By Lauren Busser, The House Designers' Editorial Director
More and more people are working from home and it can be hard to live and work in the same space, which is why a home office is a popular amenity for a new homebuyer. Whether you work from home full-time or you bring your work home with you, you need a space to call your own and dedicate to work. One of the best things about having your own home office is being able to design and create a space that you will love to work in. From choosing a gorgeous desk to finding a paint color that matches your personality, we have a few tips to help you create a productive and inspiring workspace.
Let There Be Light
One of the first must-haves in an office space is light. When doing any sort of work, it should be in a well-lit space. If there are windows that allow natural light to come in then part of the work has been done for you. Even if you have plenty of natural light, you can always use some more so consider a center ceiling light and task lighting to illuminate your space effectively in the evening. Floor and desk lamps are also good options to help illuminate your office space, so consider where these will be placed when you lay out your room.
Colors that Inspire
Before you furnish your office space, consider the color of your walls. White walls can feel cold and institutional and you want your space to be inviting so that you will want to work there. Pick a color that represents your personality and unique style so that you will love spending time in your space.
Everything in its Place
Organization is key in a home office. Maximizing storage and places for notes is essential. You can easily turn a wall into a corkboard with cork tiles, or a chalkboard with the use of special paint. The wall can be use for notes, made into a calendar, or just used as an inspiration board for an artist. Shelving is also important so that you can keep books, office supplies and other materials off your desk but still within reach.
Above all, this space is supposed to be one that you want to be in. If you don’t feel good in your home office, then take steps to redecorate and make it bright and new. When selecting pieces, make sure that you choose fixtures that are interesting — so that you will want to visit your office and hopefully be more productive as a result.