Home office ideas

If you work from home, you know how hard it is to avoid distractions and stay focused throughout the workday. Between chores and kids, there’s always someone or something demanding your attention. This is why a home office is essential! The ability to shut yourself into a private room is invaluable, especially in the pandemic era when everyone is spending more time at home than usual. Here are some great ideas on how to create a great office space in your own home.

A home office with a view with lots of natural lighting. Design: Bibby Fine Interiors

Finding the space 

If your home is on the smaller side—or you have a big family—you may have a tough time finding space for your home office. This is the time to get creative with your home office solutions. If you don’t have a designated office you will have to find a space in another room that can double up as an office – either temporarily or long term. How about taking over a spare closet, an empty corner or an open space under your stairs?  You could even try building a wall-mount desk to squeeze a workspace into a bedroom or quiet hallway. Also make the most of your vertical space, shelves and office wall systems are great space savers.

Choose the Right Colors

 When it comes to decorating your home office, choosing the perfect colors will elicit inspiration and positivity. Going for neutral colors are generally the best choice for calm office spaces but if you want to inject some color, then our favorite other office color is blue – blue is an intellectual color and is great for office spaces as it represents efficiency and is a favorite of many home owners. If your job requires concentration and mental focus, this a great color to go for. As blue is next to green on the color wheel, your paint selection can also include some balancing green hues. Here are some of our favorite blues for offices.  

For subtle blues we love Benjamin Moore’s Yarmouth and Farrow & Ball Borrowed Light, if you are looking for a bolder blue then why not try Benjamin Moore’s Amsterdam and Farrow & Ball Stone Blue and for a moody dark blue we just love Newbury Port Blue from Benjamin Moore and Hague Blue from Farrow & Ball.

And why not be more adventurous, colors can even be introduced by using wallpaper on an accent wall, on the inside of a book case or on selected walls.  

Not sure which paint combinations to use, then try our easy to use Colour guides or contact us for a Paint consultation.

Incorporate Natural Elements

Besides painting your room in calming colors, there are other ways to incorporate calming natural elements into your home-based workspace. Choose natural materials like a wooden desk and shelves, wicker and a wool or woven jute or rattan rug to decorate and furnish your office, read more here about how bring in natural elements into your workspace. And another of my favorite décor ideas, filling your office with houseplants or a beautiful vase with flowers can help you relieve stress, boost your productivity, and clean your air.

Need some glam?

 If your home office is going to double up as your conference room for virtual meetings then your overall impression to clients is so important – for a more executive look bring in some black accents and if you want a more feminine touch, then brass is sure to be a hit! Need a zoom background in the meantime? Then download one here

Create a glam office with a marble and brass desk, velvet chairs and a luxurious rug with sparkly light sources. Design: Bibby Fine Interiors

Invest in Quality Furnishings

Your home office furnishings can make or break your remote work experience, so invest in pieces that will keep you comfortable and organized. Start by looking for a work desk that will accommodate your workflow. For example, if your business mostly involves computer work, invest in a workstation designed for ergonomic keyboard and monitor placement. If you generate a lot of paperwork, find a desk with a large surface so you can spread everything out.

 Make sure your desk chair is similarly comfortable and ergonomic. An adjustable desk chair with comfortable armrests and proper seat depth is essential for protecting your back and joints during long hours spent sitting.

 Upgrade Your Lighting

 When it comes to office comfort, lighting is too often overlooked. But lighting can have a significant impact on your overall productivity, mood, and energy levels when you’re working in your office. Try to light your office with a combination of natural light, task lighting, and overhead ambient lighting to reduce eyestrain when you’re working at the computer. Adjustable desk lamps are great for directing light to documents and notepads when you need to take your eyes off the screen.  

This marble lamp creates great lighting and style to this glam home office. Design: Bibby Fine Interiors

Let us help you create that people office space

Your home business needs space to grow and thrive. Without a dedicated home workspace, it can be tough to find the motivation and inspiration you need to take your big project to the next level. Design your home office intentionally and with your personal workflow in mind. And if you need design help, Bibby Fine Interiors offers online interior design services and design consulting to point you in the right direction. Get in touch, by booking your FREE 15 minute discovery call to get your project on the way!

This blog post was written in collaboration with Lisa Walker of Neighborhood sprout, all design work by Bibby Fine Interiors.