A home office is no longer just a poorly designed makeshift corner with space for a desk and chair. Working from home has completely changed the way we think, and it's new ways to create a beautiful, functional and even impressive study or office.
Colour, custom furniture, clever lighting, wallpaper and smart storage solutions are all key to creating an inspiring space. If you're looking to change the look and feel of your home office, then these designer-approved home office ideas are a must-see. Here's how to revolutionise your working from home experience.
1. Combine your office and lounge areas
(Image courtesy of Richard Powers. Studio courtesy of GRADE)
If you’re wondering how to work efficiently from home, consider designing a multipurpose room that can easily blend work, relaxation, and fun to make your home more functional and fulfilling.
“Serving as both a library and study, the room was conceived as a rich, contemplative space filled with books,” say GRADE founders Edward Yedid and Thomas Hickey. “A cozy upholstered nook is designed for reading, while a desk is positioned for working from home. A lounge area with a sofa and vintage chairs can be used to welcome guests for cocktails. A custom bar cabinet (in the left corner) is complemented by a wet bar.”
2. Set up a home office in your living room
(Image courtesy of MAGUIRE + DEVINE ARCHITECTS)
A TV cabinet in your living room can double as desk space if designed cleverly. Not only can it store your TV and all its wiring and accessories, but with a small section featuring a floating shelf it can double as a workspace. Just add a chair and a table lamp and you've got a perfectly handy home office.
“Opt for a clutter-free desk with plenty of sockets,” says Anne Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design. “Each workstation should have at least six sockets (for monitor, phone charger, PC/laptop, desk lamp, printer, etc.), so if possible, work these into your planning early on rather than relying on extension cables.”
Material: Engineered wood
Price: $148
Choose this sleek, contoured chair made from oak reinforced with engineered hardwood to add a sleek, stylish touch to your home office.
3. Add jewel tones to your office
(Image courtesy of Gieves Anderson. Studio courtesy of Frederick Tang Architecture. Styling by Barbara Reyes)
If you have an open-plan space and want to give your work area a clear identity, zone it with lighting and colour in your home office. Avoiding obvious 'office' furniture will ensure it blends easily into your living room.
“The lighting was chosen to mirror the shape of the desk and complement the copper wallpaper, creating a striking focal point,” says Barbara Reyes, design director at Frederick Tang Architecture.
Modern and luxurious gold crystal chandelier
Material: Crystal and iron
Price: $87
Consider this light to add grandeur and provide uniform lighting to your office seating area.
4. Paint the ceiling
(Image courtesy of Giorgio Possenti. Studio courtesy of Elisa Ossino Studio)
For a unique paint idea for your home office, create an enveloping atmosphere with a dark color on your ceiling. Consider a semi-gloss finish to make the room feel more like a decorated jewelry box than a purely utilitarian space.
“My vision was to create a three-dimensional painting with striking, vibrant accents and to reinterpret the space using furniture and objects as contrast points in bold colors,” says Elisa Ossino, founder of Elisa Ossino Studio.
5. Implement custom storage
(Image courtesy of Ishita Sitwala. Studio courtesy of Purple Backyard)
Perhaps the most important element of a successful home office is storage. The better and smarter the storage, the more practical and functional the space will be. Consider custom built-in storage for your laptop and other accessories and other thoughtful design touches that will enhance your home office.
“Here, the bar is hidden behind wallpapered pocket doors behind the desks — a hidden gem that signals the end of the workday,” says Kumpal Vaid, founder of design studio Purple Backyard.
6. Use soft furnishings in your office
(Image courtesy of Thomas Kuoh. Studio courtesy of Studio Munroe)
A great way to add depth to your modern home office is to layer your furniture to give the room a soft, tactile feel.
“When a room has a linear architecture, adding upholstered details can create a cozy softness. In this space, we also opted for a tassel chandelier,” says Emily Munroe, founder of Studio Munroe.
7. Hide your office in a cabinet
(Images courtesy of Adam Scott Images. Studio courtesy of Woodrow Vizor)
Do you have a spacious home with enough space for a home office? Consider a closet office, which won't take up any extra square footage and works perfectly as a serene, functional area.
“In this cabinet-inspired home office, we installed warm-white LED strips recessed into a plywood shelf above the desk, which has slots in it,” say George Woodrow and George Viser, founders of Woodrow Viser Architects.
8. Create a relaxing space
(Image courtesy of Tatjana Plitt. Studio courtesy of Hindley & Co)
Who doesn't love taking a quick break from busy work? If you have the space in your home office, consider adding a seating area or a home library. Add a grooved glass divider for privacy.
“The adjacent bespoke desk nook and seating nook were designed in the same depth and colour laminate, with a translucent Danpal screen installed between them,” says Melanie Yard of Hindley & Co.
9. Play with shapes
(Image courtesy of Mikhail Loskutov. Studio courtesy of Tim Veresnovsky)
Give your apartment office a unique look. Using different shapes will make the space special. The key is to incorporate items that create strong contrasts. Here, straight lines and curves take center stage with a limited but exciting color palette.
“We placed a long table right next to the window and used curves in the furniture to break up the straight lines of the room,” says Tim Velesnovsky, founder of Velesnovsky Design Studio.
10. Consider color blocking for interest.
(Image courtesy of Shiraz Jamali Architects)
A home office doesn't have to be a stuffy or formal space. Using lots of colour, like the vibrant teal in this bedroom office, can help brighten up any to-do list, no matter how long it is.
“The light grey wood and blue panelled walls provide contrast and tonal continuity for the workspace within the bedroom,” says Shiraz Jamali, founder of Shiraz Jamali Architects.
Recommended primers & undercoats: neutral colors
Price: $40 for 3 liters
This bright, deep color brings warmth and depth to any space, and pairs especially well with wood tones.