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Decorating and Organizing a Home Office

Whether you’ve been working from home for a long time or are looking for ideas to set up a home work space, today I’m sharing some ideas for decorating and organizing a home office.  Believe it or not, the home office is actually one of the most satisfying rooms in the home to design and organize because it offers so many opportunities to be creative.

In addition to focusing on functionality and productivity, think of your home office as a place to express your style and individuality.

This can be your personal space, where you can retreat from laundry, dishes, TV, and whatever else is going on in the rest of the house.

I’ve found that, as in everything, it’s the small things that matter.  Designing a functional home office and workspace helps you keep a clutter-free mind, which opens up mental space for creativity, new ideas, and more joy. 

This light-filled home office from Amber Interiors has a fresh, California coastal feeling. I love how the light wood desk, grey-green rug, pale grey drapes, and unique light fixture combine to create a space anyone would love to spend their working day!

Beautiful home office space with built in shelving and french doors | Amber Interiors #home #style

How to Decorate and Organize a Home Office

Storage

I’ve found the key to creating a beautiful and functional home office is making sure you have all the storage solutions you need to keep equipment, papers, files, supplies, and books tidy and looking good.

So the first step is to make a list of everything you’ll need to store or file. Remember that supplies, equipment, samples, inventory, books, forms, and stationery all require different types of storage.

Then it’s time to do some shopping! There are so many great storage solutions available nowadays.  I love The Container Store for their amazing array of beautiful boxes, containers, and baskets.

Home Office Design Ideas

By thinking outside the box and using your imagination, you can design a home office that functions perfectly and still expresses your personal style.

Home Office Desks, Furniture, and Storage

The main thing most people need in a home workspace is space to spread out.  Home offices can have work islands, just like the kitchen. 

They can be made the right height for counter stools so you can stand or sit while you work.  These islands can be put on casters to move around and double as display spaces to feature your work.

Book shelves, modular storage and shelves, hanging systems, credenzas, armoires, sideboards, industrial shelving, bakers’ racks, and china cabinets can all be used in a home office for storage.

My home office & work space - jane at home | board and batten | molding | wall treatment | modern coastal decor

In my office, I’ve used a white sofa table (from IKEA) that stores an amazing amount of stuff.  File folders, supplies, etc. can all stay neatly hidden within baskets and bins. 

I recently exchanged the white cabinet for a tall bookcase (unfortunately, no longer available).  I love the enclosed lower section, which allows me to store things out of sight.  Below, I share a couple of similar storage cabinets.

Home office - jane at home

Home Office Chairs

When choosing your desk, chair, and work surfaces, keep in mind ergonomics, especially if you spend a lot of time at your desk.  Don’t just pull in a hard chair from the kitchen to use at your desk.  

Furniture designed specifically for your height and weight can save you from experiencing aches and pains from sitting all day in an uncomfortable chair. 

Small Home Office Ideas

If you’re short on space for your home office, consider using a closet as a clever solution.  A properly-placed shelf for the desk surface and shelves above and to the side can make a perfect mini-office which can be closed off to hide clutter. 

Try to keep the paint color light and add plenty of lighting to keep from feeling closed in.  Closets can also function as a place to hide electronics like printers, fax machines, and copiers.

Home Office Acoustics

Speaking of acoustics, ideally, you don’t want to be talking on the phone and have dogs barking (this happens every time I’m on the phone) in the background. 

Clever ways to add acoustical privacy include wall upholstery, special wall treatments that insulate against sound, and water elements.

Bulletin Boards

I love bulletin boards for the home office.  They can be attractive and corral the clutter at the same time.  

Use them to hold notes, memos, photos, art displays, reminders, and business cards.  You can either hang them on the wall or place them on an easel or art shelf.

Closet doors, upholstered or painted with chalk board paint, can also be used for this purpose.  

In fact, imagine an entire wall covered in cork or upholstery–it could provide efficiency, beauty, and acoustical privacy all in one!

Vision Board

While you’re organizing and decorating your home office, you might want to take some time to update your vision board and hang it above your desk. 

Since our goals and dreams are ever-evolving, make sure your vision board always reflects the direction your life is taking. ♥ 

I hope you found this post informative and helpful.  Let me know if you have any questions about setting up a home office.  xo Jane

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For more home office ideas, you might be interested in these posts and pages on Jane at Home:

Modern Home Office Ideas for a Beautiful & Inspiring Work Space.

How to Declutter Your Home

How to Install Decorative Wall Molding: An Easy DIY

My Home Office Sources

The New Studio McGee Target Collection

Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Favorite Spaces of the Week: Pure Salt Interiors

 

   

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