Designing a Functional & Stylish Home Office

As many of us have transitioned to working from home here are a few tips to make it as functional & visually pleasing to fit in with your home.

1. Consider what you need

• What size desk or table will you need to accommodate your electronics, papers and supplies?

• What kind of storage, filing shelving will you need? Think of storage from a functional and decorative standpoint.

• What electronics/ printers will you be using? Will you need to hide the cords from these?

• What currently do you have for lighting? Do you need more? Floor lamps, Table lamps, task lighting? You will want the space to be nice and bright to keep yourself awake & alert.

• Mirror(s)? Mirrors help reflect light and make your space seem larger than what it is.

• Window Coverings? Unlike most of your home, your office should have window coverings that still allow a lot of light in the space. A good idea is getting light filtering curtains or having curtains that stay open that serve more as a decorative purpose. If you find the office space is too bright and is causing glares, blinds or any kind of shade will work.

• What kind of chair will best benefit you? If you are sitting for most of the day make sure to get a chair that will help with posture but is also comfortable. Having a lounge chair or club chair can give you another option for another place to sit throughout your day.

2. Fan or Heater

Consider if you should add a heater or fan in this space. You want to be as comfortable as possible when working. This can change upon different seasons but something to keep in mind. Fans help with air circulation keeping the air fresh and cool.

3. Decor

Less is more! You want the space to be personalized but not distracting. Your office should inspire you and calm you, not overwhelm your senses. Fill this space with things that bring you joy and comfort.

• Plants- Having plants help air filtration making the air nice and clean. Plants are a good way to bring the outdoors, indoors

• Clocks- Both functional and stylish

• Boards- cork, white board, or black board. Again, functional and can be used as decor. Cork boards are a good place to keep visuals, reminders, and stay organized. White or black boards can also be used for reminders or any way it will/can be used for work

• Photos- because who doesn't love looking at photos and be reminded of our favorite places, people or pets!

• Wall Art- You can choose an image that brings joy or a quote/saying that helps motivate you!

• Rugs- Choose a low pile rug if you have a chair that has wheels, this will make it easier to move around. Rugs are a great way to add texture, color and interest to the office. A cowhide could also add decor to your space if it matches the style you are going for.

• An accent wall- you could use wallpaper, reclaimed wood, paint or something for decorative like paneling or wainscoting. Again, make sure it's not overwhelming but would compliment the space nicely.

4. Color

If you are within the creative field for work, using stimulating and inspiring colors are a great direction to go. If you are someone who needs more concentration throughout your day, calming colors are the way to go. Avoid using red or neon colors, both of these can be overstimulating. Red is usually associated with anger which is not the calming & focused mood we want to achieve. Although white can be a good way to go you must also consider lighting and the decor you will be incorporating because all white can lead to fatigue and eye strain when not used properly. Warm colors provide happy feelings. Consider using neutrals for the walls and color accents within your decor to make a cohesive, easy design.

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