1. MERGE THE OFFICE WITH A LOUNGING AREA
If you're wondering how to work from home effectivity, consider designing a multipurpose room that easily melds work, lounging, and fun for a more functional and well-rounded home.
2. INSERT A HOME OFFICE IN THE LIVING ROOM
A living room TV cabinet can perform double duty as a desk space if cleverly designed. As well as storing the obvious television and all its wires and paraphernalia, including a small section complete with floating shelves allows it to transition into a workspace. Simply add a chair and a table lamp and you’ve created a perfectly useful home office.
3. ADD JEWEL TONES TO THE OFFICE
If you have an open-plan space and want to give the work area a distinct identity, zone it with home office lighting and color. Avoiding obvious ‘office’ furniture will ensure it still integrates easily into a living room.
4. PAINT THE CEILING
For a unique home office paint idea, create a cocooning vibe with dark colors on the ceiling. Consider a semi-gloss finish so the room feels more like a decorated jewel box than a purely utilitarian space.
5. BRING IN CUSTOM STORAGE
Perhaps the most important element for the success of any home office is its storage. The better, smarter the storage is, the more practical and functional the space is. Consider custom built-in storage – and other thoughtful design touches– for laptop storage and other accessories as this will elevate a home office.
6. LAYER THE OFFICE WITH SOFT FURNISHINGS
A great way to add depth to a modern home office is with layering furnishings to give the room a soft, tactile vibe. ‘When a room’s architecture is linear, adding upholstered details brings a welcome softness. In this space, we even chose a tasseled chandelier,’ says Emily Munroe, founder of Studio Munroe.
7. HIDE THE OFFICE INSIDE A CABINET
Don't have a sprawling home with ample space for a home office? Consider a closet office, that does not take up extra square footage yet works perfectly as a calm, functional area.
8. ADD A SEATING NOOK FOR RELAXING
Who doesn't love a little downtime in the middle of a hectic workday? If your home office has the luxury of extra space, consider adding a seating nook or a home library. Add a fluted glass divider for privacy.
'An adjacent custom desk nook and a seating nook were designed to be of the same depth and in the same colored laminate, with a feature screen of Translucent Danpal between them,' says Melanie Yard of Hindley & Co.
9. PLAY WITH SHAPES
Give your apartment office a unique look. Using different shapes can turn your space into something special – the key is to bring in pieces that offer strong contrast. Here, a constrained though exciting color palette allows the linear and curved lines to take center stage.
10. CONSIDER A COLOR BLOCK TO ADD INTEREST
A home office doesn’t have to be a somber, staid space. Generous use of color – such as the vibrant teal seen in this bedroom office – will lift the mood no matter how long your to-do list is.