Productivity Guaranteed With These 10 Innovative Home Office Ideas
Words by Morgan Goldberg
Photography by Tessa Neustadt; Design by Bobby Berk
If you’re still living with your March 2020 makeshift work-from-home setup, it might be time for an upgrade.
Let’s face it: some of us simply aren’t going back to a Monday-to-Friday in-office situation, and the kitchen island is only comfortable for so long. Whether a full renovation is in the cards or you just need a quick fix, there are so many easy upgrades that’ll improve your home office from the emergency situation you slapped together two years ago (and we’re not just talking ergonomic chairs—although your back will thank you for that one).
Our Experts have all the tips and tricks you need to make your no-longer temporary workspace functional (and pretty to look at!), from simply reorienting your desk towards a window to adding an inspiring mood board and maximizing a closet-sized workspace. Whatever your home office needs, we have the insights to help.
Photography by Julie Soefer; Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors
Use Built-In Shelves
When renovating is an option, built-ins are certainly the way to go. Designer Marie Flanigan makes the case for built-ins in an elegant Houston, Texas library that features a wall-to-wall unit with two desks, a black bookcase, and a bevy of cabinets. The grand storage piece is paired with basket-weave wood floors for an overall stately look.
Photography by Helen Norman; Design by Lauren Liess
Maximize Your Footprint
If your home office is basically (or literally) a closet, designer and HGTV star Lauren Liess has the solution for you. An L-shaped desk will make the most of a small, narrow space and give you all the surface area you need to work efficiently. Add in a whimsical mural wallpaper and you can achieve a sense of escapism, too.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg; Design by Cameron Ruppert
Mix Bold Patterns
Some people find visual stimulation much more inspiring than a neutral setting. DC-based designer Cameron Ruppert is one such person, as evidenced by this bold, pattern-filled office she crafted in a Maryland home. She painted the ornate coffered ceiling and elaborate built-in storage in a deep blue, then layered a Persian rug with bright, Ikat curtains, and a traditional floral sofa.
Photography by Tessa Neustadt; Design by Bobby Berk
Reorient Your Desk Towards Nature
For a home office upgrade that’s completely free, just move your desk to face a window. Though you might not have an expansive view of Los Angeles like Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk, the change of perspective and natural light will make your workdays much more bearable. Once your desk is angled towards nature, you can take a note from Berk and stick with a neutral color palette that blends in with the surroundings.
Photography by Laure Joliet; Design by Meghan Eisenberg
Incorporate Comfortable Seating
A home office isn’t all about the desk. In a recent New England project, Los Angeles-based designer Meghan Eisenberg proved that a study can revolve around comfortable seating for meetings or curling up with a book. While a small writing desk offers a typical upright workstation, the homeowners can lounge in the cozy leather armchairs or on the navy velvet sofa while they work, as well.
Photography by Seth Caplan; Design by Ariel Okin
Install Window Treatments
Consider installing window treatments to give your home office some character. That’s what New York City designer Ariel Okin did in her former Upper East Side apartment. The Santa Barbara-inspired workspace, which doubles as a guest bedroom, combines cream-colored linen curtains with a natural woven shade to achieve a coastal aesthetic. Plus, her desk is facing the window to maximize sunlight.
Photography by Lillie Thompson; Design by Tali Roth
Focus on Fun Lighting
One of the best ways to add flair to a plain white office is with fun light fixtures. Take cues from Australian designer Tali Roth, who introduced squiggly candelabra wall sconces in her Melbourne office to create a fun focal point. She then continued the wiggly theme with a set of Méandre side chairs by Design Frères, which she described as “truly uncomfortable but so so attractive” in in interview with Domino.
Photography by Shade Degges; Design by Christina Cole & Co.
Go Dark and Dramatic
A coat of black paint can completely transform your space for the better. If you’re not convinced you can pull it off, just look at this dark, dramatic home office by Austin, Texas firm Christina Cole and Co., where the desk and floor-to-ceiling built-ins are painted an inky hue. It’s incredibly calming and the books serve as little sources of light.
Photography by Kensington Leverne; Design by Studio Ashby
Hang a Mood Board
With a well-curated mood board, the inspiration never stops flowing. At least it seems to be true for designer Sophie Ashby of Studio Ashby, who equipped her London office and showroom with a large fabric bulletin board for pinning photos and materials to inform her projects. It also serves as a backdrop for a large table where her team can meet and brainstorm.
Photography by Read McKendree; Design by Katie Rosenfeld
Put Up Wallpaper
Punch up your home office with patterned wallpaper like Boston designer Katie Rosenfeld did in this centuries-old Beacon Hill townhome. She used a traditional floral and animal print in the office to nod to the history of the house while bringing it into the 21st century. The room is complete with New England blue trim, a brick fireplace flanked by book-filled built-ins, and a desk facing the window.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg; Design by Cameron Ruppert