I spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. Between working my 9-5 job and the additional hours spent working on my blog, it was important for me to have the perfect office space. While I could easily set up shop on the couch or my bed, I find that I’m the most productive at a desk. With more people starting to work from home, a home office is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. so whether you have a room in you home to claim as your own, or a tiny corner in your bedroom like I do, here are a few simple ways to inspire and help you create the perfect office space at home.
Natural Light
Whether you’re a blogger, photographer, accountant, anything, natural light is a must when setting up your home office. Not only does it improve your mood and productivity, but natural light can also improve your sleep quality. Try situating your desk facing a window with lots of sun exposure. If possible, set up your office in a Southern facing room. Remember that every home is different, so take note of where the light is coming from in your particular space and take advantage of it!
This home office is flanked by windows on two sides and flooded with light. When working on a computer for editing photos, the roman shades are a smart and functional addition without the bulk of a drape. A plant like this fiddle fig tree in the corner is another easy way to bring the outdoors in!
Designate Your Space
If you are living in a smaller apartment or creating an office area within a larger room, be sure to distinguish your office space. A simple way to achieve this is with an accent wall. Paint, wallpaper, or chalk paint are inexpensive ways to make a big statement and separate the office from the rest of the room.
Accent walls are also a great way to create the allusion that your new set up was meant to be an office space. Choose an accent color within your overall color scheme and use accessories that coordinate in with the rest of your room. This example above from One Kin Design is the perfect example of a refined yet cohesive office set up. A storage wall like this one frees up the room for a floating desk.
Maximize Storage
In every home, it can be tricking to maximize your storage space. One of the best areas to utilize is the space above your desk with stylish shelving or built ins. These sleek built ins by The House of Silver Lining blend seamlessly into the wall color, leaving the room feeling balanced and light. Coordinating storage boxes and accessories also help keep things cohesive.
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<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5fa6096b1486e850a7bd85ba"></div><script async src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script>If you’re low on storage space and can’t swing a built in, be sure to purchase a desk with plenty of drawers. The more organized your office space, the more productive you can be! Paperwork can pile up fast, and it is best to keep yourself ahead of the clutter with proper organization in place.
The Perfect Desk Chair
You spend a lot of time sitting, and nothing is worse than a nagging back ache disrupting your productivity. Do not sacrifice your comfort in this department! This is where you may have to search a little bit in order to find the perfect blend of style and comfort. Consider using a more plush, upholstered chair (with legs or wheels) to bring an added layer of style and comfort to your office.
If you aren’t looking to spend a fortune, be sure to shop around your local HomeGoods or Target stores for plenty of cute, affordable options. As a reminder, always measure your desk height to be sure you’re buying the appropriate height.
Personalization is Key
The best part about designing any room incorporating your unique style and personality. Bringing in all of those tiny details that take a room to the next level is my favorite part of design. This is where you get to have the most fun!
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<div data-sc-widget-id="P-5fa60cd82b88821e8c431701"></div><script async src="//widgets.shopstyle.com/shopstyle-widget-snippet.js"></script>Create a gallery wall behind your desk to display inspiring photos or quotes. Add a pop of color with a fresh bouquet of flowers in your favorite vase. Fill your office with all of the things that inspire you and make you happy. If there is one area of your home that should be filled with inspiration, this would be it!
xx Kelly