Creating the Perfect Home Office

Now that I work exclusively from home, the importance of having a thoughtfully and beautifully designed home office has never been greater. Like many if you, it’s no longer enough to simply pull up a chair to the dining room table or “carve out a corner” in the library.

The perfect home office can not only improve your productivity and work-life balance, it can actually affect your overall well-being. But what makes a home office truly “perfect”? It’s different for everyone. For me it’s a combination of functionality and organization, with a dash of my (evolving) personal style.

First Things First: Finding A Desk That Works

Your desk is the foundation of your office space, so don’t skimp. For too many years, I “made do” with a TV cabinet with a sliding surface, which I turned into a “desk.” It was cramped. The view was into a wooden cubby. And it certainly did not inspire me to write! (I recently purchased a new desk that gives me plenty of surface area, enough room under the desk to swivel, and even drawers. It’s been something of a revelation.)

Any tiny surface might seem efficient, but, like me, you’ll quickly outgrow it. Instead, choose a desk that provides ample room for your computer or laptop, writing tasks, a desk lamp, inbox, and space to spread out when needed. It’s also good when judging surface size to consider the kind of work you do. My son, for example, works on detailed spreadsheets and uses three monitors. One of my closest friends is a graphic designer who needs to spread out printed pieces to compare and contrast. An L shaped desk may be just the thing. Or, for smaller spaces, you may opt for a small desk, but include a secondary piece of furniture to hold items such as a printer, reference books, etc.

Splurge on the Comfiest Chair You Can Find

This is another piece that I skimped on for years (until my back really started to bother me).

Trust me, you’ll be spending hours in this chair. So, make it a good one. (My new chair rocks, swivels, adjusts in height, rolls… it practically cooks me dinner.) Invest in an ergonomic, adjustable chair with lumbar support. Features like adjustable height, tilt, armrests, and breathable fabric are 100% worth a higher initial purchase price over time.

Optimize the Room’s Layout

If you have a dedicated office, congrats! Unfortunately, many of us have rooms that must serve double duty. My own “office” is part of an existing library (which, from a design standpoint is A-OK with me!). If your own home office will be worked into an existing room, getting the layout right is crucial.

For example, how you position your desk can greatly influence your productivity and mood. (As I mentioned, staring into a wooden cubby just wasn’t cutting it for me!)

Facing a Window. This layout gives you natural light and a view, which can help reduce stress and eye strain. However, glare on screens can be an issue, so make sure to use adjustable blinds, glare filters or, like me, gauzy sheers.

Facing Outward Into the Room. This arrangement creates a sense of openness and control over your environment. It’s perfect if you need to keep an eye on the household (kids, pets). Or, if you meet with clients. But this layout does take up loads of space.

Facing a Wall. For me, this is the least desirable option. But, it can be ideal for anyone who is too easily distracted. While a wall will minimize visual interruptions, it’s important to add some art or inspo boards to keep it from feeling too closed-in.

Let There Be Light!

According to the NIH in “Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood,” natural light boosts mood, reduces headaches, and helps maintain a normal sleep-wake cycle. So, position your desk near a window, if possible. If you room has limited windows, strategic placement of a large mirror can reflect existing natural light, doubling the effect.

You can also supplement with layered lighting: a good overhead light, a bright task lamp, and some soft accent lighting like a floor or table lamp near or behind you. Lighting impacts everything from your focus to your video call quality, so don’t underestimate its power.

You Can Never Have Too Much Storage

A successful office balances both open and closed storage. Open bookshelves allow you to keep favorite reads, reference materials, printers, and supplies in pretty baskets within easy reach.

Don’t forget decorative objects that are inspirational, even if they don’t make sense to anyone else. For example, my own office bookcases contain a random assortment of things including a ukelele, a brass vintage car horn, and a music box from Venice.

Closed storage, whether cupboards or file drawers, helps keep those less aesthetic (but still important) items like extra cords and office supplies hidden but nearby. If you deal with a lot of paper documents, file folders, or receipts, or a labeled filing is a absolute must to stay organized.

Distractions? Close the Door

If you’re lucky enough to have a room with a door for your home office, be sure to make the most of it. Being able to close the door eliminates distractions, creates boundaries, and fosters a healthier work-life balance (simply shut the door when you are done for the day!).

If your space doesn’t have a door (sadly, mine does not), consider installing one. Or, if you rent, try a room divider or curtains for some added privacy.

Create a Home Office Style That Reflects Your Personality

When I was working in the office, I was at the mercy of whoever had designed it. The wall color (sad beige with an “accent wall” of navy blue), the furniture (massive, masculine wood) and the lighting (hideous florescent) was all beyond my control. But, my home office allows my creativity to run free!

For example, color plays a big role in the energy and mood of the space. And it’s important to choose a palette that feels inspiring to you:

Soothing pastels or neutrals. Pale blue, blush pink, beige, or soft mint create a calm, feminine vibe. I chose a soft sage green, with lots of floral and bird prints for my home office. Stepping into the space feels like eternal spring!

Deep wood tones. Dark wood, combined with dark hues (oxblood, navy, evergreen, charcoal) bring a sense of tradition and authority. Perfect if you favor the “dark academia” look.

Vibrant colors. (teal, coral, yellow) gives a space a fun, energetic feel. My daughter, a talented artist, favors these joyful tones and, to me, her space always feels like a party is just about to erupt.

Make it yours! A gallery wall, a fun rug, or framed photos can instantly infuse the space your personality. Pretty drapes, a toss pillow, a small side table make it feel more finished. And, don’t forget the small, but oh-so-practical details that can make all the difference, such as:

Electric mug warmer, Keeps your coffee or tea hot throughout long meetings. (I “won” one in an office Yankee Swap and because I drink so much tea, it’s my favorite thing ever!).

Tablet or phone stand. Perfect for keeping video calls hands-free or following online instructions.

Decorative but practical accessories: A pretty stapler (mine is floral), a porcelain pencil cup, or a unique mousepad make daily tasks a little more enjoyable.

A nice wastebasket: No one said trash cans have to be ugly! Opt for cottage-y wicker, pretty painted wood, or another style that matches your room.

A small speaker or white noise machine: Ideal for concentration or blocking out background noise (alternatively, I have been known to open a tab to You Tube and listen to ocean waves for 8 hours straight… just saying).

Creating the perfect home office won’t happen overnight. It takes some thoughtful planning, a bit of an investment for quality essentials like a desk and chair, plus a healthy dash of creativity. Your office should be a space where you feel motivated, comfy, and most of all, inspired.