Office

How to Design a Home Office You’ll Actually Use

There are a few things you need to make your home office functional. We’ve compiled a list of home office ideas that we’ve used to create well-designed and comfortable home offices.

1.   Create a color story.

This post could have been titled “How to Avoid Creating a Boring Home Office.” As with many of these home office ideas, the general concept is simply to avoid creating a space you never want to visit. If your home office features a color that makes you happy, gives you inspiration and amps up your enthusiasm to use the space — that’s a win!

2.   Location is key.

When it comes to your home office, out of sight is out of mind. The location of your home office is just as important as the furniture you put in it. The more convenient your home office is to the rest of your life the more likely you are to use it.

3.   Function can still be stylish.

This principle comes down to two key home office ideas. If your home office isn’t functional, then you won’t use it. If you don’t like the look or feel of your home office, then you won’t use it. It’s as simple as that. Find furniture that fits both of these criteria and you’ll be the productive person that you intend to be.

4.   Invest in comfortable seating.

How will you spend the most time in your home office? That’s right — in your office chair. Your chair is highly important. You may have heard others stress the importance of having an ergonomic office chair. If so, be patient because you’re going to hear it again. A comfortable office chair is better for your health and your productivity. If your home office chair doesn’t support your body, you’ll become uncomfortable and experience pain, which results in a lack of focus. Trust us. You need a good home office chair in your life.

5.   Don’t stare at the wall.

Can you think of one person who said they found inspiration in a blank wall? So, then why is your desk facing a white wall? Allow yourself a creative window, whether it’s a physical window or a photo on the wall that’s a window into another world.

6.   You’re still at home.

Remember, this isn’t any old office. This is your home office. Make it your own with home décor, wall art or other comforts that make you happy to be there. Even corporate businesses are beginning to realize that their employees benefit from having some creature comforts from home at work.

7.   Don’t waste space.

Home offices aren’t typically the largest room in a home, nor should they be. That means you’ll need to focus on organizing your space intentionally to get the most storage for your square footage. Consider installing a few floating bookshelves that span the wall vertically.

8.   Light it up.

Whether you have ample natural light peering in from your windows or you need a little more task lighting, a good lighting design is essential for your home office. Remember to keep in mind the three elements of lighting in your home office: ambient (general), task and accent lighting.

9.   Live a little.

Live plants add more to your space than a little extra oxygen. Studies have shown that they lift your spirits subsequently making you more productive. Not to mention, they’re a subtle reminder to use this space that was meant for productivity when they start to get a little droopy.

10.   Stay motivated.

One great way to remain motivated when your subconscious knows you’re still at home is to hang a motivational gallery wall in your home office. In each frame, include something to keep you focused, a photo of your family, a favorite quote — anything to get your mind back on track.