Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Home Offices That Earn Their Keep
If your home office is a yawn or not doing its job, these design ideas for functional style can help boost its performance
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/),... More »
Whether your home office is the hub of a fledgling business or simply the nook where you pay bills and browse the Internet, you deserve to have a space that reflects your style and supports your needs. Join us as we take a look at eight beautiful examples and gather ideas to make your home office a place you look forward to spending time in.
Browse hundreds of home office photos
Browse hundreds of home office photos
by Lovejoy Designs
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Start a home office wish list. Let yourself daydream about what you would want in your home office if the sky were the limit. List colors, materials and specific pieces of furniture you've been eyeing, as well as the general look and feel you are after. You may also want to start a visual inspiration file or ideabook to keep everything together.
Style idea: Paint the interior of your bookcases for a fresh new look on a budget.
Style idea: Paint the interior of your bookcases for a fresh new look on a budget.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
How many people will be using the space? Will other members of your household need to use this space too? If you run a business from home, will you be seeing clients? If so, you may want to install a double workspace and add a few extra chairs to the room to accommodate visitors.
Style idea: Blend traditional elements (crystal chandelier, ribbon-trimmed drapes) with mod chairs and plenty of white for a look that feels current and fun.
Style idea: Blend traditional elements (crystal chandelier, ribbon-trimmed drapes) with mod chairs and plenty of white for a look that feels current and fun.
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Do you run a paperless office? If the answer is yes, you might want to rethink your furniture needs. Many offices today can run quite efficiently with a simple table, a comfortable chair and good lighting. If you work on a laptop, you could even forgo the office altogether and simply set up your computer on the dining table or kitchen counter as needed. Style idea: Consider using a wall-mounted lamp to save desk space. How to go paperless in your home office |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Or do you need lots of storage? Be honest. If you print lots of documents or have hard copies of important records that must be saved, you will need a more substantial filing and storage system. Don't scrimp! When you don't allow enough room for what you have, clutter gets out of control. That said, you may be saving more than you really need to, so don't go buy more storage when you could recycle excess documents instead. Style idea: I am a huge fan of cubby-style shelving in the office. Cubbies take up less visual space than giant cabinets and armoires, and when used in conjunction with baskets, they easily keep things neat and orderly. Clutter-Clearing 101 |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Look beyond office furniture. Who says you have to use a black plastic office chair and a matching set of desk accessories from the office supply store? If you are looking to personalize your space, the first step is to ditch the generic in favor of more creative furnishings.
Style ideas: Recover a standard-issue office chair in luxurious velvet or a fun, modern print. Use Lucite trays, china tea cups, compote dishes and vases as impromptu organizers.
Style ideas: Recover a standard-issue office chair in luxurious velvet or a fun, modern print. Use Lucite trays, china tea cups, compote dishes and vases as impromptu organizers.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Running a business from home? In that case, you will likely need more room to spread out. A repurposed dining table is just the right size to serve as a hub for meetings and idea development. You could even take over the actual dining room at certain times of day until you are able to set up a dedicated office.
Style ideas: A pair of industrial-style pendant lights and an oversize wall clock play with scale in this spacious office. A graceful upholstered bench and stone urns add a classical note.
Style ideas: A pair of industrial-style pendant lights and an oversize wall clock play with scale in this spacious office. A graceful upholstered bench and stone urns add a classical note.
| Make use of odd spaces. Another great setup for a home business, this space takes full advantage of the steeply sloped attic ceilings with built-in desks and cabinets. More Ways to Make Use of the Attic |
by Emily Ruddo
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Make an impact with bold color. Even if you veer toward white and soft neutrals in other areas of the home, the home office can be the perfect place to experiment with a hot new color. Bold hues that might feel like too much in a large living room can be just the thing to wake up a tiny office nook.
Style ideas: An art wall is a nice addition to any home office and looks especially smart on a brilliant blue wall. Try arranging your frames on the floor before putting holes in your walls to avoid mishaps.
More:
28 Great Real-Life Home Offices
9 Ways to Enjoy Your Home Office More
Style ideas: An art wall is a nice addition to any home office and looks especially smart on a brilliant blue wall. Try arranging your frames on the floor before putting holes in your walls to avoid mishaps.
More:
28 Great Real-Life Home Offices
9 Ways to Enjoy Your Home Office More
Comments
Allison A I love these! I have a really small office space, so had to get creative when chosing my furniture pieces. Check it out, I hope you like it!
by Allison A
by Allison A
Ideabook: Our Home - Allison A13 months ago · Like
· 
5
5
Becky Harris You've found some gorgeous offices that I hadn't seen before; it's inspiring me to go attack mine, which would be great tax preparation procrastination after I'm done with work today!
13 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. I love the attic space. Lots of surface space is best. Great ideas.
13 months ago · Like
· 1
1
Bright Bold and Beautiful I never get tired of looking at creative home offices. Here is a peek at mine! http://goo.gl/13KO1 or view the images on Houzz http://goo.gl/CY1Rh 
13 months ago · Like
· 9
9
Jim Jacques Executive suite Aliso Viejo http://www.unitedvirtualoffice.com/ 
5 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook updated on April 13, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
basements · bedrooms · dining rooms · entries · family rooms · garage and sheds · halls · home offices · landscapes · laundry rooms · powder rooms · wine cellars and more.
