Here’s how to decorate your home office and make it chic.
The pandemic has seen infinitely more people working from home, and therefore an uptick in the creation of home office spaces. I personally love working from home, and I love having a dedicated space that inspires me, allows me to be highly productive, and is only a one-minute commute away.
But how does someone make an office look like a thoughtfully designed extension of their home, when files, printers, computers, and office supplies are generally an eye-sore? I’m going to share my tips for creating a work-friendly, well-designed space in your home.
A home office should always have ample closed storage (that means a piece of furniture with doors or drawers) where you can conceal paperwork and electronics. Computer screens and printers are not beautiful.
Stacks of paperwork and files not only look messy, but clutter can be distracting and lower productivity.
Whether you want to custom build storage units or purchase furniture pieces, I strongly recommend having access to a power source behind your closed cabinets so you can conceal cords and equipment.
File storage will help get documents off your desktop. I also give myself and my clients a dedicated drawer or cabinet shelf for paperwork that requires attention later or is waiting to be filed away.
Here are a few of my favorite office storage pieces right now:
Arhaus Telegraph Bookcase (on sale $1599)
CB2 3-Drawer File Cabinet, $699
Wayfair Bookcase, $283
Wayfair File Cabinet, $293
Making your work space as chic as the rest of your home can be easily achieved through decorative light fixtures, rugs, thoughtfully curated furniture, and well-staged decor.
If you don’t want to invest in new furniture, simply changing out drawer and door hardware and covering surfaces with fun printed adhesive paper can dramatically update a space.
If you’re in the market for new office furniture, however, please consider bringing some of these items into your home:
CB2 Desk, $899
Wayfair Marble Top Desk, $273
Wayfair LED Chandelier, $187
Wayfair Peel & Stick Wallpaper, $1.87/sq ft
Wayfair Modern Chandelier, $259
Every surface in an office – especially bookshelves, walls, and countertops – are prime opportunities to create a beautiful moment with books, objects, art, and photographs.
- Start with larger items first to create the back or tallest layer for your styled surface.
- Small artwork pieces create great shelving backdrops when you lean them against the wall and layer in smaller objects in front of them.
- Then, layer in plants (it’s okay to use faux plants if you don’t have a green thumb), unique stone or metal shapes, vases, and the currently popular chain link decor.
- Is there a quote that inspires you? Print it out and frame it. This is a great place to include family photos. If you don’t have closed storage, you can use decorative boxes and baskets to store items like office supplies, paperwork, books that aren’t display worthy, magazines, and more.
One of my favorite home office projects was for a very successful builder. I found a box of old toy construction trucks in his garage, and voilá – playful, relevant decor! The goal is to include items that inspire you and elevate your mindset to feel liek the boss that you are (or want to be).
Also, please do not over clutter your space with furniture and things. But please do replace your commercial office chair from Staples with one of these chic options:
CB2 Court Office Chair, $449
Pottery Barn Lisbon Cane Swivel Desk Chair, $499
Lulu and Georgia Adelai Office Chair, $679
West Elm Crescent Office Chair, $449