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Over the course of the past few years, many of us are now working from home in makeshift office spaces. I know when I first started working my hybrid schedule of WFH and In Office, I had to create one for myself and so I quickly threw one together. It wasn’t very inspiring and my productivity is meh. I can’t do it another year. Can you? Come along with me as I share how to create an inspiring home office and show you my design inspiration for my new home office space so you can feel the fresh inspiration and increase your productivity!
First, Consider the Purpose of Your Home Office
A home office is one of those spaces that so many of us would benefit from, but can’t seem to find the square footage for within our homes. The good news is that whether you have just one small corner of your den to work with or an entire designated room, you can carve out a workspace that’s all your own just about anywhere you can place a desk.
Before choosing a spot to set up, it’s important to ask yourself what you’ll need to accomplish in your office area. Will you need a lot of room for organizing and storing files? Or will you simply need a spot to park your laptop to write the novel? Will it be a space where you draw, paint, color, or sculpt a masterpiece? Once you know the function of the space, this will help you determine how much space and money to budget for to bring this space to life.
Next, choose your color palette and decor style
Now, this is the best part. I know you would think of furniture and lighting and I will get to those two points. But no, you do not want to miss these steps because these will not only determine the mood but also help you discern the style of the furniture, lighting, and accents that you bring into your space.
So, how do you choose a color palette? I talk about this more in-depth in this blog post here about creating a whole home cohesive look. Commonly, a whole home color palette is made up of 6 colors – 1 dominant color, 4 accent colors, and 1 standard color. This can also be pared down to a room as well – 1 dominant color, 2 accent colors, and 1 standard color. The dominant color is the walls. The 2 accent colors may be an accent wall, artwork, furniture, or lighting. The standard color is the trim.
Next, how do you choose your decor style? I talk about this more in-depth in this blog post here but you can also take my “Interior Design Style Quiz” to find your design style as well. To summarize, notice what you are drawn too. You may have more than one design style you like and that is okay! It’s about learning about your style and the pieces that fit into that style. You may benefit from reaching out to an interior designer to help you define your style too.
Choose Your Space + Lighting
Once you’ve got the first step nailed down, these last three pieces come together easily. Lighting is so much fun, especially when it fits the function of the space. Ideally, natural light would be amazing, so look for an open space near a window first to set up your workspace. If that isn’t an option for you, a lamp or sconce that projects warm, soft light is a good alternative for your desk. If your workspace is small, you may also consider purchasing a floor lamp or a lamp that hangs from the wall to save desk space. Additionally, make sure there is an outlet close by with a command strip so that you can plug in your lamp or charge your computer as needed.
Choose Your Home Office Furniture
Before you go and purchase your office furniture, measure the area you’re working within at least twice. You know the old saying, “Measure twice, cut once.” It applies to furniture shopping, hanging wall art, etc. Next, you would set a budget that fits your needs. Gather inspiration from Pinterest or other searches like magazines, catalogs, and Google, preferably digital, to take with you on your quest to find the perfect desk. You might also consider searching your local antique stores, yard sales, and thrift shops around town to find one you can polish up before heading to a furniture retailer.
Your chair is another important piece of the puzzle. If you plan to be sitting at your desk for long periods of time, opt for something comfortable and practical. Who else is at their desk from 9 am-5 pm? Just me? Anyway, if you prize form over function, choose the chair that speaks to you and simply pad it with a pillow when you find yourself camped out for long periods of time. Before committing to a chair, consider measuring under your desk to make sure you will have plenty of legroom. I also highly recommend a footstool, small ottoman, or poof for a footrest!
Consider How You’ll Stay Organized In Your Home Office
This is the area where it is easy to go overboard. It’s time for accents and office supplies. When buying office supplies and accent pieces, consider giving everything a designated spot first. So if you have a larger desk, look for a desktop organization such as magazine holders or file folders. I have a filing cabinet and two bookshelves. For a smaller desk, you may have to get a little more creative with a wall or floor space. If you have available wall space, installing shelves, pinboards, wall pouches, or a metal wall grid allows for more open desk space. If you don’t have much desk or wall space, you could find a storage basket that fits under your desk to store office supplies.
You can also put up a dry-erase board, a wall calendar, a command center, a chalkboard, etc. to help keep track of important dates, reminders, notes, and other supplies without taking up precious desk space.
Consider What Inspires You
One of the most important parts of creating your own office is adding your personality, your energy, and style into the space. So often, we choose furniture, accessories, or paint colors that don’t necessarily speak to us. More often than not, everything that you’ve bought will be donated, sold, or put in a box never to be seen again just to keep up with the next trend. It’s so sad.
I implore you to consider what inspires and motivates you most in this space. What resonates with your soul? Put all of that into your home office. Think of colors, books, quotes, art prints, your favorite scented candle, or even a plant or two. Create a mood board with tears from your favorite magazines, all pinned on a corkboard of places, and personal mementos like photos or cards, or ornaments that will help make the space yours. Consider adding a rug under your desk to help your workspace feel cozy and will elevate the positive energy.
In conclusion,
As you’re planning for your home office space, remember that your space is a direct reflection of who you think you are, your beliefs, and your feelings. It can look beautiful and support your physical, emotional, and mental health and overall well-being. I hope that these 7 tips helped! I’d love to know what you plan to include and how you’re getting inspired in the new year—let me know in the comments below!
Love,
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