how-to-create-a-comfortable-home-office — Photo Credit: Emily Redfield

It’s 2022 and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we work has been flipped completely upside down. As companies were forced to send their workforce home over the last two years, more people are working from home, or in hybrid roles, than ever before. Whether you fall into this remote work category, run your business from your home, or simply prefer a designated space to pay bills and organize your family’s schedule, you deserve more than a desk and chair stuffed into a spare corner. Why? Because a home office that inspires and reflects the comfort of the rest of your home will motivate you to get the job done — whatever that job may be. To set you on a path toward a home office you love to work in, the Atelier Interior Design team has outlined our top home office design tips below.

It’s All About Location

If you’re working from home full-time, you’re bound to spend at least half of the day in your home office. Newsflash: that’s A LOT of time! That said, don’t stiff yourself on space by squishing into a closet or working from your dining room table. If your home has an additional room, such as a spare bedroom that is rarely used, take it! Also, consider where the location is, specifically the traffic flow around that location, and your capacity to ignore distractions that may arise from your family members, pets, etc.

home-office-design-tips — Photo Credit: Emily Redfield

Create Different Spaces

If we were giving you design tips for your living room or bedroom, we would tell you to create different spaces to maximize comfort. For example, in your bedroom, designate a seating space in which you can read, enjoy your morning coffee or simply kick back and do nothing. We give this same advice for home offices!

Let’s be real — sitting at your desk alllll day can be… blah. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a sofa you can turn to take calls or kick your feet up during your lunch break? Heck, even a bar cart stocked with your favorite cocktails to enjoy at the end of a long day? By creating different spaces in your home office, you can do just this! Here’s what we suggest:

A desk area dedicated to getting the bulk of your work done
A decluttered storage area for a printer, work-related paperwork, etc
A seating area - sofa, chairs, etc - to take calls or a mid-day break

Decorate as if it’s an Extension of Your Home….Because it is.

As your home and how you decorate it is a reflection of your personality, your home office should be too. This is key in not only making sure the space feels comfortable, but also that it continues to inspire and motivate you. We’re saying all of this to say, decorate the room with what you love!

Have a crazy wallpaper or bright wall color you’re into? Put it on the walls!

Do you love a bundle of fresh flowers? Throw a vase on your desk!

Have art or sculptures you’ve collected from your travels? Use our shelf styling tips to show them off on a bookcase!

Does your family motivate you? Put your favorite picture of you all together wherever it feels right!

Is the rest of your home full of fun throw pillows and blankets? Incorporate some into your office’s seating area!

In every way, your home office should be a reflection of who you are and what you love. It should also be a space you get excited to work from home every day. Own it and make it yours!

create-a-home-office — Photo Credit: Susie Brenner

Let There Be Light

Like with all spaces, lighting is of the utmost importance. To work effectively, and to avoid nasty headaches from eye strain, the appropriate lighting is necessary for a home office. To get even more light than what your overhead light puts off, consider adding a lamp onto or over your desk and if you have natural light streaming in, take advantage of it. Just make sure you position your computer screen, and ultimately your desk, so that there is no distracting glare.

Consider Form AND Function

Your desk, seating area, and storage solutions should serve you, not the other way around. Before investing in furniture, take into account your workflow and what items you need at your fingertips while working from your desk. Once you have a plan in mind, then you can look for pieces that are both beautiful and functional.

As this space is meant to be a reflection of the rest of your home, your office furniture should complement the vibe and design style of your home. If your home is contemporary, you can carry that into your office with modern, artistic furniture. If your home is warm and traditional, this can be reflected in your office with soft, comfy chairs or a loveseat.

See… creating a home office that’s inspiring and comfortable doesn’t have to be tricky! It’s easy to overthink when designing your home office, but if you remember this space is meant to be an extension of your home and personality, tackling it becomes much easier. For more expert interior design tips, visit the Atelier Interior Design Journal!