Cool Ideas On How To Spice Up Your Home Office

If you work from home, you know how important your workspace is. Here are a few home office decor ideas to help you maximize your productivity and create a work-friendly environment.

Home Office Themes

Minimalist Home Office

Bigger isn't always better, and more is not always the best. At times it's best to keep things as simple as possible. Too many accessories can be distracting, not to mention cause unnecessary clutter.

Nothing says sophisticated more than an ultra-modern minimalist look. This is best for a more formal workspace, for writers or design specialists who need a blank space without distractions to be able to think up new ideas.

Try to keep it simple. Avoid unnecessary accessories, especially on your desk. A simple desk without too many cabinets and compartments is best. A potted plant or two could be added as long as it doesn't upset the overall theme of understated efficiency. Choose functional furniture to maximize space and add to aesthetics. For colors, choose light, neutral hues like slate grey, white, or beige. Don't forget that neutral-colored walls make small spaces look bigger, so avoid bolder tones. Consider some simple artwork that complements your color scheme, such as a quiet landscape painting or some photographs.

Colorful Home Office

Sometimes you want to bring out the artist in you. Or you could just be the type who gets bored with staring at the same dull color scheme all day. In that case, maybe a more vibrant and verdant workspace is what you need.

Choose lighter-toned woods like white ash, maple, and white oak. Consider using patterned rugs, maybe a decorative bookshelf or armchair and even a complementary painting.

Avoid clashing colors. And remember that color needs light, so this works best in a well-lit room, particularly natural lighting if possible. If it's not possible, try to avoid fluorescent lights, which have a way of bleaching and distorting colors.

White-Themed Home Office

White not only make small spaces look bigger, but also adds a layer of sophistication and an avant-garde look to the interior.

As with most white-themed projects, remember to keep it simple. White gives a very neutral, reserved atmosphere, so anything out of place is bound to stand out. Even with that being said, don't be scared to experiment a little. Try dark wood, light wood, or even mix the two together. Add other light or natural hues to bring a little color to the environment.

Nature-Themed Home Office

Some people are more outdoorsy and don't like the idea of being cooped up in an office all day, even if that office happens to be at home. Such people should consider more woodsy designs, with lots of natural light and good ventilation to give that impression of being in the great outdoors.

Mix different wood colors and themes. A great idea would be to try and match the tree types native to your environment to further add to the illusion of being outside.

Dark Home Office

This is another good interior design idea, especially for more formal office settings or maybe even a tech start up. It gives an air of seriousness and a no-nonsense attitude to help you focus on the task at hand, while at the same time being simple enough to allow you to bring forth new ideas without distraction. Think about bringing in darker woods like red mahogany if you're going for a man-cave look, or maybe steel furniture for a more modern atmosphere. Complement the mood with lighter-themed pictures, though not with too much color, so not as to tip the balance of the darker theme.

Blue-Themed Home Office

Blue is a very work-friendly and productive color, which is why it is seen in so many offices. It has a natural calming effect and can help reduce the stress that one is bound to accumulate after a long day in the office. If going for a seaside theme or using ocean blue, try mixing in some soft greens or whites. Don't forget how important lighting is in this situation to avoid creating a stormier look (unless of course that is your intention).

Add some softer-toned wood, especially beech wood if you're using a seaside theme. Bring in some decorative accessories such seashells, ocean stones, and even some sea-themed paintings.

You can also keep it as simple and minimalist as possible, for a calming environment. This might be especially good for those who work with other individuals on a daily basis.

Victorian-Themed Home Office

Popular especially among writers or romantics who like to work in the atmosphere of classic Victorian England. Admittedly this might be a bit pricy to pull off, but if you're willing to spend the money, I'm sure you'll see it's worth it. Try to avoid more modern fixtures like stainless steel or monochromatic art. Envision deep brown mahogany, soft-colored light spilling through the curtains, and a soft armchair in the corner for brainstorming or relaxing. Try an old Victorian-styled rug, some period appropriate artwork, and maybe even a tea set (the image of a typical English room isn't complete without it).

Be adventurous and try some animal prints like tiger or zebra, which were considered extremely exotic then.

Key Principles

Lighting

Generally, most experts will tell you that natural lighting is the best, especially for bigger spaces and rooms with large windows. If natural lighting is not an option, it's best to go with daylight LED lighting and avoid fluorescent lights. This helps boost productivity and alertness as it most closely mimics a natural daylight setting. Try to ensure the workspace is well lit to prevent eyestrain and those pesky end-of-the-day migraines.

Home Office Space

Light colors make small spaces appear larger, while darker hues tend to shrink rooms. With this being said, I'd advise anybody working out of a smaller office to try and go with lighter tones. Avoid unnecessary clutter and the temptation to fill your desk space with useless (but oddly satisfying) knickknacks. Another neat trick is to pull all the furniture and fixtures away from the wall to give the illusion of spaciousness.

On the flip side of that, if dealing with a larger space, the rules change a bit. Some things remain the same, like the advice to use natural lighting. But in this situation, you have more leeway to use bolder colors and more adventurous designs. Try not to leave too much empty floor or wall space. Add decorative rugs, paintings, fixtures, or floral arrangements. Just be careful not to go overboard and make it too cozy. It's an office, not a living room.

Home Office Accessories

Don't be scared to add some life to your workplace. Some accessories can be aesthetic and still retain their functional value. Try to follow the primary color scheme and theme. Bring in pencil holders, rugs, lamps, desk knickknacks, and even plants.

Don't forget that your walls also make up part of your work area, so hang up some paintings or figures. Try to find a balance between empty and being over-cluttered.