Get Inspired to Create the Home Office Setup of Your Dreams (2024)

For this delightful office nook, designer Michelle Woolley Sauter of One Coast Design relied on a bold mural wallpaper for visual appeal. "To add a touch of charm, we adorned the walls with a breathtaking mural wallpaper inspired by the vibrant culture of Charleston," Woolley Sauter says. "It's visually stunning and creates a serene and studious atmosphere perfect for learning and concentrating, with a touch of history."

There's no reason why your home office shouldn't reflect your personal interests. "When you incorporate art, objects, photos and even music into your office, it helps you stay connected to who you are and feel inspired throughout the day," says designer Tiffani Baumgart.

Yes, your office should be arranged to tackle your to-do list, but there's room to have a little fun too. The best place to start is with art that speaks to your taste. "When designing home offices, they are often part of a living space, offering flexibility for work and play," says Lathem Gordon of GordonDunning. "We wanted the client to be able to daydream a little while working, so we included a gallery wall of maps from places they had traveled."

A tiny, narrow office doesn't have to skimp on style. The easiest decorating choice you can make in this type of layout? Luxe-looking window treatments! "We dressed the windows with multiple layers of window treatments to allow the client to shade her eyes and monitor as the sun moves through this sunny space which has windows on three sides," says designer Caroline Kopp.

If you're short on space and can't dedicate an entire room to a formal office setup, consider a secretary desk, which designer Maren Baker says can be placed right in a bedroom. "This can be closed off when not in use to go back to the calm of a primary suite," Baker says. "We hid the wireless printer in the cabinets beyond as it didn't need to be front and center."

If your idea of the perfect office is cozy and moody, then a dark paint color is for you. Take a cue from Hattie Collins of Hattie Spark Interiors, who let Farrow & Ball's De Nimes dominate this office. "The blue really envelops you when you're in the room, and the custom goldenrod velvet sofa really shines against the blue shade,"
Collins says. "It's a space to retreat and get a little work done, or relax, and have a glass of wine at the end of the day."

You might only think of displaying framed art on top of your bookshelves to add personality to your home office. However, installing a statement piece over your bookshelf is a go-to interior design trick that's worth trying. Along with being full of visual appeal, it's a simple way to free up space on shelves for things like books and office essentials.

Weaving in furniture that is typically reserved for living spaces can add character to a home office layout. This spacious, picture-perfect setup benefits from a large wooden table paired with a set of acrylic chairs for a touch of glam.

Secure a hutch to the top of your desk, whether the shelves are used for storing supplies or displaying a chic collection of home decor. In this neutral space, designed by Hearth Homes Interiors, the warm wood desk complements the white walls and paneled ceiling.

Find a moody shade and use it on walls, trim and the ceiling like interior designer Mary Beth Christopher of MBC Interior Design does here. Striking gold lighting fixtures serve as the perfect contrast.

With white cabinets and countertops on each wall, this spacious home office is brought to life with colorful accents — a vibrant floral wallpaper, bright pink area rugs and green desk chairs.

This sophisticated office space, designed by Sarah Stacey, has calming green walls and dark wood tones. The area rug's playful pattern and intriguing color scheme warms up the room.

Outfitting an entire room with patterned wallpaper isn't for everyone, so sticking to just one wall can make just as much of an impact. Complete the look with a stylish accent table, daybed and floor lamp.

Pick up some chalkboard paint and turn your monthly schedule into a chic accent wall. You may want to use small strips of wood to form straight lines, plus wooden letters to mark each day of the week.

If you have a limited amount of square footage, a multipurpose layout might be for you. Simply combine your work area with your mudroom-pantry setup to make the most of your space.