Stylish and Functional Ways to Elevate Your Home Office
Yes, the days of Covid restrictions and working from home may have inched from weeks, to months, to now almost a year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be without its perks! As the year anniversary of WFH bliss (and to be honest, some hardships as well) approaches, let’s turn frowns upside down with some good ol’ fashioned redecorating. And what better place to start than where it will make the greatest impact—your home office!
If you’re anything like me and my family, when the lockdowns began and working from home became the new normal, our home offices were quickly piecemealed together in the name of functionality. Now a year in, we may have each found our groove, but with that perhaps a new form of confinement weariness as well. So let’s revision this year with chic utility by elevating your home office with some newfound and much-needed zen-infused sparkle!
Practical Design Tips for an Instant Office Makeover
No matter the size, your home office can be functional, beautiful, and free of clutter. Whether a cloffice (closet and office in one for the ultimate maven win) or a converted mother-in-law suite, there are countless pretty and practical design ideas for giving your workspace the facelift your heart is craving.
NOTE: If you’ve been to my home you know my typical design taste is a soothing and eclectic mid-century meets modern aesthetic. Some of what I outline below is that, but others are of a new style that I am head over heels about! It’s dramatic and intentional. I’m so in love with this new style that I’m already dreaming of a future home where I can implement it. I hope you are won over by it just as much as I am!
Think in 3D: Sometimes the hardest part of revisioning a space is breaking outside the box of rudimentary design. Instead of placing your desk against a wall or in a corner out of habit, make use of every angle. Open up a room and create a more interactive and invitational workspace by turning your desk away from a wall, utilizing broad windows to accent, or better yet, incorporate your desk into your room’s design with placement alongside a complimentary piece of furniture.
Be Distinctive (and Dramatic!): When it comes to picking your desk and designing your space, don’t shy away from making a statement. My advice? Make your workspace a show-stopper! Make it THE place you can’t wait to drink your morning coffee in, ready to start your zoom-heavy workday. Or go daring with sleek, beautifully moody built-in shelving for an artistic take on storage.
Think Modern Cottage: Gone are the days where home (and office!) decor needs to be limited to either shabby chic or ultra-modern themes. Rather, there’s the delightful movement toward a new era of design with the cutest name ever; modern cottage! I’m obsessed with it. The name alone excites childhood memories of playful summers while also satisfying my desire for soothing and modern accents in my home design. A great follow for constant modern cottage inspiration is Chris Loves Julia. Take a look for yourself and you’ll see exactly what I mean!
Put Those Walls to Work: Don’t be intimidated by that blank wall hovering over your desk. Rather, take advantage of the vertical space with a plant gallery, artwork that inspires, or a truly gasp-worthy wall-to-wall shelving unit. Do you have more of a true creative working space? Not to worry, you can still put those walls to work.
Functional Furniture That Makes a Statement: Make working from home more enjoyable with perfect, pretty, and practical furniture design. Hello, subtle (and hidden) desk storage for all those bulky tech companions (we see you, printer!). Or perhaps even an extended built-in desk-top for a more collaborative, family-friendly workspace.
Keep It Neat: In my recent blog post Getting Your Home Organized, we found ways to prioritize productivity while still working from home by reassessing our home organization strategy. Ready to jump in? What better place to begin than your home office! Grab Marie Kondo’s bestselling books, The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up and Spark Joy today. Or watch her Netflix series, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. It’s bound to inspire you and give you lots of tips to #SparkJoy in your tired WFH routine.
Not sure where to begin? Start small and remember, your office is your space! Design it with pieces and approaches that truly inspire, making this new normal of working from home all that more special. Oh, and don’t forget the perfect set of pajamas and zoom-worthy loungewear to make your home workday complete.
xx Barbara