Get Inspired to Create the Home Office Setup of Your Dreams
10) Use a Dining Table as a Desk
Weaving in furniture that is typically used for living spaces can add character to a home office layout. This spacious setup benefits from the large wooden table paired with a set of acrylic chairs for a touch of glam.
1) Layer Window Treatments
A tiny, narrow office doesn't have to skimp on style. The easiest decorating choice you can make in this type of layout? Luxe-looking window treatments! "We dressed the windows with multiple layers of window treatments to allow the client to shade her eyes and monitor as the sun moves through this sunny space which has windows on three sides," says designer Caroline Kopp.
2) Wallpaper an Office Nook
For this delightful office nook, designer Michelle Woolley Sauter of One Coast Design relied on a bold mural wallpaper for visual appeal. "To add a touch of charm, we adorned the walls with a breathtaking mural wallpaper inspired by the vibrant culture of Charleston," Woolley Sauter says. "It's visually stunning and creates a serene and studious atmosphere perfect for learning and concentrating … with a touch of history."
3) Use a Secretary Desk
If you're short on space and can't dedicate an entire room to a formal office setup, consider a secretary desk, which designer Maren Baker says can be placed right in a bedroom. "This can be closed off when not in use to go back to the calm of a primary suite," Baker says. "We hid the wireless printer in the cabinets beyond as it didn't need to be front and center."
4) Include Non-Office Elements
There's no reason why your home office shouldn't reflect your personal interests. "When you incorporate art, objects, photos and even music into your office, it helps you stay connected to who you are and feel inspired throughout the day," says designer Tiffani Baumgart.
5) Pick a Moody Paint Color
If your idea of the perfect office is cozy and moody, then a dark paint color is for you. Take a cue from Hattie Collins of Hattie Spark Interiors, who let Farrow & Ball's De Nimes dominate this office. "The blue really envelops you when you're in the room, and the custom goldenrod velvet sofa really shines against the blue shade,"
Collins says. "It's a space to retreat and get a little work done, or relax, and have a glass of wine at the end of the day!"
6) Show Off Your Love of Travel
Yes, your office should be arranged to tackle your to-do list, but there's room to have a little fun too. The best place to start is with art that speaks to your taste. "When designing home offices, they are often part of a living space, offering flexibility for work and play, " says Lathem Gordon of GordonDunning. "We wanted the client to be able to daydream a little while working, so we included a gallery wall of maps from places they had traveled."
7) Install Mint Green Cabinets
Cabinets in an unexpected color can work wonders in a home office space, which can be designed to help boost creativity. Here, designer Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Interiors went with a cool mint green shade that serves as the perfect match for the room's crisp white walls and blonde wood flooring.
8) Hang Art Over a Bookshelf
You might only think of displaying framed art on top of your bookshelves to add personality to your home office. However, installing a statement piece over your bookshelf is a go-to interior design trick too. Along with being full of visual appeal, it's a way to free up space on shelves for things like books and other office essentials.
9) Don't Overlook Seating
Believe it or not, seating can change the look and feel of an office space. "You don't have to sacrifice style when it comes to a desk chair," says Rosanna Bassford of Eggshell Home. "This Restoration Hardware channeled swivel chair keeps easy company with the tufted leather arm chair yet is comfortable enough for long days working from home."
11) Add a Hutch for Storage
Secure a hutch to the top of your desk, whether the shelves are used for storing supplies or displaying a chic collection of home decor. In this neutral space, designed by Hearth Homes Interiors, the warm wood desk complements the white walls and paneled ceiling.
12) Turn a Basement Into an Office Space
With white walls and a dark gray open beam ceiling, this basement office has an industrial feel. Move your desk into the basement, and then add an area rug, coffee table and a set of armchairs to craft a small seating area.
13) Create a Monochromatic Moment
Find a moody shade and use it on walls, trim and the ceiling like interior designer Mary Beth Christopher of MBC Interior Design does here. Striking gold lighting fixtures serve as the perfect contrast.
14) Bring in Pops of Color
With white cabinets and countertops on each wall, this spacious home office is brought to life with colorful accents — a vibrant floral wallpaper, bright pink area rugs and green desk chairs.
15) Make a Statement with Rugs
This sophisticated office space, designed by Sarah Stacey, has calming green walls and dark wood tones. The area rug's playful pattern and intriguing color scheme warms up the room.
16) DIY a Gallery Wall
Here's another example of an area rug being the defining feature of a home office, but this time with additional pops of color. From the pink office chair and orange drawers to the lively gallery wall, this home office doesn't shy away from bright hues.
17) Build a Hidden Coffee Bar
You won't have to walk to the kitchen to get your hands on a fresh cup of coffee if you set up a machine right in your home office. Put all of your essentials on a shelf, which can be easily concealed when the cabinet is closed.
RELATED: DIY Coffee Bar Ideas to Bring Cafe Charm Into Your Home
18) Create an Accent Wall
Outfitting an entire room with patterned wallpaper isn't for everyone, so sticking to just one wall can make just as much of an impact. Complete the look with a stylish accent table, daybed and floor lamp.
19) Draw a Chalkboard Calendar
Pick up some chalkboard paint and turn your monthly schedule into a chic accent wall. You may want to use small strips of wood to form straight lines, plus wooden letters to mark each day of the week.
20) Design a Multipurpose Space
If you have a limited amount of square footage, a multipurpose layout might be for you. Simply combine your work area with your mudroom-pantry setup to make the most of your space.
21) Play With Constrast
From the built-in bookshelf to the creamy white walls, the foundation of this home office is light and bright. For contrast, there's a dark wood desk, deep brown armchair and black lantern-style pendant.
22) Hang Large-Scale Art
Bring an all-white office to life with a piece of large-scale artwork that complements your rug and desk style.
23) Opt for a Leaning Desk
Whether you have a small home office or simply a wall in your primary bedroom, a ladder desk can help save on space. Not only does this one have two drawers, it has two spacious open shelves that double as decor.
24) DIY a Pegboard Wall
Get creative with an accent wall that's rooted in function. This giant pegboard wall is perfect for displaying home office essentials, like writing utensils and books, as well as decorative pieces, like plants and framed art.
25) Take It Back in Time
From the collection of old books and the Victorian-style chair to the brick floors, this light-filled home office has an antique feel that's worth replicating.
26) Install a Wall-Mounted Desk
Don't be discouraged if you lack a designated room for a home office. Add a flip-down work area to just about any corner, and you'll be all set.
27) Add Metallic Accents
Modernize your office space by incorporating an assortment of gold, silver and rose gold accent pieces (think: lamps, trash bins and plant misters).
28) Weave in a Dog Bed
Keep your eye on your dog at all times by taking your desk to the next level with a built-in bed, like Mimi Meacham of Marian Louise Designs did here.
29) Go for Acrylic Furniture
Although the style has been popular since the '60s, acrylic furniture remains a fun element in modern interiors. Pair it with neutral colors, like Cameron Johnson of Nickson Living does here, or experiment with bold hues.
30) Transform an Unused Closet
No dedicated office in your floor plan? Make your own by removing the doors of an empty closet and turning it into a cozy workstation. Outfit it like you would any other room: Add wallpaper, light fixtures and decorative touches.
31) Stay Organized With Stylish Storage
A big storage piece with thirty drawers — which designer Emily Henderson calls a "big 'junk' cabinet" — is the statement piece of this bright home office.
32) Paint Your Desk
Don't be so quick to toss the old desk that has been collecting dust in your attic. Turn your trash into treasure with a fresh coat of paint in a daring hue.
RELATED: These Gorgeous Trash-to-Treasure DIY Projects Will Instantly Upgrade Your Space
33) Make Use of a Small Nook
Here, interior designer Kate Lester turns a small cove into a functional office space. When the chair's pushed in, it's almost like it isn't there.
34) Strive for Minimalism
Believe it or not, a minimalist interior with white and wood finishes can be full of character. Just a few thoughtful decorative accents, including artwork, can bring more style to the space.
35) Design Around Blue
Whether it's a chic table lamp or desk, filling your home office with pieces in varied shades of one hue, like the blue featured here, is a creative way to experiment with color.
36) Install a Built-in
Give your home office a custom look with a built-in cabinet that suits your design style and offers all the space you need for your work must-haves.
37) Combine Your Office and Playroom
Let the room do double duty as a weekday workspace and a weekend kids' area. Place a pair of toy baskets on an oversize rug and create workstations with built-in desks and shelving for tackling your to-do list.
RELATED: Easy Toy Storage Ideas and Tips That Will Get Kids Super Organized
38) Prop an Inspiration Board Against the Wall
While hanging an inspiration board high above a desk can be appealing, propping one against the wall can look just as good. Be sure to weave in a few inspiring photos to balance the to-do lists and other work-related materials that are pinned to the board.
39) Carve Out a Nook
Let an oversized mirror steal the show in your home office, even if it's only a small nook in the center of your living area.
40) Showcase Bold Accessories
One of the best ways to bring a compact office setup to life is with bold accessories. California-based party stylist Kelsey Klos went with colorful cake stands, rainbow garland and more to show off her style.
41) Embrace a Pop of Blue
Spruce up an all-white bedroom by weaving a pop of color, like a rich navy, into your closet office setup. Pull the look together with a statement piece of art.
42) Add a Comfy Sofa
If you're working with a large space, consider incorporating a cozy sofa, as Kari Bancroft, a stay-at-home mom in South Jordan, UT, has done here. It's the perfect spot to step away from your desk, take a call or catch up on reading.
43) Put Your Office by the Stairs
Lindi Vanderschaaf and her husband, Russel, opted for an unexpected yet functional office setup — a wall next to the stairs on the first floor of their Grande Prairie, Canada, home. Go for a narrow desk and long floating shelves that make the most of horizontal space.
44) Set Up a Workspace in Your Kitchen
If you're unable to dedicate an entire room to your office, carve out a space right in your kitchen. That's just what Heather Keeling of Portland, OR, did. She created a cozy, contemporary workspace with baby-blue penny tile and sleek custom shelving.
45) Paint a Brick Wall
Baltimore is known for row homes with exposed brick walls, so designer Megan Leonard chose to make hers the foundation of her office setup. “It provides an instant texture throughout my home that I love to pair with wood accents,” she says of the charming design.
46) Make a Desk Out of Two Dressers
If you've struggled with how to make use of old furniture, this kid's space, designed by Sara Johnston, will inspire you. “We painted two old IKEA dressers with leftover white paint and asked a local lumber provider for the top, which just happened to be shelving cut down to this specific size,” she says.
RELATED: 15 Best-Looking Cheap Computer Desks You Can Buy Online
47) Go for Chalkboard Paint
Looking for an easy way to add a playful touch to your office? Consider chalkboard paint that's ideal for putting your to-do list on full display.
48) Mix Patterns
A home office is the perfect place to experiment with different patterns. Choose a few of your favorite prints for pieces like seating and window treatments, but stick to the same color family for a cohesive look.
49) Try High Shelves
Don't fret if you're lacking cabinet space. Graphic designer Ashley Smith revamped her compact closet with high shelving that offers just enough room to store books and decorative accents.
50) Consider Colorful Accessories
If your home office features white walls, introduce color in the form of a desk chair and accessories, like pencil cups, pinboards and small storage boxes.
51) Introduce Wood Accessories
Warm up a neutral home office by styling a bookshelf with wooden accessories, including art and decorative boxes.
52) Mount Your Desk
Take a cue from Rachel Mae Smith of The Crafted Life blog and mount your desk to the wall. Enhance the low-profile look with a track shelving system and brackets spray-painted in bright hues.
53) Hang a Shelf Directly Above
Expand your workspace by adding a sleek wooden shelf at eye level. The rest is up to you: Display artwork, or use it as a handy storage spot for gadgets.
RELATED: Best Desk Organization Ideas to Maintain Your Minimalist Aesthetic
54) Fill Bookshelves
Keep your desk space clutter-free and store books, paperwork and storage boxes on wooden shelves.
See more at Keys to Inspiration ?
RELATED: Creative Bookshelf Decor Ideas That Are Full of Style
55) Use Wire Organizers
Wire shelves and baskets are a simple way to encourage you to keep clutter at bay because, well, you see everything. You can also use 'em to incorporate another color into your space — just add paint.
56) Decorate with Greenery
Rely on Mother Nature to give your office new life. Scatter succulents and plants — real or fake — on shelves and reap the benefits, especially if you choose air-purifying varieties like spider and snake plants.
RELATED: The Best Indoor Plants for Every Room in Your House
57) Go Completely Plaid
Covering a wall with plaid fabric (or any patterned fabric, for that matter) is a clever way to personalize your space. Plus, if you stick thin cork squares behind select areas of the wall, you can pin photos, prints and notes straight to it.
58) Invest in a Ghost Chair
Timeless design aside, this clear acrylic chair, commonly called the "ghost chair," is a modern-day design that opens up even the smallest spaces (and looks ultra-chic while doing so).
59) Opt for a Minimalistic Desk
To mix warm and cool tones, pair a minimalistic white desk with a contrasting antique chair. Decorate with baskets, paintings or accessories that combine the two colors.
RELATED: What Is Minimalist Living? Here's How to Start Living With Less, According to Experts
60) Make an Entire Cork Wall
Prioritize functionality by covering an entire wall in cork square panels. Then pin calendars, to-do lists and bucket list-worthy photos straight to it.
61) Bring in a Dose of Color
Give your home office some Scandinavian-inspired flair by keeping your space light, airy and minimalistic. Adding one colored piece — a bright orange desk chair, for example — makes a statement.
62) DIY Your Own Butcher Desk
Give yourself plenty of room to craft, write and work by building a butcher desk that fits an entire wall's length.
63) Go for an Unconventional Desk
If you're short on space, stick a console table against a blank wall for a makeshift office. Hang a framed bulletin board directly above the workspace for added inspiration.
64) Paint a Bold Accent Wall
Give the room a warm and inviting feel by painting one of the walls a rich hue like hunter green, navy or whichever color best matches your accessories.
65) Coordinate Rug and Curtains
Even if you opt for a muted paint, infuse color into your space with a patterned rug and coordinating drapery. Then dress up the room with decorative accents in the same hue.
RELATED: Best Places to Buy Stylish and Affordable Rugs Online
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Amp up your creativity and productivity with these inspiring home office ideas for small and large layouts. Get tips for modern decor, furniture and more.