Head of Solved and converted my small, unused guest bedroom into a calm and peaceful office space.

It’s a shared office as I work during the day, and my husband works in the evenings, with some overlap in our hours. I wanted to make this space enjoyable to be in, super functional, and free from clutter.

Here, I share the eight easy and affordable things I've done to facilitate this, whilst psychology, interior, ergonomics and gardening experts share their tips for working from home whilst cultivating a soothing environment.

How I made my tiny office uncluttered, peaceful and uber-functional

1. Ergonomic office supplies

I have a connective tissue disorder so my body hurts a lot. Whether I'm working or using adaptive pacing to clean, I have to be mindful every minute of every day to avoid injury and pain.

Anything that isn’t ergonomic or supportive in my home office will lead to wrist, arm, and pretty much everywhere-else strain. That’s why under my desk I have a small bean bag, for a malleable and easily adjusted footrest, as well as a mouse mat with wrist support, and an upright ergonomic mouse, all of which are available on Amazon.

I also have a large monitor screen that connects to my laptop, so it’s easier on my eyes than my tiny work laptop, as well as a monitor riser. I had a car crash in 2022 and am still suffering neck pain as a result. It’s made working at a desk super hard but having a monitor riser, available on Amazon, has really helped. It’s not only brought easy access storage into my small office space but also brings my computer monitor up to where it’s needed, helping to lessen eye and neck strain.

Anouska Shenn, a workplace culture and wellness specialist and Founder at The Office Yoga Company says, 'The conveniences of working from home often mean we can spend many hours at a stretch without getting up from our chairs – no water cooler, no desks of co-workers to visit for a chat, no walking to meetings or going out for lunch. Musculoskeletal problems caused by poor ergonomics or posture develop slowly, and often it's not until they cause us pain that we're motivated to take action.

‘Setting up our workspace ergonomically and in a way that encourages good posture isn't just about comfort at the moment, but also reduces the long-term physical strain of desk work on our bodies. By minimizing wear and tear on the joints and unnecessary effort and tension, we can feel less fatigued and more at ease.'

2. Aesthetic storage

I didn’t have any storage ideas in my small home office after we converted it from a guest bedroom. Luckily, before making any purchases, I realized it was good for my mental health to keep anything strictly work related in my home office, but that it was important to have appropriate storage, so the small room I’d spend 40+ hours a week wouldn't be messy or cluttered.

I didn’t want the stress of visual clutter in open storage and needed something neat and tidy that fit my strict budget. I also wanted the aesthetic to match my taste, as it would any other spot in my house. I went for a great value blue sideboard from Amazon, which has turned out to be incredibly well-built, and feels much more expensive than it was.

It gave me adequate storage to keep things organized and separate from the rest of my home, and I also love that it’s bright blue, and not by any means ‘office-y’.

Chartered psychologist, Dr. Meg Arroll, says, ‘It’s essential to do what we can to separate our work life from our personal life when we WFH. By zoning spaces, even in small areas, we can help our minds switch off from ‘work mode’ and into a more restful and restorative ‘home mode’.

‘This doesn’t mean home offices need to be too office-y or serious. WFH can feel isolating or monotonous at times, but by adding touches of fun to your home workspace, you can boost mental well-being and productivity.

‘For example, surrounding yourself with colors, inspirational artwork, or quirky desk accessories stimulates creativity. Also, changing up your workspace or having flexible areas, like a cozy reading nook or outdoor seating, helps shift your perspective, leading to fresh ideas.

3. Calming home fragrance

I have always had the nose of a hound, and I love making my home smell nice. Using non-toxic home fragrancing free from VOCs (volatile organic compounds that ‘off-gas’ when you get them), phthalates, and other toxic substances means I can enjoy my lovely smelling home office without running a heightened risk of lung irritation or other health 'scaries'.

Dr. Meg explains why scenting your office can be beneficial. She says, ‘Smells and aromas can be a quicker route to inciting certain feelings because there is a direct pathway to parts of the brain associated with feelings and memories. When we smell something, odor molecules travel through the nose and go directly to the olfactory bulb, closely connected to the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for emotions, and the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory.

‘Since these areas process both emotions and memories, smells can instantly evoke vivid feelings and past experiences. Hence, you can personalize your space any way you like – if you need to feel energized to get a particularly tricky piece of work done, think of a smell associated with a time when you were full of beans! If you want to feel relaxed, choose an aroma that reminds you of a moment when you felt calm and at peace.'

There’s lots of research, however, on how, as humans, we react to certain olfactory triggers – which have found that if you’re looking to create a calm and relaxing vibe, a few go-to scents can work wonders.

Dr. Arroll adds, ‘Lavender is perfect for reducing anxiety and helping with sleep, while bergamot and pine lift your mood and bring that peaceful, nature-inspired calm. For a more comforting feel, vanilla and sandalwood offer warmth and relaxation, and if you’re aiming for a floral, soothing atmosphere, jasmine and chamomile are great choices. To top it off, ylang-ylang slows down your heart rate and melts away stress. Mix and match these for a cozy, stress-free WFH space.'

4. Coffee maker

It’s such a small addition, and at less than $100, my brilliant pod coffee maker is a home office spend I will never regret. As I am disabled and have limited mobility, going up and down the stairs multiple times to get a hot drink is a no-go for me. Having a set of hot drinks available within arm’s reach, and snacks to keep me ticking over when needed, has made my space truly work for me, and avoid any further injuries associated with my connective tissue disorder.

To offset the one-use pod usage and assuage my guilt, I store the used coffee pods in a recycling bag from Tassimo and drop them off at an appropriate drop-off location where the pods are picked up and recycled properly.

Lydia Hayman, our Kitchen Appliances Editor says, ‘I would recommend the Nespresso Vertuo Next, which we have tested, reviewed, and awarded 4.5/5 stars. It is slim, sleek, and well-designed for home office use. It’s speedy and easy to use, with over thirty different pods to choose from, spanning classic espresso to fun seasonal blends, like watermelon cold brew. Plus, the water tank is a good size, which saves you from going up and down to refill it.'

5. Low maintenance plants

The north-facing window in my home office has proven to be the most perfect sweet spot for my plants, which are happily thriving with minimal TLC from me. I live with intense chronic pain and don’t get out in nature much, much to my dismay. But, having thriving green plants around me whilst I work is comforting in a way I can’t explain.

Dr. Meg, luckily, can explain why having some of the best houseplants in your office is relaxing. She says, ‘Plants tap into our natural connection with nature thanks to biophilia, which helps reduce stress, boost focus, and even improve air quality. Just having greenery around can make your space feel more inviting, comfortable, and visually interesting, breaking up the monotony of screen time.

'My personal go-to are low-maintenance plants like succulents, snake plants, or pothos which I have on my desk and nearby shelves. They certainly do brighten up my space and help me maintain a sense of calm and comfort throughout the working day.'

I couldn’t agree more. I have a snake plant, an umbrella plant, and a rubber plant. Rachel Bull, our Head of Gardens says, ‘For a low-maintenance houseplant that works hard for you, I would always opt for a snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata). They require very little time and effort to keep looking healthy, and thanks to their smooth, vertical growing habit, they are perfect for smaller spaces and window ledges. They are also known to help purify the air, adding to their calming nature.

‘Umbrella plants (Schefflera), are also an easy choice, and they will be very happy in a sunny spot by a window. Less is more when it comes to watering, and you can prune these plants if they start encroaching on your space, and they will come back thriving without any fuss. Paired with a snake plant, it offers a fabulous contrast in leaf shape and texture – what a simple way to create a peaceful, jungle feel in a small space.’

6. Photos of my loved ones

I try to take regular screen breaks and it’s soothing to look away from my computer and see the faces of the people I love the most beaming down at me. It helps create ‘white space’ and is a mental reprieve when things are tough or stressful in the working day.

I also find it grounding to have personal effects in my workspace. It’s much easier to remember that we should work to live, not live to work, when my daughter is smiling at me just inches behind my desk.

Psychologist Dr. Meg explains, ‘Work can be, well, hard work – so by having personal effects in our visual field, we are reminded about our ‘why’. There’s enormous pressure in our modern society for our work to be Ikigai, a Japanese concept that means a reason for being, where your work is the intersection of your passions, skills, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, bringing purpose and fulfillment to life.

‘But for most of us, this is unrealistic, and work is a way to primarily pay the mortgage and support loved ones – and this is totally OK! By peppering photos of family and knick-knacks from travels, we can push through those tedious tasks and remind ourselves why we labor.’

7. Multiple lighting options

My heritage is Persian, and there is a quality we design our homes and spaces to avoid: ‘del tang’. That literally translates to ‘small heart,’ and is a descriptor in this context for a space being dank, gloomy, or dark and depressing.

That’s why after biting the bullet and being brave enough to color drench my north-facing small room with the terracotta color my heart desired, I installed lots of lamps and additional lighting to brighten it up. Now, I can enjoy my ‘cozy’ colored walls and ceilings, without feeling like the light has been sucked out of the room.

Dr. Meg explains, ‘Dark spaces can cause us to feel claustrophobic because they limit sensory input, triggering the brain to become more alert and anxious. In the absence of light, our vision and spatial awareness are impaired, which can lead us to feel disoriented or trapped.

‘The lack of visibility can activate a fear of the unknown, which is often associated with danger. Therefore, by adding some cozy lighting ideas, we can reassure the ancient and instinctual part of our brain that we are safe and free from harm.’

Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors here at Homes & Gardens, adds, ‘Pools of soft accent lighting rather than anything bright and overhead work well. I’ve found a table lamp, available at Target, placed close to my workspace is plenty bright enough to work by on dark mornings and evenings.’

8. Interior scheme I loved

I didn’t want my office to be stark and white and instead decided on color-drenching it with cozy terracotta. I figured if I am going to spend so much time in one room, it should be as beloved for me from a style perspective as anywhere else in my home.

Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors, agrees, adding, ‘When I designed my small home office, I wanted the opposite to what I had previously experienced going into office workspaces. White walls, stark lighting, and cheap furniture just don't fill you with motivation, and in fact, so many companies have finally worked this out too, and are pivoting on traditional office design to create spaces that better mimic at-home working spaces, or trendy co-working spaces.

‘I wanted my home office to feel like an extension of the calming and peaceful rooms in my home that I spend so much time in. I chose calming but uplifting colors like creams and butter yellows, hung prints on the walls that added pops of bolder hues like blues and burgundies, and chose furniture that was practical, of course, but also reflected my design style.’

Meet the experts

Next, learn how to how to organize a small house with no storage and delve into our small home office ideas. Don't forget to regularly clean your home office, too.

When we neared the moving-in stage of our home reno (I'll just clarify moving in was a totally different stage to finishing) being able to work remotely from 'site' was a crucial step in the house being ready for us.

After adding a dividing wall to a large bedroom upstairs to create a primary bathroom and home office, we splashed some paint on the walls in both rooms and declared them ready. But I'm coming to regret my paint ideas.

Now, a year later, I find myself itching to repaint. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much the shifting natural light would impact the way the color looked and felt throughout the day, and it has left me feeling gloomy. Here's what I've learned from my mistakes with decorating with blue.

As I have learned, during a home renovation the key to success lies in giving yourself time to live in the space. This allows you to really understand how the rooms feel, where you get daylight, and what spaces remain dark and gloomy.

My biggest mistake, very early on, was not getting to grips with the orientation of the space and looking into the best room color ideas for that direction.

West-facing rooms, like my home office, have a unique relationship with light. In the mornings, they can feel cool and shadowy but by late afternoon (in the summer months) they're flooded with low, golden light. And as you can imagine, it means that the color doesn't stay particularly consistent throughout the day.

Led by color trends and my love of color drenching, I settled on a shade from COAT Paints called Lie-In which they describe as a 'pretty and serene' shade.

While the sample felt like it does what it says on the tin, after drenching the space and living with it (and the shifting in light and seasons) it suddenly feels cold, sucking the energy out of the space rather than enhancing it.

What I thought would be a cozy, uplifting shade now feels oppressive. This made me learn a big lesson in choosing paint choices: the right paint color isn't just about aesthetics, you must also understand exactly how the light will interact with your chosen color.

A hue that looks perfect on a swatch or even in another room can take on an entirely different personality when exposed to changing daylight.

North-facing rooms, for example, receive cooler, indirect light, which can make colors appear darker and more muted. South-facing rooms, on the other hand, enjoy consistent, warm light throughout the day, allowing for a wider range of colors to shine without drastic changes. While east-facing rooms get bright, crisp morning light they can feel dimmer and cooler in the afternoon. Meanwhile, west-facing rooms – like mine – start the day in shadows and end with intense, golden light.

Understanding these natural light patterns can help you make more informed paint choices, ensuring that your chosen color looks just as good in the morning as it does at night.

But while my office feels cool and gray, that doesn't mean all pale blues will work this way in your home.

In this small home office, designed by Marie Flanigan Interiors, Farrow & Ball's Skylight 'brings a soft, airy elegance to this feminine office,' says Marie. 'A delicate blue-gray that shifts beautifully with the light. It’s subtle yet sophisticated, creating a serene and inspiring space that feels both fresh and timeless.'

South-facing spaces, with their abundant warmth, can handle cooler blues with gray or even violet undertones without feeling too chilly, as the sunlight adds warmth for you. Additionally, the best blue paints for east-facing rooms, which have bright morning light but cooler afternoons, are softer, muted blues that maintain their depth throughout the day.

In north-facing rooms, on the other hand, where light tends to be cooler, warm-toned blues with hints of green can help prevent the space from feeling too cold or stark. While in west-facing rooms, after some research, I learned that the experts say blues with green or taupe undertones can help balance the color.

If you're looking for the best dark blue paint, Marie says: 'Benjamin Moore’s Midnight was the perfect choice for this masculine study [seen above]. It reads as an elegant near-black, but with just a hint of navy that adds depth and richness. It creates a space that feels refined, moody, and endlessly sophisticated.'

So I urge you to try to tailor your blue to the room’s orientation before you make any quick decisions, like me. I'll be looking to take all this new-found blue knowledge straight to the hardware store to choose a little more wisely this time around.

Now that I’ve lived with my moody blue office for over a year, I can confidently say that paint is never just about picking a pretty color – it’s about light, mood, and how a space makes you feel throughout the day. As I consider a repaint, I’ll be taking a more thoughtful approach this time, looking for a shade that adapts and works in harmony with my space rather than against it. And maybe this time, I'll not just fall in love with a color on a swatch...

When decorating a small room, it's often tempting to go for light paint colors in an attempt to make them feel roomier, but Benjamin Moore is challenging that.

In a video posted recently to Instagram, Benjamin Moore's color specialist Andrea Magno shares four dark and bold paint ideas that work well in small rooms, encouraging you to lean into these space-restricted spaces and add interest through color.

If you've ever wondered whether small rooms should be painted light or dark colors, the following paint shades make the case for embracing deep hues for a sophisticated and moody feel.

1. Midnight Blue 1638

It's common to reach for neutral paints in entryways. Since they're the first room upon entering a home, going bolder with dark paints can feel daunting, but they can add much more interest than lighter tones.

For example, Benjamin Moore's Midnight Blue is an incredibly dark and moody blue paint that Andrea recommends using for entryway color ideas.

'When you're welcoming guests into your home this color is sophisticated, it’s rich, it’s a little bit unexpected, particularly when it’s paired with the pop of pink on the front door that brings in some personality,' Andrea explains in the Instagram video.

2. Slate Teal 2058-20

Andrea also recommends home offices as a good room to incorporate bolder paint colors, such as Benjamin Moore's Slate Teal which was used here. Again, it can often be tempting to opt for a 'safe' color palette of pared-back neutrals in these work zones, but there's no reason why these functional rooms can't boast just as much design interest as the rest of your home.

When using a color like this one, Andrea nods to color-drenching ideas that help keep things feeling cohesive, 'everything is painted in one deep color and it really brings the space together and gives it its own unique personality.'

3. Carter Plum CW-355

'Powder rooms are another great place to use a dark color,' Andrea continues in the video. 'One, because you can close the door, so you don’t have to worry about the color flow from one room to the next, but it’s also a space where you can play with a color that's a little bit darker, a little bit unexpected.'

Here, Benjamin Moore's Carter Plum was used, of which Andrea says, 'it has a higher gloss sheen, it gives it some drama, it feels special. It’s like a jewel box of color which is a lot of fun.'

4. Silhouette AF-655

Lastly, Benjamin Moore's Silhouette, a grayish brown paint, is another dark paint recommended by Andrea for small living rooms or den ideas.

In this room, the paint color has been used liberally to include the ceiling and woodwork as well as the walls, of which Andrea says, 'you can see how the corners of the room are kind of blurred – they’re almost obscured which actually gives a sense of endlessness, it makes the room almost feel larger than it really is.'

While these deep and moody shades can seem like brave choices, they can add so much design interest to space-limited rooms.

'So the next time you’re choosing color for a smaller space, don’t rule out the darker colors, because that can lead to a room that maybe becomes your favorite space in the entire house,' Andrea adds in the video.

Every year we witness a newfound appreciation for certain paint shades and it seems that this year is no different. With warm neutrals dominating the Color of the Year announcements and many designers and homeowners alike shunning the once-loved gray, we've seen a real shift in the tones that are on trend.

Designer Shea McGee has long been a fan of warm nudes and has been incorporating them in her homewares and design projects since her studio was founded in 2014. But it seems that Shea is still a lover of gray despite what color trends say, and has chosen the unexpected shade for her own office, ignoring its recent unpopularity and proving it can be a beautiful shade to work with.

The designer recently took to Instagram to show off her chic office space that's been designed with a cool grey color scheme. We were pleasantly surprised by Shea's unexpected use of the shade, but speaking to color experts we've delved deeper, understanding gray's calming qualities and why it's the perfect choice for a home office.

Shea has gone for a refined, soothing vibe that couldn't be more appropriate for an office. Cool-toned gray is the perfect calming shade that makes you feel relaxed and at ease, inspiring you for the week ahead.

Emily Moorman our Paint and Color Editor at H&G shares her thoughts on decorating with gray and why it's an apt color for an office. 'While there seems to be a never-ending appeal for warm colors right now, especially warm neutrals, you shouldn’t rule out cooler options, especially in rooms like home offices. Cool paint colors, from gentle grays as seen in Shea’s office to delicate blues, are known to be amongst the most soothing, making them a great choice for home offices where we want to feel calm and focused.'

After admiring Shea's office, it seems that she's matched her decor and furnishings to the large central cabinet that's finished in a sophisticated light gray. She's gone for neutral furnishings to allow the gray to shine, choosing a light wood desk and a natural linen armchair. Sticking with the gray scheme, she's selected a vintage-style gray repeat pattern wallpaper that brings some pattern and coziness to the room.

Choosing the right paint shade for your space is crucial as it will heavily dictate the feel of your space. Emily says, 'While cool neutrals can appear dull with the wrong paint color or in the wrong setting, soft and delicate light grays can be incredibly effective as a calming backdrop color for 2025.'

Shop Shea's office look

Grey is a perfect background color as it's neutral yet elevated, allowing for all styles of decor and furnishings to be introduced. Shea's cool-toned color choice is clever as it's subtle yet feels refreshed and polished.

Patrick O'Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball says that gray is ideal to use for a clean and calming vibe. 'Whilst gray may have fallen from our consciousness as the only color to decorate with, it’s still very much part of the painting repertoire and a great choice for a clean and uncluttered look. For best results, i.e. with a note of warmth, choose a browner-based grey such as Ammonite or its darker sibling Purbeck Stone.'

Shop some of H&G's favorite gray paints

While gray has been unpopular as of late, it's clear the shade is perfect for a home office as it's inspiring yet neutral. Shea's scheme is perfectly considered, showing that she knows best when it comes to practical yet beautiful design.

You don't need us to remind you that the holidays are well and truly upon us. So creating a multifunctional space that serves as both a home office and a welcoming guest room can be a challenge – but a worthy one.

Since the rise of WFH, most of us have been using a guest bedroom as an office space but that doesn't mean we still don't need to host overnight guests from time to time. When designed thoughtfully, a home office can seamlessly transform into a cozy retreat for guests.

With the right approach, you can successfully create a hybrid space that meets your needs of both functionality and feeling welcoming to guests. So whether you're looking to stage a home office with a fold-down bed or a guest bedroom that houses a desk for occasional remote working, we've asked the experts for their best advice.

How To Make Your Home Office Guest-Friendly

The key to a successful dual-purpose space is to first establish the main focus of the space. Is it mostly your home office that needs to occasionally welcome your in-laws or a regularly used guest bedroom that just needs an alcove for a small desk?

You also need to concentrate on being flexible yet intentional with your decor and furniture so you can ensure that your guest-friendly home office is as inviting as it is efficient.

Dive into these 5 tips interior designers shared with us to help you in your quest to design a guest bedroom meets home office hybrid.

1. Think multi-function

When designing a home office that can double as a guest room, it’s essential to prioritize multifunctional pieces that offer both style and practicality. If you want to design a home office that doesn't look like an office, think about how guests will use the space and look for pieces that give them flexibility, like a small desk that doubles as a nightstand or a set of shelves that can store office essentials on weekdays and guest amenities on weekends.

'A guest-friendly home office should balance function with a warm, inviting vibe,' says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. 'If you’re tight on space, a convertible desk setup can be a lifesaver, allowing you to clear the workspace easily for guest use.'

'Often in New York City apartments where space is at a premium, we combine a home office with a guest bedroom, creating a multifunctional space that's equally beautiful and welcoming to the homeowner and guest,' adds Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors.

2. Try out a Murphy Bed

'In my own home, we have an office in a room with a Murphy bed to accommodate our guests,' says Emily Brownell of Gilded Hearth. 'The Murphy bed itself [seen above] is cleverly disguised and looks like its own wall feature so that alternatively when we are working it doesn't feel as if we are in a bedroom.'

A Murphy bed is ideal for a dual-purpose room because it allows the space to feel like a dedicated office most of the time while effortlessly converting it into a guest bedroom when needed.

It’s also essential to consider bedding storage and comfort, and keep a dedicated space for linens, making it easy to set up for guests at a moment’s notice. 'When needed it easily folds down to a truly comfortable queen-size bed,' Emily adds. 'This is also key, don't skimp on a mattress. If your guests aren't getting a good night's sleep then all the cute pillows, luxury linens, and pine-scented candles won't matter.'

3. Or a sleeper sofa

Sleeper sofas or sofa beds are another fantastic choice for creating a home office that doubles as a comfortable guest room. If you're looking for ways to make your home office look beautiful, a stylish sofa that folds down to a bed can provide ample sleeping space while taking up minimal room when tucked away as a sofa.

'The easiest solution is a bed that folds completely out of the way when unused,' suggests Ward Welch, partner at Studio SFW. 'When the room is larger, a comfortable sleeper sofa is a request we get a lot – and yes, they do exist!'

Many sleeper sofas now offer plush, comfortable mattress options, so your guests won’t have to compromise on quality. Finding the best sleeper sofa can really help to upgrade your home office setup, and provide a comfortable space to chill between meetings.

4. Include plenty of storage

With hidden storage, you can neatly tuck away work tech and other essentials, transforming the room into a relaxing, clutter-free environment for guests when needed. It keeps everything in its place and out of sight, creating a more peaceful space for guests while allowing you to have a tidy workspace.

The room seen above utilizes transitional furniture to turn the space into an office or guest room as needed. 'When creating a home office, I recommend incorporating plenty of storage to help avoid clutter in your living space,' says Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of Mendelson Group.

Choose bedroom storage solutions that make it easy to switch between modes. That way, when guests arrive, you’re not rushing to tidy up. Consider installing built-in cabinetry, shelving units with doors to hide everything away, or even under-bed storage solutions if you’re using a daybed or Murphy bed.

5. Consider a restful seating area

For many interior designers, a seating area is a great trick to make a guest bedroom look beautiful. A seating area brings a sense of calm to a home office, making it feel more inviting and homely for guests, while for you, it offers a place to take breaks and recharge during the workday.

'Many home offices that we design have a balance of working and lounging spaces. A comfortable spot to work, but also, a seating area to take a break and relax,' advises designer Wendy Labrum. 'With the way people work evolving over the last few years and more individuals working from home, it's become more important to have a comfortable and enjoyable space at home – this is especially critical when you may have guests staying over who need a place to work or even when a couple both work from home.'

'Consider adding a comfortable chair or even a small bench for guests to use,' adds Linda Hayslett. 'I’d also add a few homey touches like a small vase with fresh flowers or a basket for extra blankets to keep it welcoming for visitors.'

A multi-functional space shouldn't have to feel like a compromise – it can become one of the most versatile and inviting rooms in your home if you take a thoughtful approach. With these tips, you’ll be ready to host guests with style and ease, all while maintaining a space that supports your day-to-day productivity.

If there's ever been a year to embrace deep and dark colors in small spaces, 2024 has been just that. Shifting away from ever-popular light neutrals, dark, moody paint colors have proven how they can totally transform small rooms, and our homes are all the richer for it.

Case in point, Studio McGee's latest interior design project, Tahoe Pines, includes a home office that channels a deep and dark paint color, complete with modern rustic decor, and the end result is so dreamy. Tapping into the color-drenching trend, there's much to love about this room's design, and it's especially fitting for fall.

Read on to learn exactly what paint color is used in the space, and why Shea turned to the home's stunning natural surroundings as a source of inspiration to inform the whole color scheme, including the furniture.

Benjamin Moore's Dark Olive, a dark shade of olive green with a slightly muted appearance, was used across the walls, ceiling, and built-in cabinets. Wrapping around the entire room, this moody paint color creates a cocooning and cozy feel, setting the focal point for the rest of the room's decor.

'I love the tone and that we carried it from the cabinetry to the ceiling and then even layered that color with a green velvet chair in the corner,' Shea explains in a Studio McGee Instagram video. While color drenching often stops at the wall color, this room channels an even more dramatic approach with the matching dark green armchair – a great way to achieve a fully cohesive look.

But beyond the obvious appeal of this warming and sophisticated dark green paint color, the wall color was actually chosen to nod to the home's scenic Lake Tahoe surroundings. 'I think that one of the most successful things about the room is that it’s a direct reflection of the palette from the scenery of the home,' Shea continues in the video.

The same goes for the rest of the tones throughout the room: the light wooden desk, the sand-colored swivel chair, and the light neutral sheer curtains. 'You've got green and you've got some leather tones that speak to these great organic sandy tones around the area,' adds Shea. 'And we've incorporated that in a literal way and it feels really seamless with all of the surroundings through the windows.'

Additionally, the lighter tones throughout the room also cleverly create balance among the dominant dark color scheme. By incorporating softer, neutral tones in the way of furniture and smaller decor, the space doesn't feel too heavy and will no doubt ensure an uplifting workspace environment.

'We wanted to go lighter on the desk because it needed a little bit of a contrast and also, in the center of the room it kind of created this great anchoring point with all of the dark tones surrounding,' Shea concludes the video with.

Looking to refresh your own home office? Beyond changing the color of the walls with trending dark paints, consider taking inspiration from Studio McGee with a blend of modern and rustic items that add charm to these hardworking spaces, ensuring a homey and cozy feel throughout.

Shop below a selection of our current favorites from McGee & Co., as inspired by the Tahoe Pines project.

A well-designed home office promotes much more than productivity. Often tucked away from shared spaces, it's the perfect place to express a bit more personality. Although functionality is always at the forefront, a serene aesthetic and comforting details are key to a swoon-worthy design scheme.

When designing a sprawling home-away-from-home in Park City, Utah, Shea McGee created a characterful blend of 'eclectic' design and her signature modern rustic style. And in the office, she went all in with moody, comfort-forward colors and textures.

Aside from expressive details and decoration, a double-monitor-ready setup and a stunning outdoor view make the design scheme sing. Here's a look inside, with behind-the-scenes home office details from Shea.

The office's moody color palette makes the space feel cozy and cocooning, a world away from the snowy scenery outside. Nightfall by Benjamin Moore, a deep blue-gray hue, is used on the built-in cabinetry, natural wood wall paneling covers the backdrop and ceiling, and a textured area rug grounds the desk space. In a YouTube video touring the final reveal, Shea directs attention to the built-in – more specifically, the hardware.

'It has this great cut-out – this is brass – and then it has this little notched detail here,' says Shea. 'I think it's just those little things in these luxury, custom homes that we design that make all of the difference.'

The earthy built-in, both nature-inspired and elegant, creates a chic background for the space's statement desk. Shea notes that the layout of this home office was considered and intentional, making space for the desk setup of a busy professional. Two large surfaces and a carefully placed swivel chair make for an efficient, productive work-from-home arrangement.

'The layout here is one we use a lot for our clients who have a lot of monitors and screens,' she says. 'We'll do two desk spaces, so one that's built in up against the wall where we keep those monitors, and then we'll have a desk floating in the middle so that they can swivel back and forth with a chair that has casters.'

On the other side of the room, Shea points out 'one of [her] favorite vignettes in the entire home,' which centers around a charming plaid-patterned settee: 'We did a custom plaid fabric on this settee – it's adorable and it's fun and it's classic, and I love that you walk into this room and you can't miss it.'

Framed artwork, a light coffee table, a gold floor lamp, and a leather golf bag hanging from the wood-paneled wall complete the vignette, showing off the homeowner's personality and Shea's design expertise. The space isn't cluttered or over the top, but still displays plenty of personality-driven charm.

'We interview clients and say, "What are your interests and hobbies, and things that inspire you?" In common spaces, not everyone has those same interests, so in an office you can really go for it,' says Shea.

This home office is one of the Summit Estate project's standout spaces, boasting a statement color scheme and loads of intricate details. Built for productivity but also peaceful retreats, it's the perfect work-from-home solution for a luxurious mountainside stay.

Working from home has plenty of perks: flexibility, no tiring commute, and the freedom to customize your workspace. Yet, as a remote worker, I'm the first to admit that this setup has downsides.

Staying seated for the better part of the day doesn't do us any favors. Our bodies aren't designed for prolonged periods of sitting, and I quickly learned that the stiffness in my shoulders and the ache in my lower back were signs it was time to step up my home office setup. The solution? I upgraded to a standing desk to adjust my position throughout the day.

Having worked from my kitchen table for years, I was convinced that an ergonomic chair and a standing desk would cost me a small fortune. So, when I discovered that the VASAGLE Electric Standing Desk at Amazon can be bought for only $230, I knew it would be a game-changer. 

Investing in a standing desk helped me bring movement back into my day. Now, I can seamlessly switch between seated and standing heights with the click of a button, meaning I don't have to interrupt my workflow to benefit from these clever designs.

Unlike traditional standing desks, the VASAGLE desk by SONGMICS Home features a built-in power strip with USB ports alongside traditional AC outlets, ensuring the tools of your trade are always close at hand. Crafted with an eye for detail, the desk stands on a solid alloy steel frame, promising stability even during the late-night throes of last-minute deadlines.

I take pride in my interiors, so I was delighted to discover that the VASAGLE comes in a variety of colors. So, if ink black doesn't suit your scheme, you could always opt for rustic brown (my favorite) or straw yellow to complement a modern Scandi aesthetic.

As someone who regularly misplaces her pens, I like that the VASAGLE's clever design incorporates two slide-out fabric drawers to neatly stow your office supplies. Two practical hooks are perfect for placing your headphones, and an LED light strip softly illuminates your desktop if you ever find yourself working late.

With features rivaling its more expensive counterparts, this affordable standing desk proves that you don't have to spend a small fortune to enjoy the benefits of a healthier home office setup. So, consider upgrading your desk today to create a better environment for you and your workflow. 

In the fast-paced and digitally connected world we live in, the importance of mindfulness has become increasingly evident. 

As the boundaries between work and personal life blur and with constant demands for our attention and never-ending to-do lists, it can be challenging to find a moment of peace. However, practicing mindfulness at home can help us slow down, tune out distractions, and focus on the present moment. 

Creating a mindful environment in your home is essential for overall well-being and productivity. And what better place to start than in our home offices? 

Promoting mindfulness in a home office 

Below are five ways to promote mindfulness in your home office based on expert advice:

1. Essential oils

‘Use a diffuser and essential oils to create a calm environment for deep work,’  suggests interior designer Elizabeth Grace. Eventually, this association of scent will instantly cause you to relax and concentrate.

Essential oils are proven to increase focus. You can also use the oils topically, such as the Breathless Body & Hand oil from Aesop, providing a smaller radius of scent and a more individualistic approach.  

2. Declutter the space

We've all heard the expression 'a tidy home equals a tidy mind' and this perfectly summarizes how you should approach your home office organization. 

This space probably has lots of papers, pens, and sample materials taking up space. Learn how to organize your desk for a better work-life balance and find appropriate storage to close out office clutter.

Cluttered areas tend to increase stress levels and distract from mindful focus. By maintaining order in this space, you can foster clarity of thought and mental calmness. 

3. Incorporate plants and natural materials

The use of natural materials in indoor settings has calming effects on the mind and simplifies all of the information your sensory system needs to process and take in.  So, find opportunities to introduce natural elements to the design and layout of your home office.

We like the Ottilie 3 Drawer Storage Drawer from Wayfair, which combines a natural wood frame with rattan baskets to help you store away your office supplies and clutter. Other ways to incorporate natural materials include a cork desk mat, wood floors, and bamboo desktops. 

If you're wondering what shade to paint your home office, Green is a calming color that produces the least eye muscle strain compared to other colors. You could also invest in houseplants to introduce natural green elements into your scheme. 

‘Having a few plants on a surface near your desk provides an outlet for your eyes to reset and your mind to recalibrate,’ says Dr. Melissa Gentry. ‘Plants reduce stress and anxiety and increase concentration and mindfulness.’

Choose low-maintenance houseplants like snake plants or succulents. Indoor plants not only enhance air quality but also contribute to a visually soothing and calming atmosphere, fostering a connection with nature indoors and boosting your mood. 

4. Play calming background music

Calming background or ambient music assists in creating an atmosphere that can increase productivity and drown out distracting noises. 

In our homes, we often have many appliances running at once – from fans to dehumidifiers and washing machines – and this isn't always conducive to getting work done. Ambient music can help to cover this noise, and like essential oils, an association can be established that once the music plays, the body and mind are trained to know deep and mindful work is going to occur.

5. Natural light

According to licensed psychotherapist Margaret C. Wang, natural light is a big factor in boosting mood and fostering mindfulness. Harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and increase stress levels, so opt for natural light whenever possible. Natural light increases serotonin and also assists the body in syncing up with waking times and rest times. 

Position your desk near a window or invest in light-filtering blinds to allow natural light to enter while minimizing glare. If natural light is limited, invest in customizable lighting solutions that mimic natural light patterns throughout the day. Dynamic lighting not only influences your circadian rhythm but also promotes a sense of calm and focus, aiding in mindfulness during your work hours. Try smart bulbs from Amazon that come with pre-set lighting modes for different activities, including meditation and relaxation. 

Promoting mindfulness in your home office is not just about creating a serene physical space; it involves a holistic approach that addresses psychological and neuropsychological aspects. By being considerate of factors such as mindfulness and office feng shui, you can cultivate a work environment that supports your well-being, enhances focus, and contributes to overall productivity. 

For most people, dedicated work spaces now form a key part of the home. With working from home or hybrid working being the norm for many of us, it's important to have a separate area, ideally a separate room to work from in order to keep productivity high while setting a clear boundary between work and life outside of work.

Often a room that is somewhat neglected when it comes to decor since it's most commonly not a room in the heart of the home, the home office can often be bland with color choices and stick to neutrals. But it's important to consider the colors of your home office to create a happy feel and boost your mood throughout the day. 

'We all need something to keep us smiling through those early meetings or marathon study sessions – and why shouldn’t it be a generous dose of your favorite color?' says Farrow & Ball color consultant Patrick O’Donnell. 'Creating a workspace that invites and excites you can help keep those motivation levels high.' 

5 colors to make a home office feel happier

'Without a doubt, the color of your working space will affect your mood and influence how you feel. Choose colors that make you happy, inspiring drive and creativity, allowing you to stay positive,' says Helen Shaw, Director of Color Marketing at Benjamin Moore.

We spoke to the color experts to round up five of the best home office paint colors to create a happier feel, and to help give you some inspiration to refresh your working space. 

1. Yellow

'Famed for brightening up any space instantly, yellow can boost your mood and promote imagination,' says Shaw. Designer and founder of LS Projects Ladina Schöpf agrees, saying: 'Yellow is known to evoke feelings of happiness and positivity. It stimulates creativity and promotes an energetic environment.'

When choosing the right shade of yellow for your home office, Schöpf suggests less saturated hues: 'Opt for lighter and softer shades to avoid overwhelming the space.' For a bolder and more playful take on decorating with yellow, Shaw suggests that you can 'combine yellow with an exuberant shade of orange with playful pink undertones.'

2. Nature-inspired hues

'Shades that help us feel close to nature are a perfect choice for forming an atmosphere that soothes the mind whilst encouraging an uplifting feeling,' says Shaw. 'Soft, muted hues such as dusky lilac or sage green are tranquil in nature whilst also having a connection to botanicals that help relax our brains and entice creative thinking.'

Ashley McCollum, color expert at PPG's Glidden Paints also suggests opting for hues that link to nature and also notes that they can have a soothing quality that helps prevent eye fatigue when working at a screen: 

'Olive Sprig is calming and natural with a hint of optimistic energy, making it perfect for an office space. This is a great choice for people who work long hours on a computer as this color will not fatigue the eyes.' 

3. Cool blue

Decorating with blue is well known for having a calming effect, and no room in the home needs this so much as the home office. McCollum suggests that blue shades can lift the mood and create a positive feeling, explaining: 'A cool blue is just as refreshing as it is happy – the best of both worlds! Who couldn’t use a little more calming, upbeat energy in their home office?'

'Blue is a versatile color that promotes calmness and focus,' agrees Schöpf. 'Light blue hues like sky blue or baby blue can create a soothing atmosphere, perfect for concentration.'

When styling the rest of the room around blue-colored walls, Schöpf advises to: 'Pair it with white or light wood furniture for a clean and spacious look.' 

4. Purple

Perhaps a more unexpected color for the home office, experts agree that decorating with purple is a unique hue to adopt in this room due to its tranquil and creative quality. 

'Purple is associated with calmness and creativity, and lighter shades like lavender or lilac can create a soothing and tranquil atmosphere in your home office,' says Schöpf. Promain Paints' Ben Thomson also vouches for purple in the home office, explaining: 'Purple is typically associated with professionalism, which can help you get in the zone when you're working from home.'

To ensure that purple doesn't become overwhelming in the home office, especially if it's a small home office, Schöpf suggests: 'Combine purple with white or light-colored furniture to maintain a sense of brightness.'

5. Orange

Lastly, and arguably the most uplifting and vibrant of all color options, decorating with orange is a guaranteed way to create a happy environment in the home office. It can also boost levels of energy as Schöpf suggests: 'Orange is a warm and energetic color that stimulates enthusiasm and creativity.'

It can be daunting to commit to a bright hue such as orange, and so if you want a more subtle take on the color, Schöpf recommends: 'Use it as an accent color or in smaller doses to avoid overpowering the space.' She also suggests opting for understated neutrals in the rest of the room: 'Pair it with neutral tones like beige or gray for a balanced look.'

Q&As

While these are the best paint colors to create a happy and uplifting feel in the home office, there are further home office design tips to consider when decorating this room. Schöpf advises: 'Use natural light as much as possible to enhance the effect of the chosen colors,' and 'incorporate pops of color through accessories or artwork to add visual interest.' Essentially, put as much effort into choosing a color that works for your home office as you would for your bedroom or living room - these spaces might be hardworking but they can be beautiful and uplifting too (plus we think they are the ideal space to get a bit more experimental with color).

We clock up a lot of hours at our working-from-home spaces, whether we work in a dedicated home office or at the kitchen table. The most organized of workspaces make use of storage solutions, labels, and organizational helpers so that everything has a home.

Cables are kept under control, tech and paperwork are stored out of sight, and the desk is clutter-free so you're less likely to spill your coffee over your keyboard.

Organizing a home office effectively makes Monday mornings that little bit easier, because it gives you a space that you're quite happy to hang out in – and, hopefully, it helps you to stay focused and breeze through your to-do list.

Things the most organized people have in their home offices

Here are seven things the most organized people have in their home offices to inspire you to organize your desk and create a room that makes you feel calm and productive.

1. A monitor stand with drawer

On my wish list is a monitor stand with a drawer, available at The Container Store – this magically creates more desk space for storing away stationery and organizing cables, while also elevating your computer screen to a comfortable height. They blend in seamlessly with your desk and create additional storage space so that the rest of your desk stays tidy. 

Most of the designs available online have a little area underneath for tucking away your keyboard at the end of the day, which is a nice way to close down your workspace for the day, especially if your workspace is in your living area. 

These work equally well for keeping makeup organized.

2. As big a desk as possible

Homes & Gardens' editor Jennifer Ebert recommends measuring up your space and going big with your desk. 'Pay attention to the depth, too, and think about how much space you would ideally have when working,' she says.

'A larger desk gives you more surface area for your keyboard, mouse, and any additional laptops or monitors you might need to add to make working more comfortable. No space attracts plates, coffee cups, mail, and cable clutter like your desk, and future you will be glad you gave yourself the extra room.'

Depending on your preferences, you may like to consider a standing desk, available at Wayfair, which gives you the option to stand up, avoiding long periods of being sat down and potential back problems. If you need as much concealed storage as possible, then a vintage writing desk with drawers or an L-shaped desk from Wayfair may be better suited to your needs.

3. Stationery holders

Aside from decluttering their home offices frequently, and being disciplined about what they have out on show, the most organized people have a designated spot for their stationery. You could choose pull-out drawers, like those by Nate Berkus below, a simple ceramic pen holder with a marble finish, from Wayfair.

Zara Stacey, Homes & Gardens' content editor says, 'I have a small desk space, but I like all my work documents and notepads to be in one spot, so this organizer from Amazon is perfect as it has a practical tiered design with a drawer and doesn't take up too much space.'

4. Closed storage

There are various essential home office items that we would rather have hidden away when they aren't in use. Hard drives, HDMI cables, photography equipment, paperwork, padded envelopes – all of the above are best stored in furniture that you love looking at rather than anything overtly office-y.

The most organized home offices have aesthetic home organizing solutions, such as a pull-out drawer that slots neatly under the sleeper bed, or perhaps a stylish dresser that keeps those less visually pleasing objects (such as the printer) tucked away.

5. Labels

Add labels onto drawers, baskets, and bins if it makes it feel more fun and functional. Invest in a simple label maker, at Amazon so it's extra clear where everything belongs. This will mean it's quicker and easier to find your notes two minutes before a video call, plus you are more likely to put everything back in the correct drawer.

6. A designated dumping ground

The best home organizing systems allow for everyday life. Create a basket or bin for things that don't really have a home, that you're going to sort out later, or that you need to give back to a friend. Then tackle it when you have the mental capacity, rather than trying to keep absolutely everything in its place all the time.

7. Design features you love

Remember to incorporate some home decor that you really love in this otherwise very functional space. This could be office wall decor ideas that allow you to create an inspiring display of artwork, mementos and reminders. Or perhaps it's a desk lamp you love, such as this portable, rechargeable mushroom lamp, at Amazon.

The time we spend at our desks means it's really worthwhile to spend some time carefully planning out ways to make it feel more functional, tidy and mood-boosting. Imagining you are an interior designer in charge of decorating a celebrity's home office with the best home office storage and the perfect color scheme for a home office and the tidiness will follow.

Decluttering a home office is an essential task for keeping stress at bay and creating a functional space that maximizes your working efficiency. 

For those of you working at home full-time, your home office will be one of your most-used rooms which means mess from hectic days can quickly build up; unchecked, a home office can quickly become a disorganized, frustrating and ultimately unproductive space to be in. 

We asked organizing experts for their best decluttering tips to help you organize your home office to make it a neat and functional environment.

How to declutter a home study

Home office productivity is closely linked to good organization. Making sure your office is clutter-free is one of our top tips for working from home since it will make everything run much more smoothly. But how should you go about it?

According to organizers, it's all about sorting items into usefulness, dealing with items that are non-essential, categorizing items into storage and finding the right home office set up that will keep mess in check, reducing future build ups.

1. Make a plan to declutter your office

Before you start the actual decluttering process, ask yourself what the purpose of your office is. This will help you judge what you need to keep and  what to declutter.

Nathaly Vieira, cleaning expert and founder of InspireClean advises, 'Always start your decluttering mission by setting a goal. What are you hoping to achieve by decluttering your home office? Identifying this goal will help keep you motivated throughout the process and ensure that all of your efforts are focused on the same end result.

'Once you have established your goals, it is time to get to work on creating a plan. Make sure you know exactly what projects need to be completed – from sorting through paperwork and organizing drawers, to determining where furniture should go.'

2. Clear out the study

Evaluate the purpose of your office equipment section-by-section. Categorize your office contents into four piles or boxes called 'keep', 'toss', 'donate', and 'move'. 'Move' can be for the items that belong elsewhere in your home or in storage. 

Make sure that you are only keeping truly necessary items and that will contribute to a productive workspace. Get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose such as old electronics, cables, broken pens, carboard boxes, etc. Holding onto mostly useless items is the main way offices become cluttered.

You may also want to consider removing any furniture or décor elements that are taking up space, and which don't add to the room's overall aesthetic. 

3. Categorize your belongings

'Categorize your office items into specific groups', recommends Mariusz Baran, owner of We Clear Everything. 'This could include office supplies, paperwork, electronics, and personal mementos. Tackle one category at a time, ensuring that you give full attention to each before moving on. This focused approach will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and help you make clear decisions about each item.' 

This can help you visualize which categories of items should be stored where, how much room or home office storage compartments will each need, and which items are most frequently used and should therefore be filed near your desk.

There will often be categories within categories, so investing in different filing systems depending on the type of items you are dealing with makes accessing items easier as well as helping to declutter the space.

4. Get better storage options

'Incorporate design elements that encourage organization. Decorative bins, baskets, and trays can corral items while adding a touch of elegance to the space', advises Angela Rubin, owner of Hellamaid.

Wayfair has a great selection of desktop organizers, and you can find decorative shelving that's practical too at Anthropologie (our favorite find is below). 

Organization and decluttering often come hand-in-hand, in the sense that when a room stays well organized there is little room for clutter to build up since everything has a defined place, and there should be no room for unnecessary miscellaneous items.

5. Aim for a minimalist desk

Desks can easily become cluttered, but this is possibly the biggest eyesore and cause of stress in a home office, so aiming for a minimalist desk is ideal. This starts with organizing your desk, perhaps from scratch.

'Keep only the most essential items on the surface, such as your computer, a
notepad, and a pen holder. Minimize decorative items or personal mementos
that can distract from your work. Implement a "one in, one out" rule –
whenever something new comes onto the desk, remove something else', recommends Victor Cheung, Founder of Feng Shui Nexus.

Desk organizers will ensure pens and stationery stay neatly in their assigned zones. The all-in-one Egepon Rose Gold Desk Organizer (at Amazon) is a great buy, particularly for organizing small desks when you're decluttering a home office.

6. Digitally declutter

Extend your decluttering efforts to digital spaces. This means organizing computer files into folders, deleting useless files and sorting through your emails. You may even want to transfer information which is still in a paper format to a computerized version to help declutter your home office.

'A clean digital environment translates to enhanced mental clarity', says Angela Rubin, Owner of Hellamaid.

7. Sort wires

Although this may not seem to be the most pressing task when it comes to decluttering an office, often the biggest source of frustration and blocked pathways is the wiring. Hiding and organizing cables can make a home office feel less cluttered. 

Victor Cheung, Founder of Feng Shui Nexus says, 'Cable clutter can make your home office feel chaotic. Use cable organizers, clips, or sleeves to bundle and route cables neatly along the desk or walls. Elevate power strips off the floor to prevent dust accumulation and create a tidier workspace.'  

We recommend this NOROCME Cord Management Organizer Kit from Amazon.

8. Create zones to keep clutter controlled

Designate zones within your home office for their various purposes. Have areas for work, storage, and relaxation. This will help you organize your space so areas are not cluttered with random items, but rather items are in their designated space. This will also make finding what you need an easier task. 

9. Maintain a routine

Now that you have done the groundwork of creating a space that should be decluttered, the key to keeping it this way is by maintaining a routine of removing unnecessary items, cleaning and sorting. Try to maintain daily and weekly home office cleans to make sure clutter doesn't accumulate, and to keep things where they belong. Begin with the most visibly cluttered areas such as your desk or shelves and work your way to more hidden spots. 

Ideally, file papers, empty trash and tidy away stationery as you go or at the end of the day. This should save you time down the road and will keep your home office more pleasant and productive.

FAQs

The key is to declutter your office in a way that leads you to consider which items you really shouldn't allow back into the room in the future; this way, clutter is unlikely to build back up. Then, keeping up a regular, light decluttering routine should mean you don't need to become overwhelmed by decluttering in future. 

When limited on rooms, it can be hard to pick between a useful guest space and a functioning home office – but why not have both?

Creating a good guest room office comes down to just eight essential things, designers say. The trick? Picking the right furniture to help transition the space without having to rearrange the whole room.

Here, the experts have explained how to strike the perfect balance when merging these two practical rooms, and what you should avoid if you want a welcoming space.

How to combine a home office and guest room  

The key to merging these two spaces is to make each element feel intentional, so nothing feels cobbled together last minute when you have an emergency meeting, or guests come round to stay. Here is what the experts fall back on:

1. Maximize the space with pull-out desks

If you don't use your home office too much, don't have a monitor, and want the emphasis to be on hosting, then a hidden desk or built-in unit may be a good solution to slot into an existing guest room, suggests Gideon Mendelson, founder, and creative director at The Mendelson Group. 

‘I like to maximize the space as much as possible, utilizing built-in or pull-out desks,’ he shares. ‘Units built into the wall save floor space for the rest of the room and provide additional storage and an attractive spot for guests to sit and do some light work if needed.’

2. Use a sofa bed

If you need more of a permanent home office, doubling up as an occasional guest room, then using a full desk with a sleeper sofa or bed chairs may be a better alternative, Gideon Mendelson, creative director, continues. They are also a great way to host a guest without a guest room, too, should the need arise. 

'Sofa beds are perfect for home offices, serving as a sitting area during the day for visitors, or if you want somewhere softer to work but able to be pulled out when guests stay over.’

If you are limited on space, then a single sofa bed may be a better option, adds Moriah Frantz, designer, and founder of the eponymous design studio. 

'One or two of these can be arranged to face your desk, perfect for if you regularly take meetings in your home, she says – perfect for a more formal setting.’ 

3. Or consider a Murphy Bed

If additional seating doesn't work for your office space, then bespoke joinery in the form of a Murphy bed is another great way to add additional sleep spots to your home office while also building in surrounding storage and display units. 

‘We are seeing more of a demand for Murphy beds, which can be combined with side shelving/storage that serve two functions; bed when needed and office storage,’ Nathalie Malka, founder and lead designer at Nathalie M Designs reveals. ‘Pair that with an easily mobile desk, and it's an easy transformation.’

4. Place focus on table lighting

The requirements for bedroom lighting and home office lighting are very different, with one needing softer, more relaxing mood lighting and the other demanding focused task lighting. 

To bridge the gap, Gideon Mendelson, creative director, suggests putting emphasis on using table and floor lamps that can set the mood and direct focus. 

‘Since typical bedroom lighting is not optimal for workspaces and digital meetings, I like to add lamps on the desk and/or nightstand for additional lighting. Or, add a statement chandelier to elevate the space,’ he says. 

5. Be creative with your choice of desk

There are some great places to buy desks that offer stylish solutions that don't look like they came from an office block. When designing a combined home office and guest space, consider using a home office desk design more reminiscent of a console table with drawers, advises Deborah Vieira, interior designer and founder of Deborah Vieira Designs.

‘This is a great option for a desk, as office-related storage can be concealed inside, but will still look sleek and uncluttered for guests, even doubling as a dressing table if needed.’

6. Choose a chair with a joint appeal

Office chairs are infamous for looking bulky and ugly, so, in a guest space, consider picking something comfortable, but with a little more visual appeal to avoid guests feeling like they are staying in a corporate office block, advises Deborah Vieria, interior designer.

'In these situations, I like to pick a comfortable, supportive dining armchair with an upholstered seat and back that would also work well in a bedroom setting for getting dressed,’ she shares.

7. Consider a computer cabinet to keep screens hidden away

An on-display monitor can really take away from the relaxing scene you are trying to set in a guest bedroom, so consider a cabinet with a pull-out desk, or a closing bureau to keep your bulky computer and cables tucked away neatly when not in use, or when a guest comes to stay, suggests Mille Hurst, Solved section editor at Homes & Gardens. This home office storage solution is a great quick fix for an otherwise awkward necessity.  

8. Put emphasis on multi-functional storage

Speaking of storage, it is important to make space for both your office supplies and your guest’s clothing and toiletries. 

To help storage blend seamlessly into the space, Deborah Vieira, interior designer suggests using a dresser: ‘A dresser could be adapted for file storage, with empty drawer(s) for guest items, and a bookcase could be attractive and functional for both office and bedroom.’ 

FAQs

It is perfectly possible to merge a home office and guest room and create a space that feels cohesive and calm. Using smart furniture selections and clever storage will result in a room that you feel confident welcoming guests into, and happy to work in, too. 

Watching your teen or young adult move out of their childhood bedroom can spark a lot of emotions. Sure, you might be sad to see them go – but it’s ok if a small part of you is excited about the possibilities of a new space to decorate. 

One great option for repurposing their former bedroom is to turn it into a home office.

With this idea in mind, we turned to a few design and organization pros to ask for their advice. 

How to turn your teen's former bedroom into a home office

While a home office can easily double as a guest bedroom, we were eager to find out their suggestions for how to make it a room you can use regularly, once your grown children have officially spread their wings and left the nest.

1. Start by decluttering

Amanda Wiss, founder of NYC-based home organizing company Urban Clarity, says the first step is to sort through all of your teen's items, ideally by category –clothes, books, memories, toys, and awards. Then, toss or donate anything they definitely won’t need anymore, and label and organize everything else into storage bins.

‘Clear, weathertight bins protect your teen's belongings from moisture, dirt, and anything that can damage them,’ says Wiss. ‘A variety of clear storage boxes at (The Container Store) are also great, or vacuum-sealed storage bags (Amazon) in a variety of sizes are great storage solutions.’

Artem Kropovinsky, founder and principal designer of Arsight, agrees that decluttering your teen’s bedroom is the first key to ensuring it’s both more elevated and more neutral as a home office. 

‘Remove any posters, stickers, or personal items that scream “teenager,” says Kropovinsky. ‘Replace them with more mature and timeless pieces, such as abstract art or a stylish clock.’

The same goes for larger pieces. ‘Consider swapping out any juvenile furniture for pieces with clean lines and neutral tones,’ says Kropovinsky. ‘A fresh coat of paint can also do wonders in transforming the room's vibe.’

2. Prioritize storage

Once you’ve sorted through your teen’s former bedroom and cleared out the things that aren’t needed anytime soon, it’s time to start thinking about your own needs. Wiss says home office storage is imperative. 

'Storage drawers, at The Container Store, that are easy to move around the office and keep important documents safe are great,' she says. Wiss recommends pairing them with drawer organizers, at The Container Store to make everything easily accessible.'

It’s possible, as you combine your own office materials with your teen’s former homework space, you find that some office supplies or paperwork can stay. Wiss recommends sorting things into bins for a clean look. But be careful – it’s easy to accumulate things that aren’t actually useful.

‘Toss out dried-out pens, unusable paper, old notes, or documents that are no longer needed,’ says Wiss. ‘For supplies you no longer need, consider donating them to a school or charity nearby.’

3. Blend your work and sleep space

If you’re confident your teen will still need or use their room when they’re back to visit, then a home office is the perfect option for creating a room that can function as both. The key, says Kropovinsky, is to create zones.

‘This doesn't necessarily mean building walls or partitions, but rather using furniture and decor to subtly define different areas,’ Kropovinsky explains. ‘For instance, a strategically placed bookshelf or a rug can delineate the workspace from the rest of the room.’

Along with creating zones, Kropovinsky tells us it’s also important to maintain a tidy, organized desk space. ‘Clutter can easily spill over into the sleeping area, disrupting the tranquility needed for rest,’ he says.

4. Invest in the right furniture

Aesthetics are of course important, but one of the most important elements of a great office – at home or not – is ergonomics.

‘Invest in a good chair and ensure your desk is at the right height,’ says Kropovinsky. This is the best way to ensure both your own productivity and your own physical comfort and safety.

5. Avoid overly dark or bright colors

Your home office should inspire focus and creativity, and Kropovinsky says the best way to do this is with color. So, what color should you paint a home office?

‘Soft blues, greens, and grays are excellent choices as they are calming yet stimulating,’ he says. ‘However, I tend to avoid overly bright or dark colors. While they might seem exciting or cozy, they can be distracting or induce feelings of fatigue over time.’ 

Whether you paint anything green or not, Kropovinsky says it’s a key color for any home office – and can be added with live plants. ‘A touch of nature can boost mood and productivity, making your home office a more pleasant place to work,’ he says.

6. Craft a lighting plan

A well-lit office is the best for your personal productivity, and Kropovinsky says home office lighting is often overlooked.

‘Natural light is best, so if possible, position your desk near a window,’ he says. ‘However, ensure you also have adequate task lighting for those late nights or cloudy days.’

FAQs

Of course, while these are all key elements to consider as you plan your home office, your own sense of style should also take priority. That's the best way to ensure you create a space that you love to be in – and one your teen will love to visit, too. 

You may be a couple of years into working from home now and, having got the practicalities sorted initially, be wondering how you can make your home office look beautiful.

Doing so is difficult, because when you're looking for home office ideas, you're also often looking for ways to maximize a multi-purpose space, or one where home office storage never quite keep up with your demands, or home office paint colors are downgraded to unimportant in the face of all the other demands of a home office setup.

However, there are some easy tricks you can use to make a home office look beautiful. We asked design experts for their favorites.

How can I make my home office look beautiful?

Whether you're looking for small home office ideas or home library ideas, it pays, it seems, to be prepared to push the boundaries when it comes to color and pattern in particular. We asked design experts for home office design tips that, in particular, make a home office look beautiful. This is what they told us.

1. Work pattern into even the smallest space

Whether you're looking for bedroom office ideas, or looking for ways to zone an office area out of an open-plan space, or simply designing a tiny home office, don't be afraid to introduce color. In fact, it can be integral to the room's success.

'Small areas are fun to style because they allow you to create an extra space. It’s those little in-between spots that can – if you’re clever – work harder and become places you want to stay in,' says interior designer and hotelier Kit Kemp.

'You can be really adventurous in a smaller space – it makes more of a statement. Color is a great way of breaking up a space and so is introducing a patterned wallpaper, such as on the back of a bookcase. If you then style it with some books and a few ornaments, it becomes a very decorative corner of the room.'

2. Make storage blend away

Open storage is the easiest to access in a home office, but it can mean the room looks messy. So, if you can put the storage shelves in a space that's not immediately visible from the entrance to the room, you will instantly make a home office look more beautiful. 

To make it blend away further, use a dark paint color that matches that of the walls.

In the entryway of this Georgian farmhouse decorated by Dunning & Everard, strong wallpaper by Lewis & Wood, understairs joinery in a rich olive and a comfortable armchair have transformed the space into a study with an area for reading and contemplation.

3. Swap an office chair for a stand-out seat

Of course office seating ideas should be comfortable, but that doesn't mean they should be characterless. Using a flash of color in a study helps create a buzz of energy which might otherwise be lacking when not surrounded by the humdrum of colleagues. The bold yellow chair introduces visual impact within the otherwise comfortable surrounds of this room by Kitesgrove.

'Placing a desk in front of a window creates a calming work environment, with plenty of light during the day and a lamp to use when working during the evening,' says Clara Ewart, head of design, Kitesgrove.

4. Swap out office furniture for vintage

A butterfly ceiling creates a distinctive design feature in this home office in a Grade II-listed house in London, decorated by interior designer Henry Prideaux, but it’s the elegant choice of furniture which adds interest to the room. 

Sleek mid-century pieces cleverly interplay with the historic detailing such as the window shutters and cornicing. 

‘The furniture was chosen to represent a Mad Men-style aesthetic,’ explains Henry. ‘The walls are softened with paper-backed linen and the rug links the colors together across the room.’

Note the beauty of the home office lighting ideas here; they are all about the visual impact.

5. Connect with nature

There's nowhere that needs a connection to nature more than a home office. If you can see greenery outdoors, you will feel calmer. You can heighten the effect with decor with a nature-inspired theme.

This studio in the home of creative director of Blake Ldn, Alice Byrom, features an all-over leaf pattern and green joinery. ‘As it looks out onto the garden, I wanted to incorporate that somehow, so used Sanderson trailing ivy wallpaper,’ she told the team at Partnership Editions.

6. Hide the practicalities

Hidden desk ideas can range from a desk in a closet right through to an entire area of an open-plan room divided off by a pair of luxurious drapes. In this home office by Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio, the drapes are rarely drawn, but the half-hidden look makes the storage feel more decorative and curated. And this clever technique can be applied your home office desk ideas; it's a useful trick for anyone who can never, ever get on top of organizing a desk. 

7. Work in a reading nook

A beautiful armchair will instantly make your home office look more beautiful because it will feel more like a living space and less like a work room. 

'If you're looking for reading nook ideas and opportunities, try to work one into a corner near the window where light will be useful, and the chair will look naturally positioned,' says Lucy Searle, Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief. 'As you can see from the beautiful home office/library above, you can make bookshelf ideas come alive by making them part of the architecture. Painting them the exact shade of the armchair helps make the space feel calm, a haven.'

FAQs

Making a home office beautiful is largely about choosing a design for it that reflects that of the rest of your home. It means not shying away from pattern and color, and accessorizing just as generously. But it's also about hiding away clutter, which means maximizing storage and, of course, keeping your desk tidy.

Over the last few years, our homes have had to cleverly evolve to cater to working from home, with whole rooms and cozy corners transformed into dedicated home offices and workspaces.

As much as many of us enjoy working from home, it can often have its challenges – especially if you are working in a small home office. 

From uncomfortable furniture that provides no support, to a lack of storage and no practical lighting, designing a home office takes careful planning, and avoiding these small home office mistakes will help you on your way to a successful and smart small office design.

 7 small home office mistakes to avoid

Below, we will guide you through the top small home office mistakes, and what you can do instead to create the perfect home working space that is comfortable, functional, and fitting with the rest of your scheme.

1. Uncomfortable furniture

A home office is somewhere that many of us spend hours in each day, and prioritizing comfortable furniture is essential so you have the right ergonomic support and set-up when working. 

From a desk that is too small, to not investing in a proper office chair, just because your office is on the small side, it doesn't mean you should compromise on quality.

Buying office furniture that is oversized will make your space feel cramped and designs that are too small will not provide you with the comfort or space that you need when sitting and working for long periods of time. 

To avoid these small home office mistakes, you will need to find comfortable, clever and compact pieces that keep your body in a healthy and supportive position – avoid stools or tiny desks!

Multi-functional furniture is also a great option to consider for a small space, for example, a desk in an office in a bedroom can also double up as a bedroom vanity – explore home office desk ideas for some further inspiration.

2. Ignoring the importance of good lighting

Philipp Nagel, director at Neatsmith says, 'within a home office ensure as much natural light as possible can flood into the room without disturbing the screen. Along with this, a combination of functional recessed LEDs and a reading lamp to supplement is a smart way to decorate. 

To brighten up a small home office, as well as LEDs and other lighting, use glass shelves instead of wood and mirrored back panels where appropriate. These open the space and reflect light in the room, really helping to brighten a room as well as make it feel more capacious.'

Lighting is one of the most important aspects to consider when designing a scheme for any room, and for a small home office, having the right home office lighting is key for creating a productive and comfortable working environment. 

From positioning a desk in front of a window to bring the outside in, to using a combination of wall lamps and desk lamps with adjustable arms, ignoring the importance of having good lighting will only create a workspace that feels dark and that will affect your mood and energy levels – not ideal for work!

Niki Wright, co-founder of lights&lamps also advises, 'generally speaking, cool white or even daylight bulbs are really good for high task or workspace areas where there is no natural light.'

3. Not enough storage

'To maximize storage in an existing office, time spent going through exactly what use you will have for the space is key. A lawyer working from home will have different requirements for a musician’s space for example, so work out the physical requirements e.g., screens, charging points, camera positions, filing type, and bookshelf depth and make your design work with the available space you have,' says Philipp Nagel from Neatsmith.

From notepads to printers, books to pens and paper, there are many objects we use when working from home, and the right home office storage can not only help your space feel neat and tidy, helping you to avoid the small home office mistake of having an unorganized and messy space.

Peter Erlandsson, co-owner at String Furniture says, 'generally speaking, in a narrow space, you should make use of the height and wall spaces as much as possible, and modular shelving can be a great option to consider as you can add more or change it around at any time.'

The right storage can also be used to help zone a small home office, offering a degree of privacy, as Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin says, 'open furniture, such as cabinets, bookcases, or shelving can be used to create different zones, without making the space feel closed in.'

5. A lack of color

A small home office is a perfect place to go all out with a stylish and colorful design. Interior designers often use the smallest rooms in the home to create the most magnificent, and maximalist of designs, and as a home office is a place where we spend a great deal of time, it pays to create a stylish and characterful space that brings you joy each day.

As interior designer Brianna Untener of Brianna Scott Interiors says, 'have fun with your home office design. It's meant to be a getaway space where you can be most productive. Choose art and decor that inspires you and makes you feel good – plants are also always a great idea in a home office.'

Of course, everyone's style is different, and you may find that a minimalist office creates the perfect working environment for you, however, do not be afraid to go big and bold with paint and wallpaper or to style the space with decorative accessories and ornaments, as this will only make the space feel more personal and connected to the design found in rest of your home.  

Office furniture is often seen as utilitarian, bland and boring, but the demand for stylish office furniture has rapidly increased over the last few years as more and more of us work from home, so you will be guaranteed to find furniture designs that can perfectly integrate into the style of your space, start looking at our best places to buy office chairs and best places to buy desks for some inspiration.

6. Not making the most out of awkward spaces

From bedrooms to kitchens and spare rooms, there are no set rules on where your small home office should be, it completely depends on the size and layout of your home, and making the most out of more unusual, awkward spaces can be a great option when choosing the location of a small home office. 

'If there is a nook or niche, use it. Make awkward corners a point of interest by adding open shelving and filling with books and accessories,’ notes Camilla Clarke, creative director at Albion Nord. ‘

When deciding on where to place our home office set-up, many of us make the small home office mistake of trying to create a room within a room when there is not enough space. Instead of cluttering your living room or bedroom with office furniture that clearly does not fit, re-evaluate your home office location, and see if there are any other 'wasted space' areas that you can utilize instead.

Peter Erlandsson from String Furniture says, 'if you have space under the stairs, you can design an almost extra small room, with desk, cabinets and shelves,’ – an ideal location for a home office.

7. Too much clutter

Lisa Sherry, principal of Lisa Sherry Interieurs says, 'let go of the paper trail, laptops are today’s file cabinets. Don’t clutter your home office with paper or boxy file cabinets, free up surface space and mind space and let your computer do the work.'

Organizing a home office is extremely important, and one of the top small home office mistakes many of us are guilty of is having too much clutter.

Of course, you want to be able to decorate your home office and make it feel more inviting and characterful, but having too much clutter around when working can often serve as a distraction, or leave you without enough space to comfortably sit and work, so be selective with your decorations and think carefully about the essential items you need for work.

How can I get the most out of my small home office?

As we have explored in this piece, there are many things to avoid in order to make the most out of your small home office. Creating a comfortable environment that provides you with enough space to work is key, along with styling the space so it reflects your personality and the rest of the scheme of your home. Do not underestimate the importance of factors such as storage and lighting, as these will only make your work space feel more organized, inviting and efficient.

The five key things to consider when designing a home office include:

• Furniture – size, comfort, adaptability
• Layout – find the right location for your home office, and give yourself enough space so you're comfortable
• Lighting – try to position your office near where there is lots of natural daylight, but also light up the space with practical task lamps
• Storage – an essential for storing your work equipment
• Personality – get creative with colorful furniture or decorative accessories

Hybrid working is here to stay, and it's more important than ever that we create workspaces where we actually want to spend time in. A key part of this is decorating with the right colors. 

It's difficult to exaggerate the impact color has on how we feel in a space (for us, yellow can make us irritable if exposed to it for too long, while pink is supposedly the most flattering under candlelight). Consider whether you want to coordinate your home office paint colors with the rest of your home's palette or make it totally different, drawing a firm line between work and play.

Working from home frees up lots of time – a study by the University of Chicago showed that US workers saved over 9 billion hours in 2020 as they no longer had to travel to work. To make those hours spent at our desks count, experts from the interior design and paint industry have shared their advice on what color to paint a home office.

What color should you paint a home office?

'The best way to look at this is to consider your job, and some basic color psychology can help with your choice,' says Patrick O'Donnell, Color Consultant at Farrow & Ball. 'While creatives can be inspired with bolder colors such as burnt orange or zingy yellows, more data-driven people will respond better in a space of blues and greens to help focus the mind. So consider these little rules before committing to splashing out on that tin of paint.'

1. Soothing blues

Blue is considered to be the color of the mind according to color psychology, making it perfect for a home office or therapy space. Serene and inspiring, pale blue creates a feeling of infinite space. This lends itself to problem-solving, brainstorming ideas, and attention to detail. In most of its guises, blue will help to promote cool, calm and collected thoughts in your home office.

'Shades of blue are known to stimulate the brain which ultimately leads to increased productivity and efficiency,' agrees Mike Semegen, from interior design service Hello Home Studios. 'This is a great color for keeping focused in any office setting. Some examples of colors that work best are blue, teal, and blue-gray.' 

2. Barely-there neutrals

According to a survey by Living Spaces, 66% of people preferred neutral tones for their home office. A warm, neutral palette of tans and beiges would provide a calming backdrop to a hectic workday prone to WFH distractions. 

Despite what you might have read about orange being the most productive color, Jessica Harris, designer at Living Spaces says any colors that provoke a strong emotional response, such as red, orange or yellow should absolutely be avoided.

Home staging professional Kate Keyser at Ivy Lane Design agrees that neutrals are the ultimate choice in a space where you need to be focused. 'We realize we may be in the minority here, but we actually recommend picking an office paint that is super neutral to keep the space feeling clean and not over-stimulating,' says Kate Keyser.

'We recommend a simple color palette – and packing the punch of inspiration into your art selection! Art gives you somewhere to rest your eyes and somewhere to draw inspiration from when you need to look up from your work.' 

3. Soft greens

Consider introducing soft green tones into your home office, from delicate sage to rich olive. Sara Abate from Ambience Design Group says green is ideal for anyone working long hours: 'Green is a great office color because it is the easiest on the eye,' she says. 

'A soft shade of green is ideal as it helps to generate a peaceful and productive feeling in the space, where you can stay for long periods of time.' Nature-inspired tones from pistachio to pine create a sense of balance, which could help when facing challenging tasks or preparing for meetings.

'The perfect mid-neutral would be the calming notes of Eddy, a restful soft green that will encourage focus to get on with the job at hand,' says Patrick from Farrow & Ball. 'But if your metier is of a more creative bent, look to an enriching shade such as India Yellow to truly inspire.'

4. Take inspiration from your wardrobe

What color makes you feel good about yourself and the most productive? Given that you'll be clocking up a lot of time in your home office setup, it needs to be a color or a selection of colors that reflect your personality. 

'Still not sure? Go take a look at the clothes in your closet,' advises interior designer Lauren Jacobsen, president of Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design. 'That should tell you the colors you feel best in. What's really good about the home office is that you can truly personalize your very own space to reflect exactly who you are,' she says. This personal approach will create a home office that honors ourselves and the value of the work we're doing as we go.

With more people working from home than ever before, Ikea home office ideas are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for functional, stylish, and affordable furniture solutions for 21st-century living.

Whether you have a dedicated room for working in or are looking to integrate a workstation into a multi-functional living space, Ikea has an array of flexible home office solutions from self-assembly modular shelving and cabinet systems that can be configured in endless layouts, to portable freestanding pieces.

Here we've rounded up a host of home office ideas featuring Ikea products and clever Ikea furniture hacks to help get you inspired, plus Ikea designers offer their tips and share their favorite Ikea room ideas.

Ikea home office ideas

There are many ways to integrate Ikea home office ideas into your office layout from ergonomic desks and chairs to office lighting.

When designing a new workroom home office storage is one of the most important things to consider. From open bookcases and closed cabinet systems to storage desks, filing cabinets, and desktop organizers, Ikea has storage solutions for every possible scenario. 'Well-organized storage can make permanent workspaces feel calm and ordered,' says Karen Haas, Ikea US business leader for Workspaces. 'Store things that are used often like papers and pens within arm’s reach. Things used less often can be stored further away.' 

However, many people do not have the luxury of a separate home office, and often workspaces are integrated into living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, which calls for some clever thinking on maintaining a work-life balance. 

'What is needed are workspace solutions that complement a broad range of furnishings and interiors, and ones that can conceal a work area when not in use,' says Karen Haas. 'For example, utilize closed storage for on/off solutions to allow work items to be hidden away when not needed. Also, use mobile furniture pieces that feature storage to support individual, partner or family shared workspaces.'

1. Choose the right desk

Having an ergonomic office desk and an adjustable chair is essential when it comes to home offices and Ikea has a wide range available, from traditional style desks with side drawers to sleek and contemporary Scandi style designs. 

Sitting for long periods can impact health, so consider an adjustable sit or stand desk says as the TROTTEN design says Karen Haas, Ikea US business leader for Workspaces. 'Changing positions throughout the day is a game-changer. Alternating between sitting and standing increases circulation and reduces potentially harmful effects from sitting too long.'

'Position your screens at eye-level for healthy posture habits. The monitor should be tilted at 20-30 degrees, which is the optimal angle for the eyes as well as the neck and shoulders,' adds Karen Haas.

To help achieve this optimum working posture you could try adding Ikea’s ELLOVEN monitor which 'helps place your monitor at the right height to relieve strain on your back and shoulders,' says Grant Robinson, interior design leader at IKEA UK and Ireland. 'It also has a handy drawer and space to store your keyboard to keep your workspace neat and tidy.'

2. Introduce built-in storage

Built-in furniture fitted floor-to-ceiling is a wonderful way to maximize storage space in a home office while keeping it feeling neat and tidy. However, bespoke solutions can be costly. As part of its modular systems, Ikea offers a wide range of standard-sized units that can be arranged in infinite ways to fit around your architecture and create your perfect layout. 

Here Instagrammer Kate Whyte of @reno_by_the_beach opted for a mix of open shelves and closed cabinets which gave ample storage for printers and files to be hidden while providing space for more visually pleasing items. 

'When designing our office we wanted a functional workspace with decor that was aesthetically pleasing and which tied in with the neutral theme in our home. To keep within a modest budget we attempted to replicate a more expensive built-in look by using Ikea furniture. To achieve this we used Metod base cabinet frames, METOD base cabinet pull-outs, LAGKAPTEN table tops, and BILLY bookcases,' explains Kate. 

'We completed the look with skirting boards and coving before priming with Zinsser bin and painting with Rustoleum steamed milk.'

3. Make the most of unused spaces

With the ability to be configured in all sorts of layouts, Ikea's modular cabinetry is great for creating practical workspaces in awkward spaces such as under stairs. Here its METOD cabinets with green doors and drawer fronts teamed with a simple wooden shelf have been used to integrate a compact workspace into the living space.

Whether you're after a traditional or modern look, Ikea offers an array of door styles to suit, alternatively, there are many companies that offer designer doors for Ikea cabinets for a unique look – try Reform or Semihandmade. 

4. Create a cozy farmhouse look

With many companies offering bespoke doors for Ikea cabinet systems you really can create any look you like, whether you're after farmhouse decor ideas or a contemporary minimalist look. Sarah Weirich @simplifythechaos achieved a cozy farmhouse office with DIY shaker doors from Semihandmade fitted to Ikea Sektion cabinets, finished in sage green. Layered rugs, burnished light fittings, and rejuvenation hardware all contribute to the warmth of the space.

5. Create a workspace in the bedroom

For those that don't have a separate room for a home office, the bedroom often doubles as an office space. It can also be handy to integrate a desk into a teenager's room to provide a quiet place to study. 

For a modern, crisp clean bedroom office idea, try integrating a desk into Ikea's multi-functional BOAXEL wall organization system. Unlike built-in storage systems, this open wall shelving can easily be changed if the function of the space should evolve, plus, it can also be used as a wardrobe system, too. 

6. Opt for freestanding pieces

As well as fitted storage systems, Ikea offers a wide range of freestanding pieces which are particularly useful if your home office is used as a multi-functional space.

Opting for stand-alone office furniture such as a slim lightweight desk or storage units on casters such as the IDÅSEN file unit or the RÅSHULT trolley means they can easily be moved to free-up floor space for other functions – for example, you may want to make space for a fold-out guest bed or create floor space to do an online exercise class. Plus, they can easily be moved from room to room and from house to house. 

7. Zone an office space

With open-plan living rooms the norm for many, it can be tricky to find space to integrate a quiet workstation where you can stay focused and free from distractions. Similarly, when creating a workspace in a living area it's important to have some kind of separation to prevent work from impending on family life. A freestanding shelving unit or Ikea room dividers such as the TROTTEN shelving unit or this IDÅSEN unit can be a quick and easy way to zone the workspace. 

8. Customise Ikea office furniture

As well as being functional, it's important that home offices are stylish and inspiring places to be in order to help us stay motivated. To instant bring personality, why not elevate a simple storage unit with designer touches to create a statement piece? Here Ikea's Bestå sideboard has been fitted with Superfront's Geometric doors in Ashton Grey, brass Twine handles and slender high legs to create a high-end look at a fraction of the price. 

9. Create a simple, relaxing space with just a few pieces

The great thing about Ikea home office ideas is that with some creative thinking just a few pieces are enough to can transform a space, as demonstrated in this Ikea hack by Instagrammer and content creator @Jyll_Mackie. 

'I used Ikea ALEX drawers but added 1/4 inch MDF trim to the drawer faces to give them a shaker look and finished them in Benjamin Moore's Oil Cloth shade. I built everything in and added a chunky desktop made from inexpensive plywood,' she explains.

10. Don't forget lighting

It's essential to get office lighting right in a home office as it can really impact your eyesight, well-being and productivity. Karen Haas, IKEA US Business Leader for Workspaces advises layering different lighting throughout a home office.

'Task lighting is key. Use a focused task light to keep your work surface lit, but so is having plenty of general lighting throughout the room. Make work easier on your eyes by placing a diffused light behind your computer screen to reduce eyestrain. Mood lighting softens the contrast between general light and task lighting.' 

She also suggests to, 'position your workspace so daylight enters from the side or front, rather than behind, to prevent glare on your computer screen.'

Adding in window blind ideas and curtain ideas is a good way to control the light levels and privacy in your home office and will help to block-out harsh midday sun. 

11. Balance function with style

When thinking about desks for a living room consider discrete stylish designs that will fit seamlessly with your decor so that the space remains relaxing and pleasant space to be. 'The LILLÅSEN desk is a neat desk made of durable bamboo. It looks good from all angles so you can place it in the middle of the room if it suits you best, and it has three A4-sized drawers for storing papers and other smaller items,' says Grant Robinson, interior design leader at IKEA UK.

How do I setup a home office for a small living room?

To set up a home office in a small living room you need to limit furniture to essential pieces such as a desk, chair and a small storage unit. Try a lightweight easy-to-move desk with a portable filing cabinet or storage unit beneath where paperwork can easily be stowed away out of site at the end of the day. 

Alternatively, try a desk with built-in drawers or make the most of living room alcoves by fitting it with a floating shelf desk to create an office nook. You could also try a slide-away hidden desk idea that slides away into a cabinet and is out of sight at the end of the day. 

'Small office supplies can be stored in a desktop organizer or in a cart on wheels that is easy to bring to wherever you are working at the moment. This will provide more flexibility and make the clean-up quicker when turning “off” work,' says Karen Haas, IKEA US business leader for Workspace.

When floor space is at a premium it's important to make the most of wall space for storage. Fitting built-in cabinets with closed doors will provide concealed storage for printers, desk fans and larger office items, keeping the living space feeling calm and ordered. Open shelves are useful for keeping things or books you use regularly close at hand, but take care they don't leave your living space feeling cluttered – try adding in a series of small storage boxes to stow away small items. 

Where should a desk be placed in a living room?

To achieve a good work-life balance be sure to position the desk facing away from the relaxation area and think about clever ways to separate it from the living space.

'Consider curtains to close off the work zone when it’s time to rest,' says Karen Haas, IKEA US business leader for Workspaces. She also advises to, 'hide or put away work equipment during non-working hours to create a visual separation between work life and personal time. Consider curtains to close off the work zone when it’s time to rest.'

Placing a desk in front of a window means you can make the most of the natural daylight plus having a pleasing view to look out on can help 'boost your creativity and emotional well-being,' adds Karen Haas.

The key to home office ideas is balancing practicality with style. It's essential to feel uplifted in your at-home work space, but you should also prioritize functionality by considering the basics.

Ensure ample storage, sturdy furniture, and plenty of light – these are the basics. Then you can have fun with the space and ensure it feels like yours, treat it like your living room, or your bedroom, you want this space to feel decidedly different from traditional offices that are often void of personality and warmth.

Whether you work from home full-time or just need a serene spot to focus a few days a week, these designer-approved home office ideas will suit all decor styles and spaces both small and large.

1. Nail the basics

Although decoration is important, the most vital part of a successful home office design is meeting practical purposes. Comfort and functionality are the two key points to consider when designing as you're unlikely to achieve high-quality work in the wrong environment.

'I usually start with the desk, because that is the most functionally critical element and then once we nail that, I layer the pieces that work with the desk-style.' says Leigh Jendrusina, founder of Salthouse Collective.

Nailing the height of your desk and chair is the first step that instantly springs to mind as it's crucial you can reach your computer and sit comfortably while working. Home office seating ideas are useful too, from a plushy seat pillow to an upholstered armchair, there are many ways to level up your furniture choices.

2. Be nifty with any spare space

One of our key home office design tips is to be clever with space. We aren't all blessed with a spare room, making it hard to find enough room to create a dedicated work area.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to utilize the space you already have. Broken-plan living rooms are taking over from open-plan spaces, largely to make room for home offices. If you don't have a whole empty room, create a nook in a living room or dining room corner by incorporating a desk, some lighting, and zoning the area with some paint or wallpaper.

Or you can create a hideaway office that relies solely on a piece of functional furniture, such as a dresser that folds open to reveal a work desk.

3. Pick a focal decor piece

To stop home offices from feeling too perfunctory, injected warmth and personality with a carefully considered choice of antiques, sculpture and art.

'I wanted this room, to feel calm and considered yet restrained and not overly decorated – less is 
so often more,' says interior designer Tamsin Johnson who designed this room. 'An antique Flemish tapestry forms the backdrop of the scheme. The desk is mid-century and always covered in favourite books; more of them sit on the white-painted floating shelves. This is both a tranquil space and a nice escape.'

4. Always consider lighting

It goes without saying that good home office lighting is key. Although a vital step, it's also one that is easy to implement as there are plenty of lighting options out there.

'Lighting is an effective way to zone your living space, defining areas for different activities and making every corner count.' Peter Bowles, founder of Original BTC. 'A perfectly positioned wall light, overreach floor light or clip light can provide an immediate solution to illuminate targeted areas for the performance of specific tasks or activities. A bone china shade will create a soft welcoming environment you’re eager to spend time in,' he adds, which is important when your home office is positioned in a room also used for relaxation.

5. Consider plenty of storage and cabinetry

The inevitable part of having a home office is ending up with lots of papers, files, and notebooks which is why office storage is so important. Depending on your requirements, storage comes in many shapes and sizes making it an easy solution that can sit in your home office.

A filing cabinet is a classic way to store loose papers, but with many of us working digitally, a large set of drawers is not always necessary (or feasible if you're tight on space). Opt for a compact set of desk drawers or trays for important papers and rely on shelving to house your favorite and most-used books.

6. Make a home office multi-functional

Looking for guest room office ideas? Believe it or not, this chic space was designed with them in mind.

'Our brief was to design a space that looks and acts as a study most of the time but also has a sofa bed in the bay window for guests,' says Henry Miller, who with Katie Glaister of K&H Design blended high craftsmanship with exacting details in this versatile London space.

The desk, which was designed by K&H and made in Colombia, 'is curved so that the papers fan around as you work,' explains Katie. 'Cables are channelled down one of the legs and there's a shallow pen drawer so you can sweep everything away when guests arrive. A printer is set low in the shelving unit within swivelling reach of the chair.'

Organizing a desk impeccably is a must for a space where the desk faces into the room, so ensuring your home office storage ideas are capacious is vital.

7. Create a wall of shelves for chic storage

No home office space is complete without books. We love the look of a wall covered in books as they always add a ton of character and texture. But for those who prefer a more minimal approach, there are plenty of book storage ideas.

If your home office is small – or within an open plan space, limit your books to one wall with wraparound shelving as this is a good space-saving option. In this situation, use vertical space to your advantage, stacking rarely used files up high and oft-used paperwork to hand.

Your bookshelves don't have to be dedicated to just one type of decor either. Incorporate some statement ornaments or wall sconces to highlight your little library and make the area feel eclectic.

8. Prioritize natural light

When you're in need of a boost, nothing makes more difference than a big dose of natural light. Luckily, there are many ways to ensure you're getting sunlight even indoors.

Position your desk opposite a window as this will ensure you're met with sunlight while providing you with an inspiring natural view to gaze at as you work. If the layout of your office doesn't enable this then consider taking frequent breaks and heading outside to increase overall productivity and prioritize your mental health.

9. Combine the office and the bedroom

Having a designated office room isn't feasible for all of us which is when bedroom office ideas come in handy. Whether you position a desk at the end of your bed against an empty wall or in the alcove near a window, bedrooms can work just as well when working from home.

We don't typically use bedrooms during the day, making them an apt space to work without any distractions. Separate your office area by using a curtain rod and pair of drapes or for a more subtle look, try sectioning your desk away from the bed by using contrasting paint shades. Just be sure to position your workstation as far away from your bed as possible to keep sleeping and working feeling very separate.

If you don't work from home often, creating an office in your bedroom is a great way of utilizing space while still creating an at-home working area.

10. Make sure the area still feel comfortable

While offices aren't typically made for relaxing, it's important to bring some comfortable seating into the area to enhance productivity and make the space feel inviting.

A comfy armchair can be used at your desk or help to furnish an empty nook that provides a guest with a seat to lounge in and chat. Most reading nooks feature a comfortable element as it's an area designed for concentrating and offices are the same.

‘Given that we all spend an increasingly long time in our home offices, it needs to be comfortable and visually pleasing. You don’t need to make a choice between practical and aesthetic,’ adds interior decorator and fabric designer Flora Soames.

For a more unconventional yet playful feel, incorporate a plushy ottoman or beanbag that will suit your needs when you're taking a break or when a guest arrives and wants somewhere to relax.

11. Adopt a calming color palette

There are plenty of options when it comes to home office paint colors. While your final paint shade will depend on your tastes, there are certain colors that work better in a workspace than others.

Green is known to provide a sense of calm and boost home office productivity. From dark forest green to a muted sage, there are plenty of varieties that link back to nature and serve as the perfect wall shade.

Playful hues are less conventional but create a lasting statement that is bound to have you feeling motivated for your day of hard work. Despite its dark hue, navy blue feels both fun and timeless, synonymous with the preppy interiors of early 20th-century libraries.

Patrick O'Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ball says, 'A green-based grey can also provide a sanctuary of calm, with delicate colors like French Gray or Bone used across walls, woodwork, and ceiling. These shades will act almost as neutrals and are easy to layer with other shades and a multitude of textures and wood tones.'

12. Incorporate a statement wallpaper or mural

Rather than opting for a blank canvas on the walls, add to the creative inspiration by way of patterned wallpaper or a statement wall mural.

Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at Little Greene says, 'A home office space should be somewhere that inspires and aids concentration. This space should feel separate from the rest of the home, whether it be a dedicated study or simply a zoned corner within another room. By incorporating a mural wallpaper design you can establish a sense of space, and murals such as Bird & Bluebell and Upper Brook St will create a glimpse of a world beyond your four walls.'

13. Don't be afraid to riff from your usual style

The home office is typically confined to one small room or nook. As you're working with one small area, now is the time to brave a new style or incorporate an unconventional piece in your office design.

Don't be afraid to truly go for it. 'Home Offices need to be super functional but also reflect the person working in them. While your overall home could be one style, the home office could riff a little further on that style or be slightly less of that style to reflect the person in it day-to-day.' says Leigh Jendrusina.

14. Nail the wall decor

Office wall decor is one of the most crucial design elements within the home office. It's an area the eye will often turn to, searching for inspiration and motivation to guide you through your day. It's likely to be noticed by others too. During a work meeting, colleagues are bound to gaze admiringly at a wall that features artwork, a statement noticeboard, or an interesting shelf display.

'Some of my favorite pieces in home offices are art and plants because with all the Zoom calls you’re inevitably doing in there, the wall decor is important,' says Leigh Jendrusina from Salthouse Collective.

Alexandra Kaehler agrees, saying 'We’re designing home offices – all with a common thread of consideration for the video background. We focus on having a background that is interesting and well designed without being distracting.'

Hanging art is an easy yet effective way of bringing interest and personality into your workspace. Style it in a decorative frame and place it amongst other hangings for a wall of inspirational art.

15. Bring in antiques for a characterful feel

Decorating with antiques can be a great way to bring character and unique style to a home office, particularly if you want to keep the walls white or wall-to-wall bookshelves prevent you from hanging artwork.

There are many kinds of antiques that work in an office space. From second-hand chairs to one-of-a-kind pieces of art, what you select will mirror your taste and style which is why antiques are a great way of creating a meaningful space.

Vintage desk decor is proving ever popular as it provides a sense of refinement while fulfilling any storage needs. There are plenty of styles to choose from but one of our favorites is midcentury desk accessories like apothecary style drawers or an antique pencil pot.

16. Always incorporate greenery

Nature-inspired patterns, pictures, and furnishings have long been popular ways to decorate. They work well in any space, providing a refreshing reminder of the beauty of nature. One space that particularly appreciates a touch of nature is the home office.

Being cooped up all day working can result in a desire to go outside and take in the fresh air. An easy yet effective way of bringing the outdoors in is placing plants on your desk or around your office to uplift the room and add a touch of vibrancy. Desk plants have been proven to boost concentration, making them a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to office feng shui.

‘A great way to achieve this is by using colors and textures that help you recall the natural world whilst you’re clacking away,’ says Sue Jones, creative director at Oka. You can bring nature into your scheme in a less literal way too by decorating with botanical wallpaper or scattering some pictures of flowers or landscapes around the room.

17. Reflect your personality or interests

The workplace is typically associated with professionalism, which means that character and personality have sometimes taken a back seat when it comes to home office designs.

It's important to create a practical space but it's also never been more necessary to channel creativity in the office as it will make working from home feel more enjoyable. Whether you prefer minimalist decor ideas or maximalist styles, be true to yourself and what you enjoy.

Your home office is a space that's dedicated to you, so reflect your interests when designing as this will spark joy and create a visual statement that others are bound to notice.

18. Go bold and color drench

Color drenching is a popular design style that you likely would've seen all over the internet. Interiors are 'drenched' in one shade from head to toe, resulting in a bold, playful room that feels both on trend and sophisticated.

'When designing a home office, organization is key, and as we all know these spaces can quickly feel cluttered. Color-drenching built-in cabinetry or shelving is an easy and chic way to keep the space visually organized. Washing the walls, cabinetry, and moldings in the same paint color unifies and grounds the room.' says designer Christina Kim.

The color-drenching method works particularly well in a home office, as it both sections the area (if you're working in a multifunctional space) and makes the room feel snug and inviting.

19. Match upholstery fabrics with wallpaper

The work-from-home room pictured above has been achieved with a clear vision and cohesive eye, making the space feel elegant and chic. A few things make this office feel inspiring, but the matching upholstery fabrics and wallpaper instantly catch the eye and create impact.

You don't have to go for a full-on pattern-drenching look either. In fact, you could match a simple throw cushion to your wallpaper or install a printed Roman blind that coordinates with a lampshade. It's all about making the space feel considered and well-designed, as this will entice you to get working and uplift you when you're in a slump.

20. Display meaningful objects

The importance of an office can sometimes be forgotten but if you work from home often it's a space you should turn your attention to as even small offices can be made to feel unique and stylish.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to uplift any space is by incorporating meaningful trinkets and sentimental objects. Whether a family photograph in a stylish frame or a trinket box filled with prized possessions, these small touches will cheer you up and remind you of happy memories.

This is when some good old open shelving comes in. Position your shelving on a wall above your desk so you can gaze at your favorite pieces all day long.

21. Mix old and new for a characterful yet practical space

This home office by California-based interior designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano uses beautiful antique pieces to decorate this space with Provençal flair.

'This house is at the front of the house and the French doors open to a beautiful 17th-century fountain set in a small garden. I was mindful of the tonality and textures and selected hues that highlighted the gravel, the old stone and the shades of planting,' says Ohara.

'The desk is an antique that we stripped down to its original oak. Most of the other elements in the room are new, but in textures and tones that reflect the landscape.

No matter what style you choose for your home office, the key to this room is always going to be the right balance between form and function. You, of course, want this space to look lovely and be an inviting space for you to work from, but never at the expense of it not working practically. So always have both these considerations in mind when planning and designing your home office.

Small home office ideas are now a staple part of home design. Once considered a luxury, they are now a necessity with many of us regularly working from home or perhaps even permanently.

With a little thought, clever home office ideas and design know-how, it’s easy to create a productive working environment, no matter how little space you have available.

 Small home office ideas 

Whether you’re repurposing a box room to function as your tiny home office or are looking for ways to work a workspace into an empty corner of your home, our small home office ideas are here to inspire. Designed with productivity in mind, these spaces are stylish and functional, whatever your work-from-home needs.

From home office design tips on how to make a small home office feel larger and ideas for transforming an unused space into a home working station to advice on choosing furniture, storage solutions, and paint shades for your tiny office space, our small home office ideas provide plenty of inspiration.

1. Position your desk in front of a window

When working out your home office setup, give due consideration as to where to cite your desk. Choose the largest desk possible for your space – there are plenty of home office desk ideas – this will increase the flexibility of your small home office ideas.

Where available, always position your desk in front of the window, doing so capitalize on the natural light coming into the room – not only good for your eyes and wellbeing but will also look flattering when you're on video calls. 'When working for long hours it's really important to have fresh air, so near a window is best and it’s nice to look outside when your eyes need a break from the screen,' advises Kate Guinness of Kate Guinness Design. Maximising the amount of sunlight in your home office ideas is a must, and knowing how to increase natural light will certainly help with this mission.

Once you've positioned your desk, also think about the design of your worktop. 'A vase of flowers on the table always helps bring cheer. Similarly to the flowers, a lovely piece of art, or patterned wallpaper or blind, can be great in a workspace to give you something lovely to gaze on when you need a break from the screen/inspiration,' adds Kate. You can even consider desk Feng Shui to bring balance to your workspace.

2. Let your design be inspired by the natural world

The natural world is renown for its power to inspire and its ability to aid concentration and reduce anxiety. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate as much greenery into your small home office ideas as possible.

'One of the simplest ways to incorporate biophilic design into your home office is to make sure it benefits from an inspiring view – ideally with lots of greenery. If the layout of your home doesn’t allow for this, then the next best thing is to incorporate large house plants into your floorplan together with small potted indoor plants on desktops, windowsills, and shelving units,' says sats Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co.

'If you would like to take this idea to the next level, group plants of varying heights together, creating a stunning mix of different textures and colours to mimic nature. Other ways to bring a feeling of the natural world into your home office is to paint it in natural colours, source nature-inspired artworks and think about how you can maximize natural light.'

3. Make the most of unusual spaces

Not everyone has a dedicated room they can consign to be a home office, especially if working from home is only an occasional affair. This is where the nooks and crannies of your home come into their own. When creating small home office ideas for these unusually shaped spaces, it is advisable to opt for bespoke fitted furniture paired with comfortable home office seating ideas.

‘The big advantage of bespoke furniture is of course that it can fill the space and cope with any idiosyncrasies. It is amazing how much storage you gain by going high up the wall, and if you make it no deeper than it needs to be your room will still feel spacious. Your designer can measure exactly what needs to be housed or displayed and make sure that it will all fit, look good and be accessible,’ advises Simon Tcherniak, senior designer at Neville Johnson.

For small home office ideas, organizing a desk is essential to keeping the space feeling productive.

4. Prioritize task lighting

When focusing on an intricate task such as reading and writing, it is vital that you have good lighting, thankfully there are lots of home office lighting ideas that are sure to help.

While a pendant or wall lights may provide ample ambient lighting, your desk is likely to require something more focused. ‘A good desk light can lift the spirits and increase focus. Whether you have a dedicated study or a converted nook, lighting is key to creating a mood of productivity,' says Original BTC director, Charlie Bowles. ‘Look for streamlined designs with angleable shades, to cast light where it’s most needed. A bone china shade will create a soft welcoming environment you’re eager to spend time in, while a metal shade concentrates light on paperwork.’

5. Opt for a bureau to create a hidden home office

Not everyone is able to dedicate an entire room to their work pursuits, for many of us our office must also double as a living room, guest bedroom or other space. Thankfully there are lots of small home office ideas to help you design a flexible space, complete with hidden desk ideas.

‘It’s crucial that a home working environment doesn’t encroach on one’s precious personal space. This means being able to stash your laptop and work phone out of sight at the end of the working day. If they are out of sight, hopefully they are out of mind! Successful storage always comes down to plenty of forward planning. Think about how you use the space and what you want to hideaway or proudly put on display,’ says Irene Gunter.

6. Use colour to create an inspiring space

When designing a home office, the goal is to create a space that feels energising rather than flat or uninspiring. Considering how much time is spent at a desk, the room should feel uplifting, purposeful, and somewhere you naturally want to work.

Research into color psychology suggests that blue is particularly effective for productivity, supporting calm focus and emotional balance – ideal for maintaining concentration throughout the day. However, an all-blue room can feel too subdued, so pairing it with warmer accents can bring back a sense of creativity and spark.

Turquoise is another strong contender for a workspace. Sitting between blue and green on the spectrum, it offers the clarity and calmness of blue with the freshness and natural ease of green. Studies have shown it can support better decision-making and more open communication – both valuable qualities in a working environment.

Thoughtful use of color can make all the difference in an office, helping not only how the space looks, but how it feels to work within.

7. Fit a small home office into an awkward space 

If you can’t dedicate an entire room to your dream home office setup, consider whether there are any awkward spaces in your home that, with a spruce up, could be transformed into a functional workspace.

Here, an area under a sloped ceiling – typically a difficult space to style – becomes an ideal small home office with minimal effort required. Printed wallpaper is used to add interest to the space and prevents the feeling of staring at a blank wall while you work.

8. Opt for simple and streamlined furniture styles 

When choosing furniture for a small home office, opt for pieces that are simple, streamlined, and classic in their design.

Bulky furniture will overwhelm a small space, making it feel boxy. Contrastingly, streamlined solutions will open up the space, allowing it to feel larger and lighter. Plus, it’s well documented that a clear, clean, and simple space is of benefit to those seeking to increase their productivity.

9. Install a custom unit for a high-end home office

If your modern home office ideas calls for more than a desk and desk chair, consider investing in a custom unit to achieve a high-end finish.

Here, some clever thinking has transformed traditional kitchen cabinetry into a sleek but small home office. Complete with open shelving, deep drawers, and desk space for two, this home office makes the most of a compact space, while opting for a sage green paint shade and gold fixtures to ensure a smart, cohesive finish.

If space allows, you might even slot this small office space into an open-plan living area.

10. Hide your small home office at the end of the day

This solution was designed with small home offices in mind; a clever option for those whose rooms serve multiple purposes.

Anna Trinder, Director of The Dormy House told us: ‘With more employees working from home on a long term basis, it’s never been more important to balance your home and work life. Being both stylish and functional, our Bruton Home Office is the perfect small home office hideaway for when you’ve finished your working day, no matter how much space you have to play with.’

11. Opt for a light and bright scheme in a small home office 

This clever small home office idea transforms dead space into a functional working environment and can be achieved on a small budget.

Opting for a simple white color scheme opens up the area, ensuring it reaches its lightest and brightest potential. A matching white writing desk blends in with ease, preventing the space from feeling cluttered, while sweet desk accessories and wall art prevent the all-white scheme from feeling too clinical.

12. Maximize storage potential in a small home office 

If you’re running a small business from your small home office or have a job that requires plenty of paperwork, storage solutions are key to ensuring you remain organized. Here, built-in floor-to-ceiling solutions maximize a small space. Then, simply invest in some sweet boxes and shelf dividers and organize to your heart’s content.

13. Repurpose a small space 

Hidden desk ideas are very popular for small home offices – especially those positioned in a room that has a second purpose.

Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador for Farrow & Ball, gave the following advice on designing a small home office: ‘Finding a suitable workstation, especially one that we can walk away from at the end of the day, feels like a luxury that few of us have but, there are some clever ways to get around this, such as re-purposing a built-in cupboard. With some de-cluttering and a little creativity, try painting the interior in a contrasting color. A restful blue such as Light Blue No.22 will create a gentle, calming backdrop for a good working environment.’

When it comes to choosing a color for your home office, Patrick adds that ‘Blues are a color of nature which has relaxing qualities, especially at the softer end of the spectrum.’

14. Prioritize natural light to make a small home office feel larger 

Consider positioning your desk facing a window – an easy way to make a small workspace feel larger and lighter.

Emma Sims-Hilditch, Creative Director of Sims-Hilditch, provides the following advice: ‘Lighting is an important consideration when designing a home working space. We recommend placing the desk close to natural light if possible, maybe even with a view of the garden or outdoors. This can be supplemented with task lighting, like a table or floor lamp for when the evening starts to draw in.’

15. Match furniture to your paint scheme for a smart finish

When it comes to home office paint colors for small space, it can be tempting to choose light shades to reflect light. However, if limited space means that your home office consists of a desk and chair tucked neatly into the corner of your living room, you might consider opting for furniture in a similar hue to your paint scheme – the aim being to make the corner devoted to your small home office blend away rather than stand out.

Here, a dark wood desk and chair blend seamlessly into an on-trend dark blue living space, creating a smart cohesive feel. A stylish table lamp in a contrasting shade is not only a functional addition but adds some interest to the space, while a small art print is effective in helping zone the workstation.

16. Design an adaptable alcove office 

This alcove office was designed with flexibility in mind, which is just what you need if your small home office will be required to serve multiple purposes. In addition to being the ideal space for home working, it also makes a suitable homework station for teenagers. Simple shelving provides plenty of storage potential, while a fresh blue paint scheme ensures the space will serve a variety of needs.

17. Make a small home office stand out

When contemplating a home office scheme, function – such as storage – must be central to your design, but does not have to be visually dominant. Choosing an eye-catching focus, such as a statement office chair or a beautiful antique desk, even a work of art, will distract from the room’s purpose and make it feel as considered as a living space.

‘Your design approach to a home office is not unlike any other room in the house,’ advises interior designer Athena Calderone. 'It should speak your visual language and evoke personality. But perhaps the most important thing to remember is the delicate dance between aesthetics and utility. A workspace should be designed to inspire and motivate you each day, but also be grounded in practicality.’

18. Purpose-design a small home office 

A small home office design gives you the perfect opportunity to be efficient with space, positioning the desk, storage, and everything else you need along one wall, so that everything is to hand and neat – here, simple shelving doubles as a desk, too, to keep the space streamlined.

'The beauty of this small home office, for me, is the window,' says Homes & Gardens' Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'The room is small and boxy, and designed with just one purpose in mind: working, but the connection to the view outside through the floor to ceiling window elevates the space from enclosed attic space to a bright space that's bound to inspire.'

 How do I make a small home office look bigger? 

To make a small home office look bigger with ease, it is a good idea to reach for light paint shades. White paint will make a small space look larger and lighter, but if you are concerned about your small home office looking too clinical, other options include light shades of green and blue which will not only have a space-enhancing effect but are also recognized for their calming properties.

From there, it is best to avoid large, bulky furniture with a dark finish. Instead, opt for simple, streamlined solutions in light wood or white. Ensure you have effective storage solutions – particularly if your work calls for plenty of paperwork – as a cluttered space will look significantly smaller than an office that is neat and organized.

 How do I maximize a small home office?

To maximize a small home office, it is best to think about the purpose you want your workspace to serve from the outset and to prioritize investing in quality pieces that will ensure a healthy working environment. This way, you will avoid filling the space with unnecessary furniture and accessories which will make the space feel smaller than it is.

If all your work setup requires is a desk and desk chair, avoid being drawn into purchasing unnecessary storage solutions which will only be left unused. Conversely, if you know that you require ample storage, consider investing in a custom office space that will maximize the potential of your small space.

How small is too small for a home office?

So long as you can work there, there is no size too small for a home office. Whether you're capitalizing on the space under the stairs or are working from a bureau, you can create a home office to suit whatever space you have available. In an ideal world, a small bedroom makes the perfect space, but that isn't always readily available.

If you are worried about the available space, consider drawing on garden room ideas to create a purpose built home office.

While there's nothing that says that home office ideas for him need to be just for men, but we do think that, like other rooms, they should offer respite, comfort and calm away from your busy life, as well as providing a practical space to work from.

So, if you are looking for home office ideas and want to give your space the mildest of masculine twists, these are the spaces for you. They will help you get your home office setup just right, as well as providing you with a room that inspires creativity. 

Less is more, so be careful not to over design. Bear in mind too that very masculine designs can sometimes feel stark and clinical, so balance this by introducing warmth with plenty of texture, wood and layered lighting to add interest. 

Home office ideas for him

Let our carefully-curated selection of home office ideas for him inspire you to be brave with your interior choices – and give you the confidence to take on any home office trend.

1. Consider a decorative wall to zone the office space

If yours is a busy life you'll want a modern home office that's uncluttered, calm and tackles home office storage ideas head on.

'For a more masculine feel, darker surfaces can create a luxurious yet professional looking home office space, whilst lighter tones can pair well with pastel tones and brushed brass accents for a more feminine approach,' advises Oliver Webb, director of Cullifords. 'Wherever your office space is, the key is making sure it integrates effortlessly into the room it is in and coordinates with the homeowner’s individual style.'

2. Black works well as an accent color

When thinking about home office design tips, start with the fundamentals. A large statement home office desk will create a focal point in the room. Try to position near a window, if possible, this will allow you visual breaks from your screen during the day.  

'A masculine, refined look works well in an office, think leather chairs, clean lines and natural materials,' says Jen and Mar, founders of Interior Fox. 'Keeping the home office paint color scheme neutral with subtle hints of pattern and texture adds contrast and promotes a peaceful environment, ideal for working quietly, free of distractions.'

3. Invest in stylish storage for a minimalist look

'In this busy modern world, having a simple yet stylish has never been more important, so it’s no wonder that homeworkers are turning to the principles of minimalism and creating pared-back spaces perfect for switching off and unwinding,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens.

Sleek and contemporary, this minimalist home office has clean lines combined with organic shapes which ensures the overall feel has depth. A large storage space means the desk area can be kept clutter free – always a bonus.

4. Try an unusual color combination

Once considered a luxury, small home offices have become a necessity for many in the post-pandemic world, with more of us working from home regularly or perhaps even permanently, so it is important to carefully consider the color scheme of said space. 

The return of the seventies has been influencing interior trends for 2022; with a palette of warm taupe, tan browns and chocolate tones that pair well with lively blues and pure whites for a truly contemporary space that sings out.

5. Go dark on the walls and bright with accessories

'Making a home unique is about displaying all aspects of your character, so don’t shy away from this when creating a dedicated workspace. If you love bright accessories and prints, for example, include them in your home office too. 

I love drama, so I’d pair a sleek, masculine desk, such as our Honshu, with some really colorful accessories to create a real contrast,' says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of OKA. 

6. Choose a desk that will add productivity 

'Appreciating how to approaching a home office setup is a desirable skill with work space within the home more in demand than ever. And a tidy office is one of the most important factors in productivity, so make space for all the tools you need with a generous worktop. 

Invest in high-quality, timeless silhouettes that offer functionality and will stand the test of time,' says Lou Graham, creative director of Graham & Green. For added elegance, pair soft neutral woods with striking dark accents.'

7. Balance both him and her elements 

If you are sharing a home office for him with home office ideas for her, then you may want to balance the masculine with the feminine.

'As we were designing this space for a husband and wife, it was vital that we met in the middle when planning for two,' says Brad Ramsey, principal designer and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. 

Shared spaces are often tricky to navigate when it comes to aesthetics, but we were able to create harmony with details that both parties would love and benefit from. Here, a utilitarian color palette of grey pairs well with beautiful brass accents. As this was a home office for two, it was necessary to ensure that their would be enough storage space. The fitted cupboards hold a mix of open and hidden shelving – perfect for stowing away books and paperwork. In the end, I think we attained a very functional and attractive space that seamlessly flows with the rest of the home design.'

8. Create an office nook with bold wallpaper

‘With working from home much more the norm today, it is vital to create an inspiring space, one that signals time to settle in and focus – and it need not be an entire separate room, simply focusing your attention on a light filled corner can be more than enough space if carefully planned,' says Stefan Ormenisan, founder and creative director of MindTheGap.

'Instead of a plain white area, which harks back to the more traditional office, but can be rather dull, why not add layers of bold print to the walls and through the accessories – such as lampshades and cushions – to carve out and signal a creative space. This will ensure your working area feels invigorating and a joy to spend time amongst, where color and pattern will promote creative thought and inspiration.’

9. Go for a bold accent of red 

Make your home office room a brighter and bolder space that the rest of the room. 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, energized and at your creative best.

'It is all about personal preference and practical appeal and sometimes it just comes down to the way you style the area. Find your style – masculine or feminine – and expand from there,' says Simon Temprell, interior design manager, Neptune. 

10. Decorate in a monochromatic scheme

While monochrome decorating can be tricky to get right, a considered approach will be rewarded by a simple but impactful scheme.

'There's something sleek and practical about decorating with black and white, but it can look a little clinical,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens. 'Adding a pale grey to the mix will soften the space whilst still retaining a smart element. Tapered legs on your desk and chair will give a streamlined look – ideal for a smaller home office, and choose curvy armchairs for a welcoming feel.'

How do you make an office masculine?

To make a home office appear more masculine, invest in unfussy, practical furniture. Choose functional, fluid pieces and abstract prints based on natural shapes –rediscovered and reinterpreted for today’s modern spaces. 

For more home office for him, look to design icons like Florence Knoll and Arne Jacobson – and film and TV shows, such as A Single Man and Mad Men for inspiration – all of which are often well-received by the modern man.

There's nothing that says that home office ideas for her need to look a particular way or be just for women, but we do think that, like other rooms, they should offer respite, comfort and calm away from your busy life, as well as providing a practical space to work from.

So, if you are looking for home office ideas and want to give your space the mildest of feminine twists, these are the spaces for you. They will help you get your home office setup just right, as well as providing you with a room that looks beautiful. 

1. Create calm and comfort with a textured, neutral backdrop

If yours is a busy life you'll want a modern home office that's uncluttered, calm and comfortable. 

‘Create a soothing environment for your home office with soft neutral colors that will evoke a serene atmosphere, keeping you focussed and calm whilst at work. Opting for a textural finish on the walls will add interest and depth, ensuring the space feels comfortable and delivers an ‘at home’ ambience, rather than being a stark and cold space. 

'Adding in a rug and a favorite chair will continue that feeling and ensure that when you come to work at home, you feel easily settled and ready for your day,' says Philippe Desart, managing director at Arte. 

2. Take advantage of views

Whether you are looking for home office ideas for her, him or them, having views of nature can be soothing, so ensure that if there's a view, you can see it. It's said to improve home office productivity, too.

'Make the most of natural light by placing your workspace close to a window. A double-sided table/desk by a window also gives the flexibility to look outside or into the room depending on mood. 

'Choose a desk you love to ensure your home office represents you and feels like your very own design statement. Feature bold prints and playful chair styles to represent your style and make it a creative space in which to spend your time,' says Natalia Miyar, architect, designer and found of Natalia Miyar. 

3. Invest in a curvy desk chair

Curves are much kinder on the eye, and if they go hand-in-hand with comfort, it's a win-win. This puts stylish but ergonomic home office seating ideas right up the top of our must-have list.

'Comfort is key for any work from home space. Ensure your chair is comfortable, as your sitting experience is paramount to a successful, productive day of work. A curved desk chair not only makes a stylish addition to your workspace but its curved back caters to contours of the body, cocooning you so that you can power through work,' says Patricia Gibbons, from the design team at Sofa.com. 

4. Soothing colors will keep stress levels down 

You'll notice that the home office paint colors we have featured here are all quite muted. This is purposeful. 

'To create a working from home space that promotes maximum productivity but balances comfort, utilize a timeless scheme that combines practical elements with welcoming additions. This will evoke a strong sense of balance and inner calm that can’t help but lower stress levels. 

'One of the most important decisions for a home office is color. Calming hues such as neutrals, or blues and greens soothe the mind, reduce mental strain and provide stimulation for greater focus. If painting a wall is not practical, adding similar tones with furniture or plant life will provide the same effect,' say the King Living Design Studio. 

5. Make whatever size space you have, work for you

'Working from home has become the norm for many of us and creating the perfect office space will ensure maximum productivity. Whether you have a dedicated room, a corner of a guest bedroom, or a little study nook it is important to consider the layout. If possible, try to position your desk close to a window to allow plenty of natural light to illuminate your working area. 

Organizing your desk well is vital to a calm atmosphere, too.

'Clutter, particularly in a home office environment can be distracting, so give some thought to your home office storage needs. Built-in units work well in a dedicated office space, however if you have a limited room size, try simple shelves to store books and display inspiring objects. 

'Soft furnishings such as curtains, blinds and cushions will help bring comfort to the area and can be used to inject some of your own personal style,' says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. 

6. Go all out with textures 

'Textures make a scheme interesting, and of course give a room a tactile quality, it's a key element when using a neutral color palette. 

'Here, the Japandi trend is noticeable and rightly so – wood, sheepskin and stone are the main ingredients and you can see how they give this home office a cozy yet classic look,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor, Homes & Gardens.

Home office lighting ideas can play a part here, too, with lamps usually to be found in a living space adding curves, color and texture to your scheme.

7. A neutral desk is a great base for color pops

Home office design tips often center around the desk, but it's what's on them, too, that's vitally important at setting the tone of a home office for her.

'Home office desks are so much more than a piece of furniture, they’re where novels are written, masterpieces drawn and theories developed,' says Lou Graham, creative director at Graham & Green.

'Display items in your home office that inspire you, such as sentimental trinkets, as well as layers of natural materials, and gentle pops of color. You’ll be amazed to see how much easier creativity comes to you.'

8. Consider custom storage design 

Bookshelf ideas needn't just be about practicality in home offices for her; you can make plenty of space for display, too, with an inventive design.

'We love the airy, light feel that this office provides. The neutral tones make it a calming space, which is perfect for those more stressful work days! Opting for a sleek, simple desk as the centerpoint of the room allowed us to add more decor details and personalization to the background without it feeling overwhelming or overcrowded. 

'Topping the room off with a vase of flowers and a woven basket for a favorite throw blanket adds a gentle feminine touch to the space,' says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. 

9. Go for pretty over corporate 

‘Home offices don’t need to look corporate; with the right furniture, you can create a lovely workspace that fits in with the rest of your home. For example, if your house is quite traditionally feminine in style, don’t feel you have to choose a boring office chair or table. 

'Something like our Cythera, which has a carved underskirt, is a nice way of making something practical feel a bit prettier. I’d pair it with a really comfortable seat and decorate it with some accessories to make it more,' says Sue Jones, co-founder and creative director of OKA. 

10. Consider a freestanding storage unit in small space

If your home office for her is for a compact or shared space, you may need to think clever. Small home office ideas include clever storage and built-in furniture to maximize space, but hidden desk ideas can solve all manner of problems.

'In some homes it may be necessary to create two separate home office spaces to satisfy the needs of both partners,' says Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune.

'There are no set rules or formulae for creating gender-specific work areas but you may wish to consider scale and color choices to create a more masculine or feminine aesthetic. These cabinets can be painted with a contrasting color on the interior, expressing personality each time you open the doors, our original Chichester workstation is shown here, painted in Charcoal with the interior painted in Old Rose.' 

How do you make your home office feminine?

We are often asked how you make a office feminine, and the answer is: by decorating it as beautifully as you would any other room, for any other member of your family. If you want it to be overtly, traditionally feminine, you can choose pale, pretty colors and accessories. However, a home office for her doesn't need to be traditionally feminine in any way – simply picking an eye-catching rather than purely functional desk and chair, keeping clutter to a minimum and investing thought into dressing the windows, picking out a beautiful lamp and hanging lovely artwork can give the room an inviting feel.

It is initially understandable why home office paint ideas may not be at the peak of your design-planning list. 

This space is less intimate and much less sociable than arguably any other room in your home – after all, it is a place to concentrate more on work and less on your interior choices. However, the fact that this space is for work means quite the opposite – and your paint ideas in this room count as much – if not more – than any other. And this goes beyond cursing the perfect video call backdrop. 

5 colors to avoid painting a home office – according to interior designers  

Interior designers are urging us to bring our home office ideas to the top of our priority list, as our decor choices have an influence on our productivity and creativity in the room that matters the most. These are the colors they're avoiding – and why. 

1. Red 

'While I love embracing bold colors in pops throughout a room, I would advise against red in a home office,' says interior designer Georgia Zikas from Georgia Zikas Design. 

'While this is a vibrant, fiery color, it can be distracting and perhaps a little too intense for a space where you want to focus and do your best work.' Therefore reds, and often bright oranges, are better left beyond the home office. 

2. Gray

It's no secret that designers love decorating with gray. This color is rightly an eternally popular favorite amongst those in the know, in almost all rooms of the home. However, Georgia has a limit when it comes to your home office. 

'I love all shades of gray, but gray in a home office can feel drab and depressing. After all, some corporate offices are gray, and they feel dull and uninspiring. There are plenty of other ways to keep your home office neutral but still engaging and inspiring,' she says. 

'I have some difficulty with gray, especially light gray. It reminds me of the clouds, which could be depressing after a certain time,' adds designer Samia Verbist from Samia Verbist Interior Design. Though, the designer adds that gray can act as a great foundation to add pops of brighter colors through furniture or art. 'Then you will bring some energy and happiness,' she says. 

3. Black 

While decorating with black can have a powerful impact in many rooms, Georgia explains that this color can have a similar impact as gray in your home office.' 

I would avoid it in large swaths as it can create a moodier, more melancholy feeling throughout your office. The only exception here would be a beautiful black & white graphic tile or print, which can add some personality,' she says.

4. Bright green 

'I love the color green, but bright green isn't good for a home office. It can be too loud and energetic, which won't allow for a long attention span,' says Ellie Redders of Ellie Redders Interiors. 

'While bright green can boost creativity, it and also cause a feeling of restlessness which leads to a lack of concentration. Stick to muted shades of green which invoke feelings of calmness and nature.' So, while this organic hue may be dominating room color ideas in many spaces around the home, it may be less appropriate for your home office. 

5. White  

'Many office walls are white, it is neutral like a blank page, and that's the problem,' Samia says. The designer warns that this neutral could feel sterile and tedious, especially if you're searching for creativity. 

'If your goal is to be minimalist, then you can have all white and add some light oak wood touches for earthiness and warmness,' she adds. 

And alongside knowing what colors to avoid, it is equally important to know which colors work the best in our home office. Little Greene's Creative Director, Ruth Mottershead, has the answer.

What do you need to remember when painting a home office?

‘When decorating a home office, it’s important always to consider how you use the space and the atmosphere you want to create; this is particularly true when choosing paint,’ Ruth says. ‘An at-home office space should be somewhere that feels separate from the rest of the home, whether it be a study space or simply a corner within another room. By using color and pattern, you can create a space for creativity and focus that helps to aid your concentration.’

Ruth suggests opting for soft pastel colors and earthy shades that will ground your home office while bringing just the right vibrancy to the room.

Organizing a home office effectively is a win on two counts. First of all, keeping everything from office supplies to documents ordered and quick to locate makes concentration on the tasks that need completion far easier.

But the other benefit of good organization is a clutter-free room you enjoy spending time in. As part of a home and with many of us spending long hours in home offices, an environment with a look we love is essential, and excess stuff will compromise that style.

Here, we’ve put together the best ways of arranging and ordering a home office and organizing a desk, and asked the experts to share their wisdom, too.

Organizing a home office

‘Everyone has their own idea of what the perfect home office looks like: a place where you can sit and work, create and be inspired,’ says Sarah Dunn of Get It Dunn professional organizing. ‘But having an organized office is about more than simply thinking about how it looks; if done correctly, decluttering your office can also simplify your workflow and improve your focus.’

Take a look at these ways of organizing a home office.

1. Curate the room’s contents

Before organizing a home office, it’s important to decide what should actually be in the room, especially if it is a small home office.

‘Make sure your office only has “office” items. It can easily become a dumping ground for other things to do,’ says Katy Winter, founder of Katy’s Organized Home. This doesn’t preclude keeping what inspires and is beautiful in there, but it does mean excluding items that belong elsewhere in the home.

Take the opportunity to review all of its contents, too. ‘Get rid of anything you no longer need,’ says Sarah Dunn. ‘This includes equipment and stationery supplies that are broken or old.’

2. Zone the room for effective organization

It’s worth thinking about your home office ideas in terms of zones to arrange the space efficiently. ‘It is best to set up three main work zones for your home office, the first being a zone that you use frequently,’ suggests Jessica Samson, a cleaning expert at Maids.com.

‘This zone should hold things that you use daily like files, folders, books, calendars and other office staples. Zone two should be out of the way, but easily accessible. This zone should include books, files, folders and other items that you only need occasionally. Zone three should be out of the way and include office supplies.’

3. Deal with paperwork

A home office frequently holds a family’s essential paperwork. ‘Your files should contain the following information: originals of your birth certificate; social security card; permanent documents you have on your child(ren); at least the past three years of your tax returns; any home-related documents, including insurance policies; any other must-have documents personal to you,’ recommends efficiency expert Jaclyn Strauss of 2nd Vault. Label the file folders in which these are kept, she advises.

4. Go paperless when you can

When thinking about home office desk ideas, it’s worth considering the extent to which you can go paperless when organizing a home office. ‘A full three-drawer filing cabinet can hold up to 1,800 sheets of paper, and the goal should be not to come anywhere close to this amount in our home office,’ says Jaclyn Strauss.

‘Get in the habit of signing up for paperless options for your bills, statements, and even reading,’ suggests Laura Fenton, author of the book The Little Book of Living Small. ‘Scan the documents that still come in a paper form and recycle the originals. I use the app Tiny Scanner, but there are many scanning apps.’ There are also digital tools, such as 2ndVault, that can help avoid a build-up of paperwork.

When doing digital, don't forget to do a digital declutter, too, to clear your online space as well as your physical.

5. Neaten up the desktop

A messy home office setup and desk is distracting – and it will detract from the appearance of a home office. Keep only what’s necessary on the desktop, and pay attention to your desk when cleaning your home office. ‘Have either a drawer with pens, and markers or corral them in a pretty holder,’ says Brenda Scott.

For current paperwork that does need to go on the desk? ‘I suggest a horizontal desktop file holder for items that are being worked on. Separate the “urgent” into one slot and the “get to it” in another slot, or “incoming” and “outgoing”,’ Brenda recommends. ‘You can have as many stacked up desktop files as you need to keep your current work organized, then label the slots to keep everything in its proper place.’

We also advise that you make the most of your wall space. Invest in beautiful office wall decor ideas to ensure that you desk remains neat and tidy.

6. Corral office supplies

Place office supplies in a closet or cabinet within the home office. ‘Sort like items together, get rid of things you no longer need, want, use or that don’t work, contain items, and label bins, baskets or containers,’ recommends Amy Vance, owner of a Eco Modern Concierge, which offers productivity consulting, professional organizing and personal assistance to businesses and individuals.

It’s tempting to bulk buy supplies, but this can cause clutter and make organizing a home office a harder task. ‘Yes, a case of paper is cheaper than buying by the single ream, but consider the space it will occupy in your home and how long it will take you to use it up,’ says Laura Fenton.

7. Think about printer locations

How often items such as printers and scanners are needed should be considered when organizing a home office. ‘If you use a printer or scanner frequently, make sure it is easily accessible and near your work space,’ says Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective. ‘However, if you only use a printer occasionally, store it in a cabinet with easy access for when it is needed instead of displayed on a shelf out in the open.’ In this case, organizing a bookshelf with useful and favorite titles will create a more pleasing look.

Keep what goes with other tech tidy, too. ‘Use bins with lids to corral the chargers and computer accessories when not in use,’ says Pattie Kelly, certified interior decorator at Inspired Home Interiors

8. Take advantage of a desk interior

Many home office design tips and desk ideas are minimalistic in style, but for a home office with more to organize, a desk with drawers or cubbies can be a better option. The same is true of a small office where it can be difficult to accommodate sufficient pieces of furniture.

For the interior of a desk, order documents in a way that makes sense to you. ‘Some use alphabetical, others use the topic of the information in the files, for example: taxes, banking, real estate, customers, personal etc,’ says Brenda Scott.

9. Make use of open shelving

Open shelving can be a useful feature of a home office, but if it’s to be attractive, too, office necessities should be hidden in plain sight. ‘Use an aesthetically pleasing bin or basket to store printer supplies, such as additional reams of paper, printer ink, and more,’ recommends Anna Franklin.

If it’s paperwork that needs to be kept on shelves, choose matching box files to contain it to make a pleasing visual impression.

10. Maintain an ordered home office

To keep a home office clutter-free, it’s important to maintain the organization you’ve created. ‘Be mindful of what you are printing each day to avoid a paper pileup on your desk,’ advises Jaclyn Strauss.

‘Could you get the job done without having a physical copy of the document? If so, train yourself to take that approach first. If not, print it, use it, and recycle it in a bin next to your desk. If you need to retain it, file it at the end of the day ideally but if not, put a Friday afternoon calendar reminder to yourself to file what has been left on your desk that you must physically retain.’

How do you organize a small home office?

To organize a small home office, it’s important to limit what you keep there. ‘For most individuals and families, even a single filing cabinet is likely more document storage than you need. Instead, try a file box,’ suggests Laura Fenton. The same goes for office supplies, which for most people don’t need to be plentiful.

Make sure to keep up with paperwork, recycling or shredding as applicable, and only retaining what needs attention or is imperative to stash.

Keep the contents of the room neat, too. ‘Utilize bins, baskets and zippered pouches for when you need to tuck items away,’ says Anna Franklin.

How do you organize a home office for maximum productivity?

The way to organize a home office for maximum productivity is to declutter first, then gather what you need. ‘Create a place for everything and make it a habit to put everything back in its place at the end of each workday. This sets you up for success the next day and helps you change gears from work to home life,’ says Pattie Kelly.

What’s equally crucial is to arrange and order a home office on an individual level. ‘Set it up for how it works for your day to day usage,’ advises Brenda Scott. ‘Some things may feel awkward if you’re right handed and the item is on the left side of the desk.’

Home office storage ideas have some important criteria to meet. The room’s storage needs to be capacious enough for now, as well as anticipated future needs; make everything easy to find; and it must contribute to the room’s aesthetic.

Fail to make the grade on any of these measures and it can result in a space that’s cluttered, shortens productive hours, and looks more corporate than stylish. In other words, whether there are many documents, and much reference material, office equipment, and more, or the requirements are more minimal, as part of your home office ideas, storage is key.

To fulfill your needs discover our favorite home office storage solutions as well as the advice of designers and professional organizers.

Home office storage ideas

The best home office storage ideas suit what you need to store and the aesthetic of your room. Consider both freestanding furniture and custom-built cabinetry and think, too, about whether your storage ideas should be open or closed, or include some of both types.

1. Use storage as decor

The home office storage ideas you select can be an attractive feature of the room at the same time as fulfilling their function – and this can include good-looking bookshelf ideas. 

‘Using decorative boxes in the open shelves to store smaller items, such as photos, extra pens, or office supplies is a clever and visually appealing use of space – you get storage and decor all wrapped in one,’ says Courtnay Tartt Elias with Creative Tonic Design. 

‘In the same vein, I love to store flower vases in the open shelves of bookcases for a pop of color that feels fun and whimsical. Plus, when you need them for your latest arrangement of fresh blooms, they’re super easy to access.’

Choosing a stylish storage basket (or two) is also a great way to hide clutter in style. Whether on the floor or on a shelf. Match yours to the style of your home office for a seamless solution.

2. Make the most of space behind the desk

When planning your home office setup, bear in mind that the space behind a desk can be the ideal place to locate storage furniture, and a long low design can do double duty.

‘We like adding an additional area behind the desk to conceal and neatly tuck away unwanted items,’ explains Benjamin Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design. ‘Not only does this hide items you don’t want on display, but it can also act as an additional work area when the need arises.’

3. Opt for a storage wall

Keep a home office feeling spacious by opting to provide all the storage the room needs on a single wall. This is a particularly good solution for smaller rooms, avoiding the need to accommodate separate freestanding pieces, and can allow the desk to be positioned centrally.

Follow this room’s example with cabinetry with decorative detail that makes the storage a handsome feature.

4. Plan to hide tech away

Consider items that are best concealed when deciding on home office storage ideas. ‘For the less attractive office items you need to store like printers, closed cabinets are ideal,’ says Courtnay Tartt Elias.

You might also want a custom solution for documents rather than freestanding furniture. ‘Building file cabinets into your bookcases is a lovely way to both increase the usable area of the desk above and ensure that all of the storage necessary for a functional home office is cohesive and beautiful,’ she says.

5. Take advantage of vertical space

One of the best home office design tips that we can give is to use vertical space – and this is doubly important in a small home office.

A proportion of the items that are stored in a home office may be records that must be kept but are seldom accessed. For these, think about taking advantage of the room’s vertical space to maximize what can be kept there without making the room feel cluttered. 

If the room has a high ceiling, a library ladder like this one allows easy retrieval of items when necessary and adds to the coziness of a book-lined office.

6. Categorize and contain

The best home office storage ideas will enable you to group smaller items together, and you might want to put them into labelled containers so they can be easily located by everyone in your home. 

This is the method Pamela Meluskey and Larisa Bright, founders of luxury organization company Settled recommend. ‘Break down office items into clear categories, and label each bin or basket appropriately: 

• Tech accessories (phone cases, Apple watch bands);
• Charging (phone chargers, portable battery packs) – make sure to use cord wraps to keep cords tidy;
• Audio (headphones);
• Shipping (envelopes, stamps, packing paper);
• Supplies (basic office supplies like tape, glue, scissors, etc);
• Files – sometimes it may make sense to have two file boxes: one for important documents or paperwork that’s infrequently accessed (birth certificates, marriage licenses); one for day-to-day needs (kid’s school paperwork, items to follow up on, things you need to file);
• Sentimental – offices are a great place to store sentimental items if you have the real estate. One box or bin per family member.’

Providing you've got a few desk organizers to hand, you should be able to hide this clutter with ease — and in style.

7. Suit storage to métier

Home office storage should always be planned with the activities that take place there in mind. While closed storage or a combination of open and concealed is right for many, for some professions and interests open shelves or cubbies will be preferable. 

Fabric samples and pattern books, for example, need deep and generous storage space and cubbyholes as in this room are a solution that’s practical and make the room a stimulating creative space.

Apply the same wisdom when organizing a desk – categorization and layout according to your needs will ensure the best home office productivity.

Note the home office lighting ideas in this space, too. Wall-fitted, it allows you to maximize desktop storage since it takes up no surface space.

8. Repurpose beautiful accessories as storage

While there are elegant home office storage pieces on offer, home office storage ideas can encompass repurposing items.

‘Use something beautiful and interesting and unconventional to hold your supplies,’ suggests Kristin Kong of K Kong Designs. ‘From jars and trays to teacups and tin cans, unusual or sentimental objects will provide much more creative inspiration throughout the day. 

‘We also love to use baskets under a desk to conceal a multitude of things including trash bins – no one wants to see that.’

9. Be efficient in a small home office

Maximize productivity in a small home office with storage that puts everything immediately to hand. ‘Consider the “in arm’s reach rule”,’ say Pamela Meluskey and Larisa Bright. ‘Everything you need to complete your work should be within arm's reach either on top of your desk or in your desk drawers.

‘For top of desk: consider a charging or docking station for extra tablets or laptops. For desk drawers: one of every office supply you need – with overflow or backstock supplies in a nearby cabinet.’

In this small office area, recessed shelving puts more office essentials nearby. In really small spaces, hidden desks, with lift-up lids for disguised home office storage are a wonderful way to furnish the space.

10. Surround yourself with home office storage

Combining home office storage with a desk can be a neat solution for small rooms and also those that are awkwardly shaped, like this narrow version. The effect is sleek, and the ambience and cocooning promoting good concentration.

Custom-built cabinetry provides the optimum amount of storage and allows the depth to be tailored to individual requirements.

How do I organize my office storage?

To organize office storage efficiently always discard before you begin as it’s easy to accumulate paperwork that’s no longer needed, out-of-date tech, and more. Shred anything confidential, and donate anything that might be useful to others. 

After that it’s worth drawing up a list of exactly what you need to keep in the room – or office area – in order to make sure you include everything in your organization plan. 

Think categories: from small items like stationery to larger items such as printers and scanners, so you can keep like with like. Then plan which part of the room they should go in with most-used items nearer to you. 

How do I add storage to a small office?

To add storage to a small office start with the desk. If yours is just a tabletop, consider swapping to a design with drawer space. Make use of the walls, too, with shelving above the desk, as well as on any other free wall space. Consider storage furniture on wheels to boost storage further. This gives you the option to move it out of the room when you’re in there to create extra space, then put it back into the home office when you’re done for the day.

The very best home office productivity tips focus on keeping you focussed on the job in hand. There are plenty of concentration-boosting working practices that translate well in a home office setting, such as taking regular breaks, writing lists and time management. But if the environment you are working in is cluttered, badly lit, noisy, or even depressing, getting motivated and staying motivated will become a daily struggle.  

Allocating a designated workspace away from your home’s sociable areas and the temptations of the refrigerator is a great place to start with your home office ideas. It doesn’t have to be a huge space, but it does need to be reasonably quiet during your working hours and ideally include a window for eye-strain relieving screen breaks. 

One of the main downsides of working from home compared to a commercial office is you won’t get the same specialist help with setting up your desk, monitor and chair ergonomically. To avoid strains and discomfort that can impact productivity, workplace design consultant Emma Morley offers this advice on organizing a home office: ‘Your screen should be at arm’s length away and at, or slightly below, eye level,’ she says. ‘If you work on a laptop – use a laptop stand or pile of books. The position you’re aiming for is that your head should be vertical to your neck. This will reduce the strain on your neck, shoulders, and back.’

Home office productivity tips

Even if your WFH options are limited to the void under the stairs or an alcove in the dining room, there’s a lot you can do in terms of your home office setup to maintain concentration levels while you’re clocked on. We have picked our 10 best home office design tips, including plenty of expert advice, to help you stay on track with home office productivity.

1. Maximize natural daylight

There are lots of great home office lighting ideas to illuminate your workspace, but often it is natural light that most improves our mood and wellbeing, not to mention enthusiasm, at work. 

‘Ideally you should position your desk next to a window to enjoy the best natural light levels,’ says interior designer Chantel Elshout. ‘However, direct sunlight can be blinding and make it difficult to see your computer screen at certain times of the day. Adjustable window treatments, like plantation shutters, are a real savior and can be tilted as the sun moves to keep the sun out of your eyes while maintaining decent natural light levels overall.’

2. Make room to move

If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious home office, it’s worth taking the time to consider all the layout options for the desk. A desk positioned centrally is far more enticing than one rammed up against a wall or tucked tight into the corner – and this will help with your home office productivity. 

‘Positioning a desk centrally within a home office or workspace creates a centered feel which is beneficial to maintaining an ordered and calming space in which to work,’ agrees Louise Wicksteed, design director, Sims Hilditch. ‘A centrally placed desk also allows for adequate storage space to be built or placed against all four walls of the room if necessary, helping to keep the space uncluttered.’

3. Go for calm, nature-led decor

Spending time in nature lowers stress, decreases blood pressure and boosts creativity so it makes sense to take design cues from nature when looking for home office paint colors. 

‘Creating visual connections with nature – via colors, materials and textures – can make working inside all day much more tolerable,’ says interior designer Fiona Duke. ‘The calming effects of nature-led color schemes are well documented, and they can genuinely help improve productivity and reduce attention fatigue.’ 

Here, the soothing green-gray tones of Farrow & Ball’s French Gray creates a relaxed environment, while connecting visually with the leafy views outside.  

4. Tidy desk, tidy mind! 

A cluttered workspace can be extremely distracting and spending time searching for essentials amid the chaos can also waste precious time. Organizing a desk and keeping it organized will increase home office productivity and reduce stress. Clearing away everyday detritus like notepads, junk mail and completed lists is easy but for a really clean desk, it pays to tidy up permanent fixtures, too. 

‘One way to keep a desk uncluttered is to hide away all the cables associated with IT via well considered cable management. For example, pop up outlets or cables hiding inside the legs of the desk,’ says interior designer Charu Gandhi of Elicyon. 

5. Make it personal

In large, corporate office spaces, the décor has to appeal to a wide range of roles but at home you can afford to personalize to suit your career. 

‘A home office is an incredibly individual space as each of us has totally different requirements as to what enhances our work environment and increases home office productivity,’ explains interior designer Elizabeth Hay. 

‘For me, working in a creative industry, it is important to be inspired and invigorated by my surroundings. I choose mood-lifting colors and patterns in uplifting red and vibrant pattern, which spark interest and wake up the mind. It would be hard to feel tired or bored with these elements surrounding you!’

Matthew Williamson, interior and fashion designer, agrees: 'Home offices should be places entirely distinct from your home life,' he says. 'When you enter your home office, be it a separate room or even a corner in your living room, you should feel connected to whatever it is that you want to achieve that day. The way you decorate and furnish this space should be comfortable and inspiring, whether you surround yourself with plants, trinkets, and lamps, or whether you keep it sleek with simply a notepad and a stylish paperweight.

'My own home office is more of a studio. I keep my current visual projects on display around me to maintain the momentum of creative ideas, as well as to catalyze new ones. I love to be surrounded by color, materials, and patterns to help me visualize new design schemes or pieces for the home. My current workspace is in my lounge, so when I'm finished at work for the day, I hide that space with my new circular room divider from my collaboration with Roome London.'

6. Invest in an ergonomic chair

If you're spending six to eight hours a day in the same chair, it's worth investing in home office seating ideas with a supportive design. ‘A proper office chair can drastically improve your posture, reduce back pain, hips pressure and increase your productivity,’ says Emma Morley, founder of workspace design consultancy Trifle. 

Most commercial office chairs still fail miserably on the looks front, but you can get similar features from domestic office chairs that are much more stylish. 

‘The minimum you should seek from any office-based chair is height adjustment, swivel, lumbar support and casters,’ says Emma. ‘Aim for a chair height that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor with your hips parallel to your knees. The key point to remember however is to move – stretch, stand up and take regular breaks to maintain productivity throughout the day.’

7. Turn up the tunes

Never underestimate the power of music to boost productivity while you work from home. Listening to music has been proven to help you stay motivated, up productivity, and reduce anxiety. Choose faster tempo tracks – around 121 bpm – to increase performance or help maintain motivation at the end of the day. Dial it down to music with a bpm of around 60 when you need to focus. 

Singing along to your favorite tunes is a great way to stay alert and entertained when performing repetitive or mindless tasks. However, lyrics can be distracting when undertaking tasks that require concentration so switch to acoustic tracks, ideally classical or symphonic, when you need more headspace to think.

8. Build in plenty of storage

‘To achieve a tranquil home office with a calming effect that aids focus, I always suggest starting with storage,’ says interior designer Andrea Benedettini. ‘By using built-in joinery with options for open and closed storage, we can make the most of the available footprint; this allows us to conceal the more functional items like printers and old files and lets us display beautiful objects that inspire us.’

Incorporating plentiful storage will help you achieve a clean, clutter-free desk, which is important for avoiding distractions. ‘Desk proportions are another crucial consideration. Having enough width and depth is key for avoiding a claustrophobic workspace, and I typically recommend a minimum depth of 28in/700mm for a standard desktop computer, but this can be reduced to around 24in/600mm if working on a laptop,’ adds Andrea. 

9. Keep it clutter-free

For optimum home office productivity, your work space needs to be calming, tranquil, relaxing and free of clutter, says Camilia Clarke and Ottalie Stride of Albion Nord.

Camilia says: 'Usually, home is the sanctuary in which we can unwind after a testing day at the office. However, these days the home is the office. For those without a dedicated study or home office, create a space in which you can 'go to work' and leave once the day is done. This way, when you're out of your work nook, your home will still feel like a home. 

'It is so important to differentiate areas of the home to really feel that sense of relief from work when you need it. Keep your work zone calm and clutter-free. Unsightly mess is only going to add any sense of agitation, so try to keep surfaces clear of anything that doesn't motivate you or inform the work you're doing.'

10. Write it down

We may live in a digital age, but the humble notebook and pen are still very effective tools for staying organized and maximizing your output. Starting the day by jotting down a plan of action or to-do list is a two-minute task that can reap huge rewards and help you stay on track from 9 to 5. Let’s not forget the extra gratification and joy to be had from owning and using really beautiful stationery – job satisfaction guaranteed!

11. Embrace biophilic design

Biophilic design – the concept of bringing the outside indoors – is an easy and inexpensive way to create an uplifting working environment infused with color and life. Simply increase the number of oxygen-boosting, air-purifying house plants in your home office to at least four to enhance productivity levels. 

‘Plants can absorb carbon dioxide, eliminate harmful toxins and help us feel calm and more relaxed,’ says Linsey Skepper, creative director of Muchmore Design. ‘All these benefits add up to improving wellbeing, mental health and concentration.’ 

Available light levels will have an impact on what you can grow successfully and it’s wise to choose low maintenance, hardy houseplants to avoid the stress of wilted or browning foliage. Golden Pothos, Weeping Fig and English Ivy are considered superior for air purifying but the more plants you have the better. 

12. Make it luxe

Andrew Martin's Martin Waller urges us to consider making the home office as luxurious as the rest of our interiors.

'2022 brings with it the continuation of home working, and so the home office becomes ever more pertinent,' he explains. 'This year we will be embracing combining a wide range of materials to create an uber-luxe and inspirational workspace.

'A home office must be designed as a space to induce thought. It wants to have crisp, clear lines, comfort and creative inspiration by way of artwork or patterned wallpaper. A desk light is a good way to add style and design-led angles to an office as well as being imperative for spot lighting. A chair has to be comfortable, but it is important to get the level of comfort right.  From tactile faux shagreen and deep pile velvet, to sleek chrome and hammered iron there’s an abundant wealth of textures to choose from.'

13. Surround yourself with beauty

Kit Kemp, founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels, brings her trademark eye for print, pattern and color to her work spaces.

She explains: 'Work spaces at home are very important. A place to put pen to paper or Zoom or computer studies.  Everyone needs their private space or desk where they can concentrate.

'The importance of tea breaks and moments of inspiration are now solely our own venture. Having a clear space to sit and work at is paramount, but of course being surrounded by beautiful things is more important than ever to keep us feeling inspired, whether it's beautiful fresh flowers or a pretty reading lamp.'

She adds that beautiful pieces of furniture, like an antique writing desk, and colorful, vibrant prints and artwork can also inspire creativity.

How can I work more productively at home?

For many, working from home is the dream solution to improving work-life balance and escaping commuting horror. The most successful home office setups are designated workspaces, away from busy rooms and thoroughfares. It also helps to adopt practices you would follow in a commercial office, starting with getting dressed. Working in your PJs may be comfortable, but it won’t get you in the right frame of mind to knuckle down. 

Establishing a morning routine, starting with writing a to-do list is another popular way to get motivated and make the most of your time. Use digital technology, like Apple’s Focus facility, to turn off disruptions from social media and other notifications while you work. It may sound counterproductive, but taking regular breaks can increase productivity, especially if you step outdoors for some fresh air.     

Is it more productive to work from home?

According to a recent American study of full-time employees by Airtasker, those working from home spent less time avoiding work (15% difference) and did 1.4 more days of work per month than office-based workers. Furthermore, the study found that home workers lost less time to distractions, such as water cooler chat, than those in the office. 

There is also the argument that you gain more office hours because your commute is non-existent. When working from home, you arrive at your desk fresh from the shower, not stressed and sweating from an overcrowded subway. Finally, sickness spreads quickly among co-workers and commuters, leading to more sick days per year for those travelling to work, than those staying at home. 

Organization guru Marie Kondo is renowned for sparking joy – the statement at the heart of her teaching – and the name of her eponymous Netflix series. However, while the KonMari method is built around sparking joy, mirroring this joy in your workspace involves a different technique. 

In her recently republished book, Joy at Work, Ms. Kondo shares reveals the home office ideas that hold the secret to a more joyful workspace – and her clutter cutting technique works for desks and workspaces of all sizes. 

In an exclusive excerpt of the latest edition below, the celebrated organizer reveals her tips – and what you need to know to keep your home office setup running seamlessly. 

Marie Kondo's 3 tips for cutting paperwork clutter

‘Even if you tidy up, papers are bound to pile up again quickly, making rebound inevitable. But there’s no need to worry. As long as you follow the three rules of storage I introduce below, you’ll never return to paper clutter.’

Rule 1: Categorize every paper down to the last sheet

‘Start by sorting your papers into clear categories, such as presentations, project proposals, reports, and invoices. Or you could sort them by dates, projects, or the names of individual clients, patients, or students. One of my clients, for example, designated files for Design Ideas, Management Ideas, English Study, and Documents to Keep and Remember. Use whatever system works best for you.

‘The most important point is never to store even a single sheet of paper “just because.” Now is the time to categorize your papers in a way that makes your work easier. Make sure every paper is sorted into a category.’

Rule 2: Store your papers upright

‘Do you know people who are always asking, “Where did that file go?” Often it’s because they are piling their files in stacks on their desk. There are two disadvantages to stacking documents. First, it’s difficult to determine how much you have, so you don’t notice how much you are accumulating over time and end up with a messy desk. Second, you forget about the files at the bottom of the pile and waste time looking for them.

‘For optimal efficiency, it’s crucial to store your papers in a hanging- file system. Put each category of papers in a separate folder and store them in a filing cabinet or upright in a filing box placed on a shelf. Storing them this way makes it easy for you to see how many papers you have. It also looks neat and tidy.’

Rule 3: Make a pending box

‘Make a pending box, in which to keep only those papers that you need to deal with on that day. Again, I recommend using an upright filing box so that you can clearly see how many papers need processing. If you prefer, you can use a tray-type filing box and store them flat, but be sure not to forget the existence of the papers on the bottom. When you’ve processed pending papers, discard those that don’t need to be kept.

‘Just as for tidying anything else, tidying up your papers makes them incredibly easy to manage because you know exactly how many of each type you have and where they are. Once you have sorted your papers and decided where each category belongs, look at your workspace and determine the maximum amount of space you have available for storing them. When you exceed this storage capacity, papers will begin to overflow. That’s a signal that you need to reexamine what’s there. Check for papers that no longer need to be saved, and let them go. By checking regularly like this, you can keep your papers tidy at all times.’

Whether you are looking for large or small home office ideas, Marie’s paper tips will ensure your space stays tidy for good.

Excerpted from JOY AT WORK © 2021 by KonMari Media Inc. and Scott Sonenshein. Used with permission of Macmillan Publishers. All rights reserved.

It can be easy to think functionality first when assessing home office desk ideas. But while a desk must be ergonomic, it should satisfy your sense of style in the same way as every other piece of furniture in your home. 

Step away from the dull and the corporate and there exists a plethora of desks that could complement your home’s architecture and your tastes from the modern and minimalist to elegant period furniture. The materials from which the desk might be made together with color options add to the breadth of choice.

Here, we’ve put together desk inspiration you can combine with all your other home office ideas to make a chic as well as practical working area together with expert advice from interior designers to assist your choice. 

Home office desk ideas

Your home office desk ideas might need to suit a separate room or small home office dedicated to your occupation and/or other tasks, or complement a space like a living room, bedroom, or even a landing, with proportions in consequence.

Consider, too, whether it should provide home office storage space inside it, or simply needs to act as a surface for a desk-top computer, laptop, or other devices. Alternatively, you might find that a desk organizer can help do this, should your desk be lacking drawer or shelf space.

1. Combine old and new

Mixing older pieces with modern home office ideas will make your space feel individual and give it the appearance of a long-established and enjoyed room rather than an all-new addition, and a desk with period credentials or an authentic lookalike can be a great choice.

‘The desk is a vintage piece that was repurposed for this office and I love how it beautifully balances the high gloss lacquered paint and contemporary chandelier,’ says Courtnay Tartt Elias of Creative Tonic of this room.

2. Build in a home office desk

Consider both freestanding furniture and built-in options as part of your home office setup.

‘With more people working from home, it is important to create practical and comfortable spaces in which to work,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director at London and Gloucestershire-based interior designers Sims Hilditch. 

‘We suggest incorporating bespoke joinery into a study to make best use of the space available. Joinery with installed drawers and cupboards also provides great storage for office stationery, files and books which otherwise may clutter the area.’

3. Bring in color

An office you’re required to attend by an employer may major in dull shades, but when it comes to home office design tips color is definitely an option. Wood furniture can be painted in the shade you prefer to make the workstation pop. 

Set against white paneling this attractive blue desk has standout, and while the remainder of the scheme uses neutral colors the patterned wallpaper and mix of tactile materials gives the whole depth.

4. Position the desk prominently

In a larger home office, moving the desk away from the walls is available as an option, and allows other working areas to be created against the walls.

‘To optimize space and function, multiple work surfaces are key,’ says Benjamin Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design. ‘A floating desk is a great way to create a focal point as it draws the eye to the center of the room. We often add an additional work area behind the floating desk that can be utilized if needed.’

If the desk is to be located centrally, don’t forget to plan in outlets for computers and desk lamps to avoid trailing wires. Alternatively, opt for a hidden desk if you have a small home office or limited space in a separate room.

5. Change the lines

While home office desk ideas often feature straight lines, consider a curvaceous alternative for a softer effect. A vintage or reproduction design could create the contrast to the room’s horizontals and verticals that you’re looking for and will help bring the space to life.

If you don’t have the space for a larger desk like this one, consider a console-style design with turned legs which can introduce elegant curves to a home office – albeit on a smaller scale.

6. Fit a home office desk into a small space

Sometimes fitting an office into a small home can be a challenge, and space has to be found within a room that’s used for another purpose or even in an area such as a hallway or landing. If that’s the case, a wall-mounted desk is a neat solution.

An attractive wood such as oak can ensure it’s a tactile and appealing surface even though it may be minimal. But, although it may be narrow from side to side, do ensure any desk in a small space has sufficient depth so that you are not resting your wrists on the edge of the desk as you type. Most importantly in a small space, make sure your home office lighting ideas are up to scratch. You won't be able to get much work done in a dimly lit room.

7. Consider a glass-topped desk

A glass-topped desk can help maximize the daylight in a home office, as the light can move through the surface. Teamed with trestle legs glass creates a piece that’s smart and contemporary, and provides a pleasing contrast of materials.

In this office, the desk’s legs are part of the restful color palette. ‘I absolutely love this home office,’ says Susan Spath, president of Kern & Co and principal designer of Susan Spath Interior Design. ‘It is the ultimate luxury home office with ocean views, glass top desk, custom cabinetry, and a cozy sitting area. 

‘Work can be stressful at times and it is important to create a space that is peaceful. This neutral home office paint color palette with a hint of blue creates a calm environment.’

8. Select a desk for a bedroom

When considering home office desk ideas for a bedroom it’s important not to create a jarring note, compromising the room’s style and disrupting the ambience.

‘A crucial factor when including a study area in a bedroom is to consider its impact on the wider scheme,’ says Melissa Hamilton, interior design director of Studio Indigo, who designed this space. ‘Even when this desk is not in use, it is a very aesthetically pleasing arrangement and gives joy throughout the day.’

9. Embrace unusual materials

Make a work area striking with your choice of material for your home office seating ideas and desk. ‘A metal-wrapped desk adds a statement while infusing modernity to a study evocative of 1940s industry in a way that is both surprising and memorable,’ says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer of CW Interiors of this home office. 

‘A vintage mid-century rug anchors the space and validates the classical styling that is anything but typical.’

10. Make the desk area dynamic

A home office desk may need to be positioned against a wall but, if that’s the case, consider hanging a patterned wallpaper behind it that adds energy to your working area. Here it’s a mid-scale geometric in blue and white that adds zing.

If you prefer using paint rather than wallpaper, warm colors like coral or peach are vibrant choices or you can turn up the stimulation dial with hues like yellow or orange.

Which way should a desk face in a home office?

A separate room as a home office gives you free rein to place the desk as you prefer. Locating it looking towards the door ensures it is the focal point it should be as you enter the room and allows you to see who’s coming into the room and avoid being taken by surprise.

However, you may wish to position the desk to give yourself a view from the window either straight ahead or to one side, especially if the outlook is an attractive one. Taking a break from looking at a screen and focusing on objects further away at regular intervals is recommended in order to avoid eye strain.

If the window is behind you either because of the room’s layout or because positioning the desk with an outlook is too distracting, make sure you choose a window treatment such as a Venetian blind to avoid uncomfortable glare on your screen.

What can I use instead of a desk?

A console can be an alternative to a desk if you need just a surface on which to place a laptop and a streamlined piece of furniture. A further option if space is limited is a floating desk – in other words, a wall-mounted surface. If you take this route, make sure that the surface together with the wall and fixings are suitable for the weight of the items you will place on the desk.

A small dining table could also prove a suitable alternative to a desk. This is particularly the case if you need a generous depth of desk to spread out on. As with the other options, however, it won’t provide storage space inside, and you’ll need to introduce other furniture to cater for documents, stationery, and other home office essentials.

Think home office seating ideas and a desk chair likely springs to mind first – and it is a key purchase for your room. But the seating for a home office might include chairs for a table around which to conduct meetings, and more comfortable armchairs or sofas for reading, planning, or to take five from the day’s tasks, all of which need to deliver aesthetically as well as practically. 

And while corporate work spaces tend to neutral shades and plain upholstery, it’s easy to embrace more stylish material and color options as part of your home office ideas.

Our home office seating ideas include desirable choices for every home office to make it a space you’ll be delighted to enter each day, along with expert advice on selecting the right designs. 

Home office seating ideas

If you spend long hours at a desk, a desk chair that allows you to adopt the correct position is vital, but that’s no reason to opt for a look that falls down in the style stakes. Think, too, about the other home office seating ideas that can make it a pleasant place to spend time, including more relaxing options. And if you are creating a home office setup in which to conduct meetings, or want to move away from the desk to spread out papers, seating around a table will be required. 

1. Include a variety of seating areas

In a space of all but the most modest dimensions, home office seating ideas should include, but not be limited to, a desk chair.

‘Comfort and ergonomics are of critical importance when it comes to designing an office space and we always test out chairs with our clients to ensure we select options that are both comfortable and durable,’ says Benjamin Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design.

‘We also include other seating areas to create an inviting environment, encouraging our clients to entertain or even host small meetings in their stylish home offices.’

2. Incorporate seating that allows relaxation

Modern home office ideas recognize that, while it may be a place of industry, the study is also a sanctuary, and this can be achieved with the right seating.  

‘A home office should be relaxing,’ says Julie Dodson of Dodson Interiors in Houston, Texas. ‘It should be a place of comfort and respite, surrounded by things that you love and that inspire you.

‘I always like to have an ottoman in a home office, to kick your feet up and read a book, or drink a glass of bourbon. I loved the fabric color on these chairs, and their scale. They are not too big where you sink in, but they still sort of give you a hug.’

3. Think purpose when selecting home office chairs

How long you spend at your desk, and how long on other activities, should determine the style of the chair. But even if the desk is the site for all or much of your work, dull corporate designs are far from the only option.

‘A chair has to be comfortable, but it is important to get the level of comfort right,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. ‘A leather armchair, for example, would fit for a library feel, acting as a sanctuary to read and reflect, where an upright swivel chair suits written desk work. 

‘And do not be condemned to a black foam seat. Go for a chair in mid-century velvet upholstery or a cantilever with interesting lines.’

4. Make space for a sofa

Featuring a sofa in your home office seating plan can help make it a space which feels inviting whether it’s where you do your day job or a command center for organizing the family.

Be inspired by this room, and contemplate an upright tailored sofa, rather than the sink-into version you might prefer in a TV den. The button back adds decorative detail alongside the patterned wallpaper and Roman blind, while a soft and calming color palette makes this room a peaceful retreat.

5. Stay streamlined

In small home offices, desk chairs with the same sleek and streamlined credentials are natural partners. 

This hidden desk idea is part of the kitchen by Roundhouse and is fitted with pocket doors so the bespoke joinery – which has a walnut interior – can be concealed when it’s not in use. Externally, the office matches the tall white kitchen cabinetry located on the opposite side of the room to give the space a cohesive look.

The room features Crittall windows that link the lower ground floor to the gardens and bring in natural illumination, and the chair’s white upholstery and chrome frame reflect the daylight to keep the space bright and open.

6. Add detail to upholstery

Decorative embellishment to office seating can contribute to making the room part of your home and far from a standard office in style. In this home office from Bee’s Knees Interior Design Studio, studs add interest to the upholstered desk chair, creating a contrasting texture, and giving the impression of a stripe on the neutral fabric. It’s a match to the detail of the desk, too.

7. Fall for a window seat

Window seat ideas are another seating option beyond the desk chair, and a great way to take advantage of a pleasant view and a source of natural light, which can be particularly valuable when daylight hours are limited, and work days are long.

‘We suggest incorporating comfortable armchairs or a window seat if possible,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director at London and Gloucestershire-based Sims Hilditch . ‘This encourages the user to step away from the desk for regular breaks.’

8. Put visitors at their ease

Ensure visitors to a home office are relaxed by providing comfortable seating facing the desk. In this room they add an accent shade to the rich neutral palette.

‘We made this office from a former never-used dining space off the front entry,’ says Cheryl Kees Clendenon, president of In Detail Interiors. ‘We created wonderful storage by wrapping the room in built-in library-style book shelves painted in Benjamin Moore Vintage Wine and artfully hid closed storage with antique mirror inserts for the more mundane office supplies. 

‘Since the room is right off the front of the home, we enlarged the opening to make it less “dining” oriented and added gorgeous lighting and furnishings to always be a beautiful visage when you enter the home. 

‘Original art, interesting lighting and a stunning velvet wingback chair provide a backdrop of cozy luxury for the boss lady of the home. No worries though, we also added a couple of modern wingback chairs near the windows for the Mr to visit!’

9. Step away from the traditional

It’s possible to include a classic among your home office seating ideas while giving it a fresh twist that makes the room individual and full of interest.

‘I always put a “man chair” in a home office,’ says Kara Adam of Dallas, Texas-based Kara Adam Interiors. ‘I like the masculine lines and subtle pattern of the chair in this room. Just because it’s a man’s office, doesn’t mean the chair has to be dark.’

If this chair will be used for reading, ensuring it's carefully matched with your home office lighting ideas will make it comfortable in every sense.

10. Gather around a table

A table with seating around it can be a useful addition to any home office. It provides a space to spread out papers away from a desktop, as well as an area for meetings if you hold these within your home. 

Furniture designated for the office isn’t required, and dining chairs teamed with a dining table can be a more handsome option.

Interior designer Robert Stilin used the existing dining table in his New York City apartment to create this home office. 'It’s about embracing and adapting to life as it evolves – using the things you have in a way that makes sense instead of being stuck in some set idea of what has to be,’ he explains.

How do I choose a home office seating?

To choose the ideal home office seating for you, consider its purpose first. For desk chairs, you need to ensure that the height and backrest are adjustable first and foremost. Then you need to sit on it to check that the lumbar support and arm rests are right for you. If you are tall, you need to ensure the seat is deep and wide enough – and of course, if you are short, you will want to make sure the desk chair isn't too big for you. Consider the material of your floor – hard floors are generally more practical in home offices and allow for casters to move about in the room. Even if yours doesn't have casters, ensure your desk chair can swivel. Finally, make sure the material of the chair is breathable for those hot weather days when you are still stuck at your desk.

There are plenty of ways to stop a clunky printer compromising the lines of a home office. You could consider home office desk ideas with storage inside to keep it immediately at hand.

Alternatively, stash the printer inside a stylish piece of furniture, such as a sideboard, which can have the perfect proportions to accommodate it. 

You might also think about concealing it in plain sight. Put a black printer on a shelf with black-spined books, for example, and it won’t makes its presence apparent. Or try putting a white printer on white-painted furniture alongside objects that introduce a pop of color – they’ll draw the eye instead. 

The right home office lighting ideas for ceilings, desks, and walls will ensure working on screen, or close up according to your needs, is comfortable and eye strain is avoided – crucial factors in any home work area. 

But since this is part of your home rather than a corporate space, as an element of your overall home office ideas, the style of the lighting is equally crucial. Light fixtures here need to be carefully selected so they play their part in the room’s decor.

We’ve put together a selection of home office lighting ideas for ceilings, desks, and walls to inspire you whether you’re working with an interior designer or planning the room yourself. And there’s advice from the experts to help you perfect your scheme, too.

Home office lighting ideas for ceilings, desks, and walls

As part of your home office setup, it’s as important to plan a complete home office lighting scheme as it is to consider the desk and chair functionality. It's also as complicated as designing lighting schemes for other areas of your home, with ambient (or overall) lighting for the room, task lighting for the room’s specific activities, plus accent lighting that highlights features of the space, all playing their part in a successful design. 

1. Layer home office lighting

Consider the natural light the room enjoys together with home office lighting ideas for ceilings, desks, and walls as you plan your own scheme, or as you work with your interior designer. 

‘Multi-layered lighting is an important factor within a workspace,’ says Benjamin Johnston of Benjamin Johnston Design. ‘Using a combination of natural, ceiling, and task lighting, such as floor and table lamps, allows a homeowner to be productive day or night.’

2. Team wall lights with bespoke joinery

Bespoke joinery in a home office can maximize small home office ideas and, when the floor area is limited, may include a built-in desk, or leave a niche for a freestanding design. In this case, wall lights can be a sound choice as task lighting rather than a floor or desk lamp. 

‘If the desk is installed into bespoke joinery, then downlighting directed on to the working area is a great alternative, providing light in the evenings and darker months,’ says Louise Wicksteed, design director at London and Gloucestershire-based interior designers Sims Hilditch. 

3. Use home office lighting with a pop of color   

Light fixtures and shades in energetic colors are perfect for a home office environment, adding a vibrant accent, and founder and principal designer Michelle Lisac of Michelle Lisac Interior Design made use of one in this concealed work space.

‘During construction we decided to turn what used to be the entry closet into a hidden study,’ she explains of this room. ‘We installed a secret bookcase door in their family room that opens up into this fun study space for their kids to do homework. We added some character and texture with the Stikwood planks, a colorful plug-in sconce from Schoolhouse Electric, and included some of the client’s great art.’

4. Factor in daylight as well as artificial illumination

Your home office lighting ideas for ceilings, desks, and walls need to create ‘good general light that is aesthetically pleasing, and task lighting’, explains Sian Parsons, design associate at John Cullen Lighting.

‘If possible, try to set up your work space in an area as close to natural daylight as you can,’ she advises. ‘When available, there is nothing more effective at filling a space with light than the sun. Its even rays will help balance any dark or bright spots caused by your artificial lighting, and helps boost your mood from a human-centric point of view.’

5. Work the angles

If you undertake a variety of different tasks at your desk rather than working constantly on screen, look for a desk light with an arm that can be adjusted, so you can move the light source according to what you’re doing.

The desk lamp in this home office offers flexible positioning as well as complementing the room’s design. Of the scheme, Jessica Davis, owner and principal designer of ASID Allied JL Design, says: ‘This progressive traditionalist office features an Elvis painting by a local Nashville artist named Inez. 

‘The desk is a vintage reproduction of an Eames style, and shelving is from Restoration Hardware – combining a rustic bronze metal frame with exposed rivets and natural oak shelves and drawers. This piece really introduced an area for display and storage, and helped create a consistent line of sight flanking the windows. The photo light in the corner is actually a vintage reproduction of a spotlight that was historically used on movie sets.’

6. Swerve eye strain

Home office paint colors can affect light levels in a room, so it’s crucial to ensure home office lighting ideas for ceilings, desks, and walls are appropriate to the hue of the room, and in darker spaces, do not create fatigue and discomfort.

‘Good general light to the room should be low glare to ensure that your eyes aren’t straining with glare spots from light fittings, as well as the glare emitted from your screen,’ says Sian Parsons. 

‘Well placed and discreet downlights, set tilted towards the walls so that the light reflects off and back into the room, will help create an excellent but softened light. A coffered ceiling could be equally as effective for a low glare general light source.’

7. Harmonize ceiling lighting with the room’s decor

A ceiling light for an office can be a standout piece or more understated in its style. For this home office, California-based interior designer Ohara Davies-Gaetano took the latter approach.

In decorating the room she was inspired by the garden immediately outside the room, explaining, ‘I was mindful of the tonality and textures and selected hues that highlighted the gravel, the old stone and the shades of planting.’ 

The room’s ceiling light harmonizes with this palette while pleasing the eye with its elegant curves.

8. Consider working hours when planning desk lighting

A home office desk should always be equipped with task lighting, but as well as taking into account the activities it needs to cater for, consider your hours of work.

‘Thinking about the specific tasks and the times of day that they take place is key to ensuring you have the best possible lighting solution – bespoke to your home-working situation,’ says Sian Parsons.

‘Whether you have space for a lamp, or a wall light, decorative fittings should give an even glow of light with no harsh spots. Consider something shaded or opaque.’

9. Swap to a floor lamp

For a desk, a floor lamp can sometimes be a practical and chic alternative to a table lamp. In this room, the statement floor lamp illuminates a desk shared by two people, creating light across the surface they both occupy.

The design of this room also makes the most of daylight with a glass-topped desk that avoids blocking it, and pale flooring and white shelving that reflect it rather than absorbing it as dark colors would.

10. Match ceiling and desk lights for a sophisticated effect

It’s possible to combine a selection of home office light designs successfully, but you may want to follow the lead of this home office by Dublin and London-based Sara Cosgrove Studio with lights for ceiling and desk that repeat colors and materials. The effect is sophisticated yet subtle.

In this home office, the metal of both ceiling and desk lamp echoes its use within the bespoke cabinetry, adding gentle highlights against the rich shade of the flooring and chair upholstery, the wood of the desk, and the darker tones of the walls.

What type of lighting is best for offices?

Both natural lighting and artificial lighting are crucial to making a home office a comfortable space in which to work, and balancing the two is imperative. Make the most of the natural light available because there is a strong relationship between workplace daylight exposure and sleep, activity and quality of life, a 2013 study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found.  

‘Matching the Kelvin (warmth of white) of your light source to the Kelvin of the light from the sun will also help immensely when working from home,’ recommends Sian Parsons. ‘Cooler Kelvins (anything about 3000K) will appear harsh and over bright as the sun goes down, while warmer Kelvins (around 2400K) are similar to dusk and dawn, so may help you wind down towards the end of the day.’

How bright should home office lighting be?

The brightness of light is measured in lumens. If you’re used to thinking in Watts, a 60 Watt bulb is the equivalent of 800 lumens, and 75 Watts 1,100 lumens. For a desk lamp, look for a minimum of 800 lumens but better might be 1,100 lumens to provide focused light for this area of your room.

Make sure you don’t create glare on screens with your light. A desk lamp you can angle to avoid the problem could be the answer.

Tidying guru Marie Kondo may have just taken over our TVs with her latest Netflix series Sparking Joy – but her reign over 2021 does not end at the small screen. Instead, the globally-renowned organizer has today published a new edition of her book, Joy at Work, which simplifies an organized work life, so you'll never have to do it again.

In the latest edition of Joy at Work, Marie discusses some of her home office ideas – while sharing tips for virtual working and organizing your workspace at home – which is, of course, an apt addition to her publication. 

Whether you’re looking for small home office ideas to make your compact space permanently seamless, or you’re looking for a professional home office setup that will get the job done – Marie has the answer.

In the below excerpt from Joy at Work, she shares what you need to know. 

Rule 1: Designate a place to store each item and store by category 

‘The reason people rebound after they have gone to all the work of tidying up is that they don’t decide where each item belongs. Because they don’t know where to put things after they’ve used them, their space gets cluttered again. That is why you will want to decide where to store each item. It’s so much easier to keep things tidy if you get into the habit of immediately putting each item back where it belongs. 

'It’s important not to scatter storage for things in the same category. Storing everything in the same category in the same place lets you see at a glance how much you have. This has added benefits. Once you know what you have, you no longer accumulate excess or buy unnecessary items.

'In a general office setting, it’s common to store business cards and stationery supplies in the top drawer; electrical, personal-care, and food-related items in the second drawer; and documents and papers in the third drawer. This is the basic storage layout for a typical office desk, but it will vary depending on the type of desk you have or the type of tasks your work involves. Make adjustments as needed and create a space in which you feel comfortable working.’

Rule 2: Use boxes and store things upright 

‘The amount of storage space in a desk is very limited, so you’ll want to maximize its effectiveness. Boxes are great for this. You can use boxes of various sizes as drawer dividers. Store items in the same category in one that suits their size and shape, such as a small box for items like flash drives and a medium-sized box for personal-care items like supplements. 

'Small things in particular store better when they are arranged upright in a box rather than placed directly in a drawer with no dividers. The box keeps them from disintegrating into an anonymous heap and lets you see at a glance where things are when you open the drawer.

'Any type of box that fits in your drawer will do. You can buy boxes specifically for this purpose or use empty ones you have on hand in your home. I often use business card boxes and smartphone packages. They’re just the right dimensions to fit inside a desk drawer, making them very easy to use. 

'The trick is to store everything standing upright as much as possible. This not only looks neater but maximizes the available space. All items that are the right height should be stored upright. I even store erasers and packs of sticky notes in the upright position.'

Rule 3: As a rule, don’t store anything on top of your desk 

‘Your desktop is a work surface, not a storage cupboard, so the rule of thumb is to store nothing on it. Pick a spot in your drawers and on your shelves for each item or category. As much as possible, the only things on your desk should be whatever you need right now for the project you are working on. Keep this image of a clear desktop in your mind when you start storing. People who do so usually finish with only a laptop and an ornament or potted plant on their desk.

'Designate a storage space even for things you use daily, such as a pen or memo pad. My clients are often surprised to find that it’s not inconvenient at all to store these things out of sight when not in use. Once they experience how a neat and tidy desk enables them to focus on their work, they quickly become addicted to that state.’

Has Marie Kondo reshaped your future modern home office ideas? 

Excerpted from JOY AT WORK © 2021 by KonMari Media Inc. and Scott Sonenshein. Used with permission of Macmillan Publishers. All rights reserved.

The beauty of a modern home office is that with a little careful planning it is easy to ensure that it is equal parts stylish and functional; the perfect addition to a contemporary home and lifestyle, where working from home is quickly becoming the norm. 

While home studies often conjure up images of traditional, often masculine spaces, complete with dark wooden desks and burgundy leather armchairs, our modern home office ideas prove just how simple it is to design a workspace that is in keeping with the rest of your contemporary home. 

Modern home office ideas

Whether a permanent shift to home working has inspired a home office redesign, you have recently moved house to allow for a more suitable workspace, or you’re looking for an easy way to fit a workstation into your home, our modern home office ideas and home office design tips promise to provide plenty of inspiration.

1. Break up a white scheme with purifying houseplants 

An all-white, small home office has plenty of aesthetic appeals and certainly makes for a calming work environment. However, these spaces can start to feel a little clinical, particularly if your desk is positioned against a wall. 

Here, house plants, carefully positioned behind the desk been used to add texture and interest to an otherwise blank canvas. Not only is this visually appealing, but opting for air-purifying plants will also ensure a cleaner working environment.

2. Experiment with on-trend paint shades 

The beauty of a home office is that it is often one of the smallest spaces in the house, which is worth remembering if you are considering experimenting with a trending home office paint shade or wallpaper print. Rather than commit to something trend-led in a larger space, such as the living room, consider the home office the perfect canvas for playing around with interior styles. Here, a gorgeous shade of blue creates a calm working environment.

3. Ensure your custom home office will evolve as requirements change 

This modern home office setup was designed with adaptability in mind, which is essential if you are investing in a smart, custom finish such as this. 

Rachelle Lazzaro, the Lead Designer at OAK Design Project, told us: ‘we always lean into custom millwork when working with clients so that we can tailor the space to meet their needs.' 

'For this particular office built-in, our clients wanted to utilize an unused dining room into a suitable workspace for their two small children while still allowing the space to be transitional for future use. The shelving towers were customized to fit within an awkward builder-grade obstacle but now feels intentional while serving as ample storage space for board games and art supplies. A mix of open and closed shelving gives the built-in the perfect blend of form and function.’

4. Embrace bold paint in a modern workspace 

When it comes to choosing a paint shade for your modern home office, it is easy to be drawn to the aesthetic appeal of a simple, white space. But, if a stripped-back and simple aesthetic is not your style, do not be afraid to embrace something bright and bold. 

Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador, told us: ‘We all need something to keep us smiling through those 8 am video meetings or marathon study sessions – and why shouldn’t it be a generous dose of your favorite color? Creating a workspace that invites and excites you can help keep those motivation levels high, whether it’s with a mood-boosting hue like India Yellow, a focus-promoting dark tone like Railings, or anything in between that takes your fancy.’

5. Flood your modern home office with natural light 

Positioning your desk so that it faces out of a window is a space-enhancing solution that’s perfect for a modern home office. And if your home office sits inside a larger space – as it does in this stylish room – facing outside and away from the room has the power to make your workspace feel separate, which is great news if you struggle to work and rest in the same environment. 

Here, a pretty window treatment frames the desk, further creating zones within the multifunctional space. 

6. Slot a modern home office into a small space 

If you’re short on space, it’s worth taking a good look around your home to see whether there are any small, unused spaces that, with a bit of imagination, could be transformed into a stylish workspace. 

Here, an awkward box room was transformed into a functional workspace with minimal effort. Simply source a small desk, stylish desk chair and fix some storage solutions to the wall and you have a fully functioning office space. And if you envisage returning to work full time at some stage, this workspace will be just as easy to deconstruct.

7. Create a separate home office space to achieve a better work-life balance 

It can be difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance if you work from home permanently, which is why Emma Sims-Hilditch, Creative Director of Sims-Hilditch, advises clients to ‘situate an office space in an external building like a coach or summer house,’ if space allows. 

Emma adds ‘for those without this option, ensure your home office is located in an area that can be shut off from the rest of the house. Finally, remember that unlike the office at work, this space is your own. Make the most of this by hanging artwork and photographs which inspire you. You might also like to place your favorite flowers on your desk to add a note of optimism and personality to the space.’

8. Find inspiration in your surroundings 

If you are fortunate to live in a green space, be sure to make a feature of it when designing a modern home office. This floor-to-ceiling sliding door not only draws the eye when entering the space, making it appear larger and lighter, it also adds a sense of calm. During summer the doors can simply be slid open to truly bring the outdoors in.

9. Design an adaptable workspace 

Oftentimes, the modern home office serves more than one purpose. Aside from being a spot for you – and possibly your partner – to work throughout the day, it’s likely also a space for kids to complete homework. 

With this in mind, you will need to ensure that your workspace can adapt to suit a variety of needs. The key to this is to keep things simple. Here, a simple desk set-up with minimal clutter ensures that the space can be used by all. Alternatively, opt for a hidden desk to keep the room looking minimalist and smart.

10. Ensure your modern home office inspires you 

Ensure your home office is a space that keeps you feeling inspired by regularly switching up your soft furnishings and accessories. This doesn’t have to be expensive, you might simply shop the belongings you already own, making a few switches every month or so.

Interior design blogger Lesley Graham gave us the following advice: ‘I think a home office is a great place to have fun. Go for a daring color, create an inspiration wall or pinboard and just design a room that feels like the fullest expression of you. In my experience this makes work and creativity flow beautifully together.’

How can I make my home office look modern? 

To make your home office look modern, ensure you stick to a simple scheme. Either a single paint shade or two shades blocked together, will create a clean and contemporary feel, while floral and printed wallpapers will achieve a more traditional finish. Choose a hardwood floor for a space that is both modern and easy to keep clean.

From there, opt for simple, streamlined furniture, preferably in a similar shade to the paint color you have chosen for your walls. For example, opt for a black or dark wood finish in a space with a dark scheme, or white or light wood in a room with a light and bright feel.

Inject life into your modern home office by decorating with house plants and well-chosen prints. You might even consider putting up a pinboard that is more informal and will allow you to switch up your artwork with ease – a great option for those who want their space to inspire.

How do you decorate a modern office?

To decorate a modern home office, the key is to keep things simple. Paint shades should be fresh and inspiring – many people opt for blues and greens which achieve a calming feel in a workspace.

That said, bold paint shades, as well as trendy dark shades, will work well in a home office with the right proportions. Options such as color blocking, or creating a feature wall, are available if you don’t feel ready to commit to a single bold paint shade.

Generally, bold prints and floral wallpapers are best avoided in a modern home office as they tend to achieve a more traditional feel.

When our jobs suddenly transferred home, many of us were left with no time to come up with clever home office ideas before pitching into the day to day. And even those who already spent one or two days a week in a home office may not have designed their rooms or work areas for five days a week use.

But with working from home a fixture in many of our lives for a while to come, now’s the moment to revisit how your work space fits into your home, and make it a beautiful, organized and inspiring place to spend time. 

Read on for home office design tips from interiors experts on making your home office as attractive as the rest of your home – and perfectly functional, too. 

Home office design tips – from interior design experts

If the past year at home has given you pause for thought about your home office setup, these expert home office design tips should help crystallize any thoughts you may have already, and give you some great advice to correct any existing niggles, too.

1. Focus on the desk first

This piece of furniture will – probably – dominate your room and it is where you will be posted all day long, so it has to be right. 

Designer Kelly Wearstler makes the desk the star of her home office design – showing that even when space is limited choosing a desk that’s a beautiful piece of furniture in its own right can make yours an inspiring space to spend your days.

In her own work space, Kelly keeps her collection of art and design books close by, displaying them on a nearby wall for ‘visual texture and stimulation’, she says.  

If your work area is part of another room, being able to clear everything away at the end of the day can be vital for wellbeing, which is where hidden desk ideas come in.

You can have them built in (as above in the room designed by TG Studio), opt for an antique armoire or go for a purpose-designed piece. Modern contemporary furniture specialists Heal’s aren't the only clever company to have come up with a desk that conceals work essentials until it’s time to start again.

‘Our Reveal desk features a flip-top lid with a built-in brass pin board and expansive work top, so you can keep all your important notes in one place,’ explains head of buying Sabina Miller. ‘At the end of the day, the soft-close top can hide away your set up and any reminders of work, transforming it into an elegant console table.’

‘We know so many people are trying to carve out a niche or carve out a space that they can leave their work things set up overnight – so that they're not packing their things away, and so the room doesn't look terrible,' Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent told Homes & Gardens. 'A console could easily go against a wall with a dining chair at it, or a desk chair. Add a pair of lamps or a single lamp and you’re set up for your computer workstation.’

The couple retrofitted a cabinet in their home to accommodate a workspace, and finds value in under-utilized or overlooked nooks and crannies of a home. 

'I’m all about the versatility of pieces that allow you to work, and then close work off,' says Nate. 'If there's a way that you can travel to your work station – even putting that work station in a different part of the house or in a corner of an area that you don't particularly use – it goes a long way,’ he explains. ‘The ceremony of checking in and then also checking out goes a really long way in creating a balance, he said. 'I like the idea that once you're done with working, the piece and area takes on an entirely different energy.’

Another solution if the office needs to be part of a living space or bedroom? Call on a joiner to build it in, and opt for a hinged desk surface that folds up to hide its purpose after hours, as UK-based interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch loves to do here. 

And while you're choosing the desk? Get a chair that's a perfect fit for you and your desk – and adjustable if more than one of you will be using it.

2. Pick lighting for looks

For a home office that feels like a luxurious space rather than a commercial one, skip the standard office lighting, advises designer Shalini Misra who designs luxury interiors worldwide. 

The lighting possibilities? ‘Pendants and chandeliers combined with table lights, wall lights, niche and bookshelf lighting and some spots,’ she says.

However, that doesn't mean there isn't space for practicality. ‘I might use a cordless battery operated lamp like Neptune's Hanover which can be easily moved to close the desk,’ says Emma Sims-Hilditch.

3. Mix the old with the new

Boutique design practice Kitesgrove demonstrates that marrying vintage pieces with modern ones can create a beautifully rustic and 'lived-in' look. The best way to do this is to let the main antiques take center stage (whether that’s a desk or a chair) and give old-school pieces a new lease of life, if necessary – this can be done by reupholstering or revarnishing. 

4. Create a view

If you don’t have the luxury of a great view – or even a window – in your home office, be inspired by Justina Blakeney of Jungalow and make one. If you can fit a selection of houseplants on the far side of the desk, so much the better, but if there’s not space for the real thing, hang or prop a large foliage print in your eye line as the designer has done for her own studio desk. 

Can’t find the right image? Follow Justina’s lead and take your own photos of foliage and have them printed at super scale and framed for a window-style outlook from the desk.

The room above demonstrates the plant-first approach perfectly. It was designed by Albion Nord as part of a project in London.

5. Dress office shelves

While it might seem like most office shelves are just thrown together with work related knick-knacks, the reality is that the majority of them are carefully curated for maximum effect. 

Interior designer Kit Kemp says that it’s important to dress office shelves with a color scheme. She adds that creating a colorful selection of books (which match the surroundings) will help to tie the space together.

6. Add points of interest

An office may be a place for work, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be dull. London-based interior designer Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby suggests adding points of interest, such as artwork and ceramics, to give your home office a personal touch. This will also help to make the area more inviting to work in. Who doesn't want that, after all?

Hopefully you won’t be staring at the wall of your home office too much but if you do from time to time, why not make it interesting? Turner Pocock likes to use a print wall above a desk in an office space, particularly against a jazzy wallpaper.

Use the same frames for a more polished effect or different styles and colors for something totally unique.

Jeremiah Brent is also a fan of artwork in a home office, suggesting utilizing framed art and simple accessories to conceal unsightly electronics while adding interest to the room. 'Leaning a piece of art in front of the computer when I’m not using it goes a long way in creating a separation from work, and also putting a candlestick in front of [the art] or on the same corner. I think if you put everything away, along with finding interesting ways to conceal them, it helps with checking out,' he says.

7. Don't be afraid to go dark

Most people opt for fresh, neutral tones for their study spaces, neglecting richer and darker colors. However, Suzy Hoodless shows how a dark color, like a navy blue, can look great in a home office.

For those who worry that a dramatic color might make the room too dark to work in, the shade can be easily lifted with a lighter-coloured floor and plenty of interesting lighting.

Choosing a paint shade that gives you the get-up-and-go you need for a home office area. London-based interior designer Sophie Ashby choses green for work spaces because it’s the color of life, renewal, nature and energy, she says. 

8. Minimize the paperwork

Piles of documents could mean home office clutter, so make like Clea Shearer of The Home Edit who lives by the mantra that ‘anything that can be scanned should be scanned’. 

‘Unlike with physical copies, a digital filing system, either on a hard drive or secure sites like Dropbox, allows you to pay little attention to space restrictions and get more specific with your categories,’ the super home organizing duo explain. 

Search is also made easy, the pair point out, as you can find what you need by date or keywords and don’t have to look through piles of paper.

9. Accessorize with intention

‘I think decorative objects tend to have a little bit more power when they're grouped in multiples,’ Nate Berkus says of accessorizing your workspace.

'So one box is lovely to have, but a collection of four of them on a side table under the lamp tells a story that shows that you are interested in that. Think about groupings of pottery, whether that's terracotta or chalky white ceramic, or minerals like geo, pyrite, and crystals. And there's always these sub categories within each category of object.'

10. Showcase your personality 

Nate Berkus says that simple design swaps can add a lot of life to an otherwise-dull work space. 'Do you like orange? Do you like tortoise, do you like Murano glass? Start looking for decorative objects that you can mix in with your books on your bookshelves. Look for vintage picture frames, vintage lamps and replace shades with printed ones from Etsy.'

11. Take your time – like you would in other rooms

Rome wasn’t built in a day – Nate Berkus would say the same about creating a home office aesthetic. 

'I think it's really about spending some time not buying everything you see, but really doing a good job in editing and giving yourself some direction,' he tells us. 'Maybe you start with just one category and start looking for them, keeping your eyes open when you're out shopping or when you're online shopping.'

Additional words: Marc Lupo

When decorating a home office, nailing the color scheme is one of the most important factors. While first and foremost, home offices are functional rooms that need to provide a productive workspace, it's important to keep them fresh and energizing with stylish colors.

But what are the best paint colors for a home office? We enlisted the expertise of interior designers, who share their favorite ideas below. Balancing professionalism and design flair, these 10 home office room color ideas will ensure your space is an inspiring space to work that's anything but boring.

Read on to gain some fresh home office paint ideas, whether you're looking for dark and moody hues that ooze sophistication or lighter neutrals that prioritize a calm environment.

Home office paint color ideas

‘Choosing the correct shade for your home office is as important as your 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 whose role requires deep thinking should consider contemplative blues.’

1. Create a sleek and sophisticated space with dark colors

Stepping away from anything too bland is always a good choice for a home office color scheme. While whites and beige can risk making the space feel stark and uninspiring, dark paints will give the room interest and a homey feel.

'Sherwin Williams 7665 Wall Street, is one of my favorite home office paint colors,' says Shaunn Quayle of Britt Design Group. 'This dark blue hue creates a calming and serene atmosphere, which is perfect for maintaining focus and reducing stress while working. This shade of dark blue infused this home office with a neutral relaxed mood and complemented the richness of the walnut finishes and furnishings.'

2. Decorate with calming greens

According to color psychology, beige greens and yellow greens are the most stress-reducing shades – so they are ideal for a home working environment.

In this timeless home office designed by Courtney B. Smith Design, Benjamin Moore's Martha’s Vineyard was used across the walls and cabinets, creating a classic and relaxed look and feel.

'We selected this deep green to create a cozy destination and a dramatic but clean backdrop for frequent video calls,' says Courtney Smith, founder and principal designer. 'We lightened things by covering the ceiling in a small pattern, and added pretty light fixtures that serve as jewelry.'

3. Opt for neutrals for a timeless space

Light neutrals are a failsafe choice for home offices, creating a space that feels light and airy and not too stimulating. Opt for neutrals such as Farrow & Ball's Pigeon which have more interest than classic beiges or grays, as used here by Meg Lonergan.

Another benefit of soft neutrals is that they have a timeless quality, withstanding the latest interior design trends, meaning you'll be less inclined to redecorate in the short term.

4. Channel personality with playful hues

‘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 somber in color. Scale up the atmosphere by painting the fitted joinery in a block color and let the books provide the detail.

5. Keep it simple with classic whites

A neutral home office offers infinite possibilities for making spaces airy and relaxing, or elegantly sophisticated and timeless. If you're not sure where to start with your home office color choices, opt for a classic white, arguably the most timeless of all neutrals.

In this home office designed by Vernich Interiors, Benjamin Moore's White Dove provides the perfect backdrop to sophisticated decor, nodding to the quiet luxury trend.

'This study is on the darker side of the home so we wanted to keep the walls and ceiling light,' explains Connie Vernich, principal at the Nashville-based design studio. 'The soft white plays well with the black fireplace ideas and cabinetry.'

'We used beautiful saddle leather swivel chairs and a warm wood desk to give warmth to the white and black color scheme. The color scheme is simple but gives a sophisticated feel to the room.'

6. Embrace cool tones to inspire creativity

When it comes to blue home offices, 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 small rooms appear to have more space, which can make them a great choice also for a small home office or library.

Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue is a go-to choice when it comes to choosing blue paints; cool-toned and dark but slightly muted to give it a gentle quality, as seen in this traditional home office designed by Bambi A’Lynn Interior Design.

'I love Stiffkey Blue by Farrow & Ball for a home office paint color,' says designer Bambi A’Lynn Bratton. 'I like home offices to have deep, rich colors. One trick to achieve this look is to paint the walls and cabinetry the same color.'

7. Separate your work and play space with color

Use color to create a 'zone' for work. Zoning in interior design with color helps you to make the most of your work space, by creating 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. Or, choose colors cohesive with the rest of your home

Rather than separating work and play, an alternate approach is to keep the colors cohesive throughout so the decor flows and doesn't single out your workspace too much.

This was the approach taken by Smith Home Studios in this classic home office featuring navy blue, white, and wood tones.

'Many of our clients work from home during the week so we want to ensure their home office feels cohesive with the home’s aesthetic but also feels separate from their daily life,' says Jamie Lyn Smith, owner of the design studio.

'Our Coleman Project required our client to have a comfortable place for long days at the computer and video calls. By choosing the moody Westcott Navy by Benjamin Moore for the walls, she can easily transition from home life to working professionally a few steps away. In the corner, a comfy swivel chair, footrest, and little drink table provide a perfect spot for a fresh perspective.'

9. Consider earthy pinks for a cozy scheme

Pink room ideas for a home office are a great way to create a cozy feel, ideal if you want to transition away from neutrals without overdoing it. Choose earthy, muted pinks like Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink for a grown-up take on this color trend.

'Of course, it comes down to personal preference but a dark pink study feels versatile for me,' says Jenny Luck, interior designer and color expert at Jenny Luck Interiors. 'It compliments the green of the exterior whilst providing a colorful yet not overpowering base layer. I love adding darker metals for an industrial edge.'

10. Make a bold statement with black

To make the ultimate statement in your home office, consider decorating with black. Although bold, black can be an incredibly effective color choice that feels rich and sophisticated, as seen here in this moody space designed by Inside Stories.

The paint color used across the built-in cabinetry is Benjamin Moore's Midnight Oil, creating a moody and statement look. The trick to decorating with black paint is to fully embrace it and paint all the walls, avoiding any harsh cut-offs that would appear when teamed with white.

First and foremost, your home office should align with the purpose it needs to serve. If you're looking to boost inspiration and reflect personality, colorful tones may work best; but if you need the space to channel professionalism, more timeless, neutral hues should be considered.

Whether you're inspired by the trending dark paints or the lighter tones, these expert-suggested paint color ideas will ensure your home office feels stylish as well as hardworking.

Working from home is the new normal for a huge number of us now – but many of us have yet to really have the time to consider how we tackle the sticky issue of finding a dedicated space, just for ourselves, away from other members of the family who are also working – or studying – at home. 

But it's not just about finding space – the other factor is not wanting to be able to even see the office paraphernalia at the end of the day. It just makes it so much harder to switch off, right? 

So if you don't have a separate room with a door you can close at 5.30pm, it's time to get creative with your home office ideas. But stylishly – and these hidden desk ideas are H&G's favorite ways to do so.

Hidden desk ideas

Your home office setup may not be ideal. Perhaps it's in a kitchen, bedroom, living room or just on your knees. It may be small – or perhaps you have a large dedicated space, but within an open-plan room? 

Whichever – you will find these hidden desk ideas really, really useful. It's all about disguising the workspace in downtime, whether you close a door or just a lid.

1. Hide a desk behind a sofa

Console tables behind sofas aren't a new way to create hidden desk ideas but even small ones like this are a clever way to allow you to work in a shared space. Another reason this room by TG Studio works is that the sweeping windowsill is the perfect space to fan out paperwork while you work, while creating a sculptural display surface while you're not.

2. Build a hidden desk into little used floor space

This extraordinarily clever idea by Thomas Griem's London-based TG Studio shows how work can be carried out in the smallest of spaces if you're creative. This built-in, slide out desk surface offers plenty of work surface space and storage beneath, with very little impact on the floor space. 

'You don't need a lot of space,' says George Saumarez Smith, partner at ADAM Architecture in London. 'My office is 2.9m x 1.8m, and is a kind of nerve center for work. It stops work taking over the home.'

And, of course, with the idea above, when home working stops and you return to the office, this storage and desk space can be easily repurposed as clothes' storage and as a dressing table, with make up and jewelry hidden beneath.

3. Hide a desk under the stairs

Desks hidden beneath staircases can be really successful if they're subtly done. Yes, you can have units fitted to include storage and to match your staircase's intricate woodwork, but we like this simple contemporary approach, where a niche is cut out, painted and adorned with nothing more than a beautiful piece of wood. This approach keeps the space streamlined and visually uncluttered, perfect for a narrow space.

4. Use a bedroom alcove for a hidden desk

Bedroom alcoves are the perfect spot for hidden desks – small desks like this one being perfect for letter writing, laptop work and... just, quiet time, while armoires with pull-out desktops can combine storage for paperwork or clothes to suit your needs.

When contemplating a home office scheme, function  –  such as storage  –  must be central to your design, but does not have to be visually dominant. Choosing an eye-catching focus, such as a statement office chair or a beautiful antique desk, even a work of art, will distract from the room’s purpose and make it feel as considered as a living space. 

5. Turn a showpiece antique into a hidden desk

If aesthetics are important and your only option is a freestanding piece, why settle for a conventional desk and run-of-the-mill office storage when an extraordinary piece of furniture can be adapted perfectly well to suit your needs?

This hidden desk space was created by Melissa Hamilton of Chelsea-based Studio Indigo. 'For this scheme, we wanted to create a private study for the owner of the house,' says Melissa, who chose a warm, neutral wall color to set off the deep, rich shades of the furniture. 'It takes the form of a delicately hand-painted chinoiserie bureau in the master bedroom suite...[a] much loved antique found on [the owners'] travels.'

Although only used for correspondence, it's easy to appreciate how much storage there is available to hold everything needed for a small home office. Melissa is also at pains to point out that when a study area is included in another space, such as a bedroom, it is crucial to factor in how it will impact the wider scheme. 'Even when this desk is not in use, it is a very aesthetically pleasing arrangement,' she says.

6. Divide an open plan space with doors

If your existing office is part of an open plan layout and you simply can’t get the peace and quiet you desire, then consider closing off the end you are working in with doors. 

Sliding doors take up less space than hinged designs and if you choose ones that are full of character they will add a design statement as well as being practical. 

Painting the office area in a darker more dramatic shade also zones it and makes it clear that it has a purpose compared to the rest of the scheme. 

7. Hide a desk inside fitted wardrobes

2LG Studio was founded by creative duo, Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead. They design bold and beautiful residential and commercial interiors and naturally, their home is the epitome of cool and colorful design. 

‘This is our home studio space; we live and work from here so it has to work hard for both of us. By day all the doors are open to our sample library and computers and by night we can tuck it all away neatly, close the doors and entertain,' says Jordan. 

They chose a dramatic shade of electric blue for the interior which pops perfectly with the Floor Story rug that blends perfectly when the doors are open. 

8. Reconsider windowless spaces you'd dismissed

Have a look around your home with fresh eyes – where is there spare space that you had previously dismissed as unsuitable, perhaps because it had no natural light? It may even currently be an enclosed cupboard with a stud wall that you can remove – or the back half of a long kitchen/diner and living space.

Rather than setting up the space as desk only, go broken plan, with glazed interior walls – and door – that allow natural light in, but keep noise from others out. 

For this homework station, architect Chantal Michelin of Flower Michelin natural light was borrowed from a glazed extension. This smart space includes a desk that slides in to allow access to the cupboards below, thereby increasing storage possibilities. Plugs, the router and cabling are all hidden within the cupboards, along with a small printer. 

9. Pick mirrored furniture to make your desk disappear

You've heard the phrase 'smoke and mirrors' and that is precisely the trick you can resort to if you are hiding a desk in a bedroom. 

Elegant mirrored furniture, kept tidy and used carefully, will look beautiful, enhance your bedroom and won't take up visual space where you either want to disguise a study area – or in a small home office that relies on as much clever furnishing as possible. 

And, of course, in a bedroom, a neat mirrored desk, like this Versailles desk by Oka, will look more like a pretty dressing table than a workhorse.

10. Invest in a purpose-built, standalone home office

This all-in-one option by The Dormy House is the very quickest way to create a hidden desk. 

Doors closed, it looks like a smart piece of furniture – and you can have it painted and choose door furniture to suit your scheme. Doors open, and it's a perfectly functional small home office. 

The clever bit is that the doors are double hinged so they can wrap around the sides and you can use them as a pinboard too. It comes with adjustable shelving, pull out shelves and the standard hole to hide all your wires. Storage underneath is key, so look for a design that gives you enough space for a printer and stationery. 

How can I hide a desk in my living room?

Desks can be hidden in living rooms in a number of ways. The least obvious way to hide a desk is by placing it behind another piece of furniture, such as at the back of a sofa – this work particularly well in open plan spaces. Another option is to put a desk into a living room alcove – within an armoire is the best way to hide it but choose one with a light finish to ensure it doesn't look bulky. You can also hide a desk in a living room by using a screen to pull across it when not in use.

Appreciating how to approaching a home office setup is a desirable skill with work space within the home more in demand than ever. Whether it is a dedicated room or part of another space, a home office is an essential for many.

A home office setup needs to take into account demands different from those we’re used to considering when designing kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. And working from home setup ideas also have to achieve a careful balance so that it is a space conducive to work but also looks like an integral part of a home.

Here, we provide expert advice and inspiration on how to design a home office that you can combine with your other home office ideas whether you’re calling in an interior designer, or creating the room yourself.

How to approach a home office setup

You may be able to set aside a whole room as a home office, or it might be necessary to integrate it into another room. Whichever is the case, as well as its proportions, other features of the room like its light, orientation, and architectural features should all be considered as they will be crucial to your decisions on every aspect of the design.

Assess the home office

Thinking about how to arrange a working from home space should start with an assessment of the room available. Is the home office a whole room or is it the zone of another space such as a living room, kitchen, or bedroom? If so, what is the area which can be dedicated to it?

Bear in mind that a highly functional home office can be created in a small area. ‘Our client has everything she needs to work from home, all within arm’s reach,’ says Mary Maloney of Bee's Knees Interior Design Studio of this home office above. 

‘A custom chair guarantees a comfy perch and favorite paintings and photos enhance the workspace. When life gets really stressful, a quick glance outdoors reveals a stunning lake view.

‘Thanks to cloud storage we no longer need lots of physical file storage for endless stacks of paperwork and documents. By eliminating unattractive file cabinets we now have more room and freedom to get creative, even in small footprints.’

Whatever the dimensions of the home office, look at the other factors which will influence your design choices including the room’s shape, and features such as alcoves, fireplaces, and sloping ceilings. Does the space receive good natural daylight? And which way does it face? If it is oriented to the north, the cool light will mean careful color selection is essential.

How to arrange a working from home space

The layout of a home office may be dictated by how much furniture is needed in the space. For some, a desk and chair are sufficient, often offering a wide range of layout possibilities. But consider the following, which may all need to be accommodated:

Extra desktop space for spreading out documents and reference books and materials, or a second screen.

Files and folders, and should these be immediately accessible from the desk?

Printer immediately to hand as well as other peripherals.

Seating aside from the desk chair.

‘We love that this home office has plenty of storage and an open desk that is finished on all sides to store books and decor,’ says interior designer Erin Coren of Curated Nest. ‘The tall cabinet behind the desk provides a beautiful backdrop for Zoom calls.’

If the home office setup is part of another room, the office furniture could be situated in the corner of the room, or an alcove. In a bedroom, think about sectioning the room with a screen so work doesn’t feel present when you’re relaxing.

Draw up a scale plan or use an online planner to examine potential layouts.

Select flooring for a home office

Home office flooring will need to be chosen with the room’s footfall in mind. If it’s part of a shared room, or you host meetings with other people, more durability will be required than in a space used by one person.

Carpet feels warm underfoot and can also be a good noise insulator but if you plan to have an office chair with wheels, it may not be the best choice unless they are designed to suit that surface. Use a standing desk? Carpet is comfortable to stand on.

Hard flooring, including hardwood or engineered wood, has enduring style as well as being hard wearing. Opt for the latter for a home office situated in the basement. 

Tile can also be a highly durable and easy to maintain option for a home office; a chair can be easily rolled across it and any spills easily cleaned up. Porcelain tile can emulate wood to create the appearance of hardwood, or go for the luxury of a natural stone tile for an individual appearance.

Make sure the flooring is suitable for other activities if the home office is multifunctional. ‘We love the versatility of this space,’ says interior designer Nancy Charbonneau of Charbonneau Interiors. ‘Whether you call it a zen den, quiet room, she shed, or momma’s cave, we created this room for one of our clients who recently became an empty nester. She had been a stay-at-home mom, and once her daughter moved out and went off to college, she wanted a space that was entirely her own – somewhere she could sit in the mornings to do her meditations, work at a desk to pay the bills and run the household, where she could just center herself, get focused, and be productive.’

Choose furniture for a home office

A home office desk can be anything from the simplest of consoles to one with a substantial desktop; if that’s what’s required, consider a corner version which may be more space efficient. Size according to whether you have a laptop or desktop computer, the number of screens, and how much or little you need immediately beside you as you work. For some, this may simply be a cell phone. Think about whether you need storage inside in drawers or for hanging folders, or items such as printers, too. 

Consider how much time you spend seated in the office when choosing a chair. ‘A chair has to be comfortable, but it is important to get the level of comfort right,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin. ‘A leather armchair, for example, would fit for a library feel, acting as a sanctuary to read and reflect, where an upright swivel chair suits written desk work. And do not be condemned to a black foam seat, go for a chair in mid-century velvet upholstery or a cantilever with interesting lines.’

Nothing will make a home office setup look less like part of a home than insufficient storage. Building it into awkwardly shaped rooms makes better use of space but otherwise freestanding pieces will conceal clutter. It isn’t just valuable for those documents that aren’t stored digitally, but equipment such as printers, shredders and scanners.

Allow space for display on shelves or cabinets, too, to add the decorative elements that make an office a part of a home.

Consider home office lighting

No planning of home office setups should neglect thought about the room’s lighting. ‘Balancing natural and artificial light is key throughout the day,’ says Luke Thomas, design director at John Cullen. He recommends adjustable task lighting to provide focused light as the natural illumination changes. Consider a desk-mounted lamp for localized light, he suggests.

Ceiling recessed downlights can be a good option above the desk. ‘Where freestanding desks are positioned away from the walls of a room, careful planning is required to get the lights set correctly over the desk,’ Luke adds. 

For reading when seated in an armchair or sofa, he recommends table lamps or adjustable floorstanding lamps as downlights can cause glare.

As in other rooms, light should be layered in a home office. ‘Integrating lighting into shelves can make a great eye-catching feature while also adding additional light to the room,’ he says.

It’s also important to consider the materials in the room as light reacts differently with different choices. ‘If you have chosen a high gloss finish for the desk or bookcases, for example, try to avoid any direct light on to these surfaces to avoid glare,’ he advises. ‘By using angled recessed downlights positioned as a wall wash, you will give the area softer reflected light.’

Decide on home office decor

A home office in a multi-functional space should reflect decor choices in the rest of the room when it comes to both colors and finishes, so the interior is cohesive. In a separate room, the options are wider. Either way, though, avoid all hint of corporate style in both the hues you choose, and the materials.

As in other areas of the home, pale colors can have a space-stretching effect in small rooms, but take care to layer neutral shades to create interest. North-facing room? Avoid colors with a cool base.

But whether yours is a large or small home office setup, do also consider using hues that will add to the room’s energy in either paint or wallpaper: vibrant greens taken straight from nature or pops of sunny orange, for instance. Or try darks that can make you feel cocooned within your space for optimum concentration on your tasks. 

‘We love the dramatic paint color on the cabinetry from Benjamin Moore (Westcott Navy), and blue is thought to boost productivity,’ says interior designer Stephanie Lindsey of Etch Design Group of this home office. 

‘The wallpaper by Innovations is the perfect match while adding a bit of texture and visual interest to the office. Built-in storage doesn’t have to be utilitarian, but can act as an extension of the design. Here, the deep blue color of the cabinetry complements the textured wallpaper while the cabinets hide away office clutter for a more streamlined look.’

Dress home office windows

Knowing how to design a home office setup involves picking a suitable window treatment. Excellent light control is crucial for a space you may be occupying continuously for many hours and in which you use screens. When fine adjustment is necessary, Venetian blinds or plantation shutters offer the best. 

Shades can also reduce glare in the room while, for a softer effect, hang light-filtering drapes at a window.

This home office design by Brenna Morgan of Brenna Morgan Interiors is also dressed with curtains that repeat the foliage pattern of the wallpaper to dynamic effect. She says: ‘I love that it is a fully functioning, multi-purpose space. The whole family can use it – whether to practice music, work or complete schoolwork – and it is definitely not boring! Lots of energy in that space.’

How do you design the ideal home office?

To design the ideal home office setup, think about the functions the room has to fulfill, and what has to be kept there. In a home office occupied for many hours daily a height-adjustable chair on wheels will be preferable, while spreading paperwork needs a larger desk surface.

Consider, too, whether the room needs to accommodate meetings, has to suit kids for homework as well, or even provides a refuge for your other activities as these will influence furniture choice and layout.

Sufficient storage is crucial, but your needs may be less than was the case in the past. Caroline Brackett of Caroline Brackett Studio of Design says: ‘There is no longer a need for the massive file cabinets from years ago. Everything can be stored digitally now, eliminating the need for bulky office desks. We prefer to use more streamlined writing desks that are prettier, still functional, and much more versatile and stylish.’

How do I design an office layout?

To design an office layout, think about the desk position first. Whether it’s against the wall or freestanding, allow sufficient room to push the chair back and stand up freely. If you can, position the desk near to a natural light source, but this may be facing a window, perpendicular to the window or with it behind you.

Size the desktop to your desktop computer or laptop in terms of width; lengthwise it needs to fit the machine plus the items you require alongside such as a notebook or reference materials.

Storage may not need to be extensive, but should accommodate everything that must be kept in the room from tech to documents. Think about whether what you store will grow in quantity when planning so you aren’t forced to try to fit in extra furniture later on.

Plan in circulation space, and make sure you allow room for cabinets to open without impeding movement through the room.

Many of us have been working from home for the past year – and for many of us, the fatigue we feel for our home office decor has really begun to set in. We may have browsed plenty of home office ideas – but we may not have considered just how positive a change can be. 

Los Angeles-based interior designer Chris Barrett observes that these de facto work spaces often cause stress and reduce home office productivity. ‘The main challenge,’ she says, ‘is that when you’re working under the same roof as your mate, your kids, your dog and cat, your kitchen and laundry – achieving work/life balance seemingly becomes impossible. You’re distracted by the thought of the dirty dishes when you should be concentrating on that quarterly report that’s due at 4:30.'

Here, Chris shares her tips for reimagining your home/work space. ‘For me, joy and balance bring beauty and beauty brings joy and balance,’ she says. We're with you all the way, Chris.

1. Does my home office reflect my personality?

'I think your office should represent your personality. I wallpapered mine with a beautiful paper. It brings me joy every morning when I walk in. My wallpaper is Gucci Heron in pink. It’s fun and elegant. It makes a great statement. It also makes an impactful Zoom background. 

If you want to say, "I’m serious – but a bit casual", then perhaps you want do a plain grass cloth, one with a pattern. It can be a departure from the look of the rest of your house.

2. Put beautiful things to practical use

'For example, keep your pens in vintage containers. I have collected a lot of boxes over the years. I use an old nail box for files in my office. I also have a beautiful black and while inlaid box for my paper clips.

'Storage is the key to keeping yourself organized. You used to need file drawers. Now that most everything is on your computer what seems to be needed now is supplies. I do a lot of printing so I have tons of paper storage. I also need easy access to daily tools such as an architectural scale, tape measure, stapler, and scissors.' 

3. Plan your video conference background

'Think about your video conference background. Clean up behind you. Hang your favorite art, add shelves – but if you add shelves, style them! 

'I really like the more simple use of books. I have hundreds of books. I had a house once that didn’t have bookshelves. I laid the books on their sides, spine side out and stacked them high. It turned in to a great art installation! They don’t have to be stuffed on to every shelf. Leave a little breathing room. I like to have some books vertical and some laying flat. I put ‘objects’ on the horizontal stacks of books or a small framed photo. Or put in a piece of art on your shelf.'

4. Dress the window – beautifully

'If you have a window behind you, add curtains. The style of window covering depends a lot on the location and type of window you have. If you have a short window above the desk area, I would suggest a Roman shade. Depending on the light that comes in you might want to have it lined with black out material – there’s nothing worse than glaring light behind you. 

'I love floor to ceiling curtains. If you have the space, do that, even if the window doesn’t go to the floor.'

5. Prioritize the desk design

'Design your desk around the way you work. I like to keep the desk simple. A large wooden desk works with a multitude of styles. I’ve used dining tables as desks when there’s room. I’ve also used an Ikea white desk many a time. 

See: Ingenious hidden desks – small home office ideas meet clever, creative thinking

'Or, take a spare closet (time to purge) and turn it in to an office – I turned two small closets into all shelves. You can do this by wallpapering the back wall to make it beautiful and purposeful. If you take the door off, add a privacy curtain.'

As so many of us are working from home this year, we’ve had to carve out new mini office in our personal spaces.

Whether you’ve got a full blown home office, or are perched at the kitchen table, the colors around you can benefit or detract from your work. Home office paint colors are key to creativity, productivity and overall wellbeing.

Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant, Lee Chambers, breaks down which home office paint colors to avoid, and which we should be introducing – something to add to your list of home office ideas. 

For more color advice and to learn all about how color theory works, our definitive guide on the color wheel is really useful.

1. Neutral

With over 50% of people working from home in neutral shades of white, beige and gray you might expect this to have a positive impact on your work. 

However, Lee notes that, ‘a University of Texas study concluded that offices without a splash of color, especially those in neutral white, grey and beige tended to induce some sad and depressive feelings, especially for females.’

2. Yellow

The bright and cheerful shades in the yellow spectrum are seen in plenty of kitchens and living rooms – popular places to sit when working from home. 

‘Yellow backgrounds increase information retention, which is helpful for highlighting key learnings and important information,’ says Lee. 

‘If you have a creative job, yellow is definitely a solid choice, but be mindful of the overuse of yellow as a background and as a space, as it does induce eye fatigue.’

3. Blue

Blue is the world’s most popular ‘favorite color’ so many of us may have painted our walls in a blue tone, but is it a good choice for a home office paint color? 

‘Blue is known as the official color of productivity. It promotes calm concentration and emotional balance that helps to keep you in a state of flow,’ says Lee. 

‘However, too much blue can leave you a little too relaxed and blunt your innovative streak, so consider adding some warm colour accents.’

4. Orange

A perhaps surprising 17% of people work in a room painted in orange. Lee notes that for men, especially this can be an issue. 

‘The color orange is especially detrimental to men when it comes to boosting productivity. However, if you opt for a peachier shade, that can be perceived as happy and welcoming.’

5. Red

The color of passion and energy, red can be a dramatic shade in any room, but is it right for a working from home space?

‘Red is a powerful, vibrant color, and is very situational in its use for productivity gains,’ advises Lee. ‘Studies have found the emotive and passionate fire of red raises blood flow and heart rate. This is great for physical tasks, like a little natural energy bar.’

However, you should be wary before going all in with red tones. ‘For a home office, red can very easily become overstimulating, causing us to lose focus and concentration, and gradually feel volatile, increasing the potential for mistakes or conflict.’

Instead of opting for a bright, bold shade, choose a more muted one, such as this beautiful Deep Reddish Brown by Farrow & Ball.