Having a home office that is attractive and pleasant to be in can make a huge difference in your productivity and enjoyment of working from home. An attractive home office environment helps provide motivation and focus when working. Here are some tips on how to design your ideal home office space.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for an attractive home office. Make sure your office has ample natural daylight from windows or skylights if possible. Supplement natural light with task lighting like desk lamps or overhead lighting. Avoid fluorescent overhead lighting which can be harsh and cause eye strain. Use soft white light bulbs at 2700-3000K color temperature for a warm ambiance. Dimmer switches allow you to control brightness. Position lamps and lights to avoid glare on your monitor screen or work surfaces. Layer lighting for different needs – bright overhead and task lighting for detail work, accent lighting for style.
Color
The colors you choose for your home office walls, flooring and furnishings dramatically affect the look and feel. Light neutral colors like off-white, light grey, soft blue or green are recommended as they help create a calm environment. Avoid bright whites which can seem sterile. Add pops of color with accessories, art, plants and colorful desk items. Paint color also affects perception of room size – light colors make spaces seem larger. Bold wall color like navy blue can look stylish but may feel confining if the room is small. Multi-colored area rugs and patterned curtains add visual interest.
Storage
Having ample and organized storage is key for an attractive, clutter-free office. Use storage furniture like file cabinets, bookshelves, cabinets and cupboards to store office supplies, files, books and other items out of sight. Baskets, boxes and drawer organizers also help corral small items. For a streamlined look, keep desktop surface areas clear except for your computer monitor, keyboard, phone, notepad and a couple of desk accessories. Mount shelving on walls to maximize vertical storage space. A tall bookshelf unit can divide work and lounge areas. Install closet systems for clothing, coats and shoes if your home office is also your dressing room.
Seating
Your office chair is arguably the most important element, since you likely spend many hours sitting in it each day. Invest in an ergonomic desk chair with adjustable features like seat height, armrests and lumbar support. Select a chair with breathable fabrics like mesh rather than leather which can be hot. The materials, color and style of your office chair also affect the room’s aesthetics. Guest chairs in front of your desk should also be comfortable. Consider a small sofa or lounge chairs if you want a separate seating area. Add colorful accent pillows for a homey touch.
Desk
The desk is the focal point of any home office. Opt for a large desk at least 60″ wide to allow sufficient work surface area. Match the style to your room’s decor – sleek modern, traditional wood, painted finish, etc. Include functional features like drawers, shelves and cable management. Position your desk near a window if possible for natural light. Face the doorway so you don’t get startled by anyone entering. Add a computer monitor riser to position the screen at eye level. Decorate your desk with framed photos, plants, organizers and attractive desk accessories.
| Desk Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pen/pencil holder | Organize writing utensils within reach |
| Desk pad | Protect desk surface |
| Calendar/planner | Keep schedule in view |
| Inbox tray | Sort papers to process |
| Desktop filing system | Store important documents |
| Paperweight | Hold papers flat |
| Monitor stand | Lift screen to eye level |
| Desk caddy | Organize office supplies |
| Photo frame | Personalize your space |
| Desktop plant | Add natural element |
Decor
Carefully chosen wall art and decorations allow you to express your personality while enhancing your office’s appeal. Mount artwork you find inspirational so it’s at eye level when you’re seated. Paintings, prints, photographs, wall sculptures or floating shelves display collected objects. Add coordinated accents like throw pillows, area rugs and curtains. Live plants boost mood while air purifying varieties like peace lilies remove toxins. Scented candles or essential oil diffusers also create a pleasant ambiance. Minimize clutter from too many knick-knacks which create visual distraction.
Sound
Your working environment should sound as good as it looks. Minimize outside noise by closing windows and doors. Run noise makers like fans or white noise machines to mask distracting sounds. Acoustic sound dampening panels on walls absorb echo and reverberation. Use headphones when listening to music or taking calls to avoid disturbing housemates. For video conferences, invest in a quality microphone and speaker system.
Furniture
The furniture you choose impacts your office’s style, comfort and organization. Opt for quality constructed pieces you’ll enjoy using for years to come. The layout depends on your space but make sure you have the basics: desk chair, desk, file storage, bookshelves. Upgrade to an adjustable standing desk if you want the option to alternate sitting and standing when working. If room allows, add a lounge chair or sofa for reading. A small table creates a break area for coffee. An armoire or closet stores extra supplies. Your furniture finishes and colors should coordinate – avoid pieces that clash.
Comfort
Enhancing comfort turns your home office from a place you have to be into one you want to be. Upgrade your desk chair for maximum ergonomic support. Add a computer monitor riser and wrist rest. Install dimmer switches to control lighting levels. Use thermal curtains to regulate temperature. Place a small heater or fan within reach. Cover hard floors with an area rug. Minimize clutter to reduce stress. Keep healthy snacks, water and tea handy. Display photos of loved ones or inspiring quotes. Play soothing background music. Burn a pleasantly scented candle. The more comfortable you feel, the more productive your home office will be.
Convenience
Making your office as convenient as possible boosts efficiency. Place daily necessities within arm’s reach, like pens, sticky notes and snacks. Minimize time spent searching with labeled storage bins and filing systems. Use cord clips and a power strip to organize electrical cords off the floor. Install multiple outlets so you don’t have to unplug devices. Have the most frequently used items easily accessible – this might be your planner, headset or reference books. Mount your monitor and install keyboard trays to save desktop space. A printer stand nearby keeps your printer handy. Locate office supplies centrally for shared access.
Conclusion
Creating an attractive, well-designed home office space results in a pleasant and productive place to work. Maximize natural light, comfort and storage while minimizing clutter and distractions. Choose colors, lighting, furniture and accessories that appeal to your tastes and needs. Don’t forget decor touches that motivate and inspire. With some planning and effort, your home office can become your favorite room in the house – and the perfect setting for your best work.
