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When working from home, whether part-time or full-time, having a dedicated WFH setting is essential. Also, if you can't afford a private area in your office, you should create a multipurpose workspace in your living room or other shared space.
There are several factors to consider when planning your home office living room. Mainly things like location, how to make the most of your floor space, and organizational systems to prevent clutter. Here, top interior designers and decorators share tips for styling a functional home office in your living room.
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1. Nook It Out
@thehousethatjenbuilt_
Do you have a little corner in your living room that you don't know what to do with? Because it's the ideal hidden office spot that doesn't take up any other available space. “When organizing a multi-functional office area, make sure to store all your items. One of the simplest layouts is to create nooks,” says Vergara Homes founder and lead designer. says Elizabeth Vergara.
Install shelves to store books and supplies, and include artwork or photos to add color and personality.
2. Create a room under the stairs
@maymeinterior
Just like in real estate, location is everything when considering locating a home office in a shared living space.Many nooks under the stairs have enough space for a small desk and chair, but you may need to organize your lighting if you don't have an outlet yet
“If you have limited seating space, use a dining room chair as a desk if possible. When not in use in a desk area, the chair can serve double duty,” says Ty, founder of Studio Ness. son Ness says. To make your space your own, wall treatments can give your office spatial independence from the rest of your living room, but consider colors and patterns that blend well with your existing surroundings.
3. Enjoy the scenery
@officialbrittanynicole
Exposure to the outdoors and access to natural light can lead to increased happiness and productivity. Marzia Dainelli, her CEO at Dainelli Studio, says an office with close access to natural light is essential. She says, “Choose a bright spot with natural light, ideally near a window.”
Placing your desk near a window will give you a view of the outdoors and give your eyes a break during work. Plus, sitting at a desk in front of a window is perfect for virtual meetings. When exposed to sunlight, it creates a natural, even glow across your face and minimizes facial shadows on the screen.
4. Go vertically
@welcome number 1
No matter how you look at it, the ladder desk was created for a multifunctional living room. Rather than traditional desk designs, which usually take up a lot of floor space, the vertical design of ladder desks keeps things open and airy. “Minimalist design complements a multifunctional living room because it eliminates the need for a bulky desk in the living space,” says Vivianne Chow, interior decorator and owner of Viv & Tim Home.
The ladder desk also offers storage and customization opportunities: “I love that the top two shelves can display decorative items and books, with a functional work surface area below for my computer.”
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5. Create consistency in design
@kayedoeslogos
In a home office in the living room, you can save space by stacking shelves vertically, but what do you put on top?Apart from functional items like lighting and fixtures, styling the space can help you save space by stacking shelves vertically. You can tie it into the existing interior of the room.
“Make sure your home office matches the style of the rest of your living room to give the space a sense of unity and balance. Use complementary textures, materials, and patterns to create Let your spaces blend together,” says Laura Price, founder of Home Organization. To connect your office and living room, match colors and finishes, add similar objects or sentimental items, and place them together at different heights to create visual interest.
6. Utilize the space under your desk
@jenna_ridley_
In a living room home office, every inch of space matters. “Make sure you have a system in place for cleaning up work clutter at the end of your workday,” says Kseniya Marina, founder of Time and Place Interiors. Smart storage is your friend and will keep your space neat and tidy.
“With dedicated drawers and paper trays, you can organize your work clutter and switch it over to evenings and weekends when you're relaxing and entertaining in the living room.” One of the best storage spots is under your feet. It is located in To make the most of your space, choose under-desk storage with wheels that can be rolled out as another work surface.
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7. Use storage wisely
@savouring_simple
It cannot be overstated how important good storage is for a living room home office. “Choose smart, space-saving storage that elegantly climbs the wall to store your essentials while keeping them within reach,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. say.
Storage containers tend to look monotonous and oppressive. Material selection, size, and color are all important factors to consider in multipurpose spaces. Choose containers with a single color for a cohesive look. A woven basket gives a warm feel, while a brightly colored plastic basket adds a playful touch.
8. Balance design and embedding
@Stefani Bachmann Photo
There's nothing like woodwork to enhance the look and feel of a room. “If it's within your budget, a custom factory can bring bespoke flexibility to any home office space, especially common areas like the living room,” says Anna, his CEO and founder of design-build firm Bolster. Karp says.
Built-ins provide a seamless way to manipulate the exact dimensions and color scheme of your living room. Karp appreciates the integrated storage features that balance functionality and aesthetics. “Custom factory equipment also lends itself to integrated cord management, which can be used to keep cables and cords organized and hidden.”
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9. Go Vintage
@painebendhome
Desk design has come a long way, but if you're having trouble finding a style you like, consider vintage pieces for a bespoke look. A secretary desk is a living room office idea with the ability to hide clutter. “A variety of compartments and drawers provide a neat storage solution, keeping work essentials hidden yet accessible,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and lead designer at Nufacet Interiors.
A secretary desk looks like furniture, so it looks great in the living room. “It can be folded up and stored when not in use, making it perfect for entertaining without compromising its functional purpose.” For other vintage-inspired desk ideas, consider an antique shed or a small renovated cupboard. please.
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10. Bring it to life with greenery
@chill.spice
Houseplants can improve people's mental and physical health. They are an important feature of biophilia, a type of design that integrates natural features to make people feel satisfied and comfortable. “Make your workspace as tranquil as a sanctuary by incorporating natural elements, like touches of greenery or the soothing sound of water,” says Kropovinski.
Potted plants and trees are perfect for a multifunctional home office. If you enjoy color psychology, green is energetic and full of life. It can evoke his two senses of tranquility and calm that will help you get through a hectic working day.