Today, we’re transforming that old “boring” office space into something spectacular! I’ve designed a calming space, with a peaceful ambiance, to help you clear your mind and stay focused on the task at hand! So follow along as I show you the perfect Serene Neutral Home Office!
If you’re anything like me you’re probably having flashbacks of your old corporate office; including a drab dark room with glaring fluorescent lights, a cubicle filled with mismatched leftover office furniture, stacks of papers in manila folders and even a red Swingline stapler!
Whether you’re a girl boss working from home or just simply need a dedicated workspace for occasional use, a home office space that’s practical, productive and pretty is a must!
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With many of us choosing to work from home, instead of commuting to work, the home office has become an increasingly popular space to design. Surprisingly, there’s a lot more to consider when designing a functional workspace than simply finding the right desk or selecting the perfect chair.
The overall design of an office space plays an important role in productivity and mood. Our goal is to create a calming atmosphere, avoiding anything too overwhelming or distracting. Think warm minimalism. Be selective with furnishings and décor, less is more, narrowing down to pieces you truly love and that work with your overall color palette. Avoid punchy bright colors and stick with a neutral palette. Soft tones like creamy whites, soothing grays, earthy browns, soft pinks, and calming beiges are much easier on the eyes than bright yellows, glaring oranges, and loud reds.
To ensure a well-designed workspace, think about the layout of the room and what your specific home office needs are. Don’t forget to consider things like ergonomics, movement ability, privacy, storage options, lighting and even outlet placement. These can impact both comfort and the overall efficiency of your space.
Desk 1 | Desk 2 | Desk 3 | Desk 4
Your desk is the primary focus of your office space and deserves special consideration when selecting this piece of furniture. Because who wants a stylish desk that isn’t functional!
First, let’s start by measuring your space. This will help you choose the appropriate desk size in relation to your workspace. Also, consider the placement of the desk. Will it be in the center of the room, placed against a wall, or angled in a corner? Next, think about the purpose of the desk and what exactly you’ll be using it for. What type of device do you have, a laptop or computer? Do you need space for additional office equipment, such as monitors, keyboards, printers, etc.? Will you need storage options? All of these questions will help you select the right desk for your specific needs, keeping you both productive and well organized.
For the desk style of our Serene Neutral Home Office, I opted for a modern frame with straight clean lines, which compliments the space. Options like THIS from West Elm or THIS desk from Target have simple frames, which create versatility and will allow for easy design changes in the future. Natural wood is such a great option, adding warmth to the space and giving it that “lived-in” feel. Not to mention it goes beautifully with our neutral color palette design!
Chair 1 | Chair 2 | Chair 3 | Chair 4
Of course, our office chair should be stylish and chic, a statement piece if you will, but don’t overlook the importance of structure and comfort! Considering the endless hours we spend hunched over our desks, I promise your back and tush will thank me later!
Besides comfort, you’ll also want to consider optional features like adjustable height, swivel bases, and rolling casters.
How gorgeous is THIS linen upholstery chair, from McGhee & CO. Honestly, it’s so visually appealing it’s hard to look away! The soft cream color and woven linen brighten the space, while the curved armrests and lengthened lines add a touch of sophistication and elegance. The hidden rolling casters are sure to provide effortless movement throughout your workspace.
Bookcase 1 | Bookcase 2 | Bookcase 3
A bookcase is a timeless piece of furniture and adds the perfect amount of design aesthetic to our Serene Neutral Home Office space. It not only creates dimension, by adding height but will keep you organized with easy access to storage.
Whether you’re a book lover with your own library, need the perfect spot to showcase family photos, or have special keepsakes that need a spotlight, this open shelving design allows your favorite personal items to be on display.
The black iron mixed with tempered glass and brass hardware detailing give THIS cabinet a poised and dramatic look. It’s such a great statement piece and has a whole mood of its own! I put together a few other selections I think you’ll enjoy as well.
With your unique pieces in place, it’s time to incorporate a few accent pieces for added layering. To avoid a cluttered look be sure to play with sizing, mixing in some larger pieces throughout.
Rug 1 | Rug 2 | Rug 3 | Rug 4
Our serene home office isn’t complete without a rug! Choosing the right rug will add both visual appeal and interest to this space while pulling together the overall design of the room.
Selecting the correct rug size and color will help keep things easy. Play around with patterns, textures and shades. To keep this space cozy, stick to neutral tones and avoid anything too distracting or overwhelming. This will prevent your rug from overpowering other furnishings. THIS oriental rug from Wayfair is at the top of my list thanks to its antique vintage inspiration, detailing and texture, and affordability!
A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug color that’s lighter than the wood finish on your floor. Also, steer clear of the high pile, sheep skin, and tufted rugs, unless you’re a fan of “Rock’em Sock’em” rugs because it’ll be your office chair vs. your rug EVERY SINGLE DAY!
I hope these design and styling tips inspire you to create a Serene Neutral Home Office of your own. Happy designing!
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Struggling to design a space in your home? Check out my custom shop links HERE, with an optional 1:1 consultation bonus offer, for an even more customized final design! For more design inspiration, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
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