1
Statement Wallpaper
Brian Beader
Wallpaper has been in decline for a while since its huge popularity in the '70s and '80s, but it's expected to surge in popularity again in 2023. “Wallpaper can add just the right amount of interest and impact to an otherwise plain office space,” says Maggie Griffin, founder of Maggie Griffin Design. “Just adding a pattern on the walls, some comfy chairs, and a few stylish accessories can completely transform the atmosphere.”
2
Vertically
Amy Bertram
Whether you live in a small apartment or simply want to make the most of your space, decorating upwards can greatly expand the possibilities of your home office. “Using the vertical space above your desk creates a nice visual balance between décor and function,” says Jenn Feldman, founder of Jenn Feldman Designs. “In this study, the desk doubles as a side table and piece of furniture in the room when it's not being used as a workspace.”
3
Color Infusion
Whitney Cameron
Once upon a time, all-white offices and muted tones were the order of the day. But now, vibrant hues are on the rise in home office spaces, says Heather Fujikawa, owner and principal designer at House Sprucing. “We expect to see a strong comeback in color in 2023,” she says. “Dark wall coverings are on trend, and we love Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy paint color, which offers the perfect navy blue hue.”
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Four
A monochrome masterpiece
Raquel Langworthy
If you love a particular color, you could even go all-in with it throughout your office. “I love seeing monochrome offices,” says Susana Simonpietri, creative director at Chango & Co. “We're currently planning some colorful rooms that make the most of one color.”
Five
A small but unique space
Studio DB
In 2023, designers expect to see a rise in personal home offices. “One of the biggest trends we're seeing is people wanting their own office space,” says Britt Zunino, principal at Studio DB. “Previously, people shared home offices, but now that working from home has become more permanent, they want their own office instead of sharing a space.”
6
Space adjacent to the kitchen
Brian Beader
You don't need a ton of space to create your own dedicated home office: “Following the wallpaper trend, create a sweet spot near the kitchen where you can easily send emails while waiting for dinner to finish,” says Griffin.
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7
Reuse and reinvent
Jess Isaacs
Similar to Griffin's kitchen-adjacent proposal, you can also repurpose a large closet to create a home office, says Feldman. “This office space was repurposed from an oversized utility closet that wasn't being used,” she says. “With a simple swap out for a barn door and some lovely accent fabrics, we created the perfect office space, tucked away like a little jewelry box.”
8
Unconventional setting
Chango & Co.
You might think that a home office is defined by the desk it has, but according to Simone Pietri, that's not the case. “We're hearing more and more calls for offices to eliminate power desks,” she says. “Many executives today tend to prefer smaller desks and more space to move around while on a call. I personally embrace this and am designing offices with lounge space and open space, ditching the idea of a giant 'old-fashioned boss' desk.'”
9
Centre Stage
Amy Bertram
That said, if you fall in love with an electric desk, Feldman says it can be pretty striking if you place it in the center. “Space planning is key to a great home office,” she says. “Placing the desk in the center of the room creates visual flow, and all it takes is planning the electrical run to keep unsightly wires out of the way. This custom desk looks great and works great, with channels in the legs that allow the cord to run neatly from a floor outlet. There's even a small hole in the rug so you can plug in the main cord and it's not visible.”
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Ten
A space with a story
Melissa Hancock
Even if you want to stick to a chic, sophisticated aesthetic, it's important to infuse your home office with your own personality. “Having a home office that speaks to the people who inhabit the space is super important and never goes out of style,” says Fujikawa. “We love this office space that tells the story of the people who work there. The guitar touches, lounge corners, minimal cowboy art, and modern touches really sum up the vibe.”
11
Moody
Amy Bertram
Opting for darker hues can make your home office feel more cozy and inviting. “There's a reason movie theaters are dark: Because you can see the screen and the light better,” says Feldman. “A cozy, dark library desk makes for a great screen scene for work and beauty.”
12
Light, bright and airy
Allison Woomer Photography
Some people find darker tones calming, while others prefer bright spaces to increase attention. “2023 will see a clean approach to the home office,” says Fujikawa. “People want their home office to be a place of bright ideas, calm, and refuge, where they can be in the best frame of mind for the task at hand. Keeping the design minimal, clean, and bright will not only brighten your mood, but also create a positivity that energizes you at work.”
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13
Beautiful background
Studio DB
Wallpaper adds instant curb appeal to your home office space, but Zunino says they can also work pretty well as a backdrop when you're on a video call. “A big trend we're seeing in home offices is that Zoom backgrounds have become important because everyone's on video calls all the time,” Zunino explains. That's not to say wallpaper is the only way to achieve a camera-friendly office; rather, it's important to keep your space clean and stylish.
14
Masculine moment
Brian Beader
To create a classic home office vibe, go for a more masculine color palette, silhouettes, and textiles. “Today, a handsome home office is a shared space for everything from working from home to afternoon chats,” says Griffin. “Comfortable chairs and stylish shelving can make the space feel more like play than work.”
15
Beauty and functionality
Allison Woomer Photography
A home office doesn't have to be all work and no play. “Fusing great design with functionality is always something to focus on when deciding on a home office,” says Fujikawa. “The key is to give each item in the office an intentional design and purpose. That really helps make the space a fulfilling space for both your home and work life.” In his design, Fujikawa prioritized built-in cabinets that offer ample storage space, as well as shelves that can be accessorized to show off your personality.
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She has contributed to a variety of publications, primarily covering topics of women's interest. When she's not writing, you can find her hanging out with Cache at Jack Chi, working up a sweat in an Orangetheory class, or chilling with family and friends.
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