No matter where we have lived, we’ve always had home offices. When we were first married it was a spare bedroom with a desk. That was the only thing in there, because we didn’t have a lot of furniture. Today, we’re at the other end of the spectrum with too much stuff.
One of my goals for this month is to get our home office into shape. Right now, it’s a hot mess. My husband and I share the room, so we have lots of crowded bookshelves. Over the years, it has become a dumping ground for anything we didn’t really have a place for: old martial arts uniforms, games, art supplies, craft projects, toys, books, guitars, etc. You name it, and it’s probably in here.
I’m ready to have a fab home office. Architecturally, the space is great. The office is part of an addition that we put on our 1970’s ranch style home. It’s a large room with 10′ high ceilings. When I designed the addition, one of our main requirements was that each room have lots of windows and at that the windows were on different walls. We knew that the south facing rooms would get hot, and that cross-ventilation from windows would make the rooms much cooler. The office has three large windows with transom windows above, so it has lots of sunshine, and the cross breeze from the open windows can be almost chilly.
Anyway, my goal is to find a new home for the all the stuff that is stored in there and make it a proper office. I might even be able to find the top of my drawing table. Maybe.
Designing Home Offices
As I was gathering images for this post, I noticed some common design elements that made these offices so lovely. These elements are not necessary for a good home office, they just give your space a little oomph. So, if you’re designing a new office, or looking at a home office revamp, try to incorporate these elements.
Windows
Not only do they bring in natural daylight and fresh air, they give you something to look at. Sometimes you just need to stare out the window until the right words come along.
Bookshelves
Bookshelves are an easy way to add some design flair to an office. Floor to ceiling built-in shelves always look good, and are a fairly easy DIY project.
Storage
In addition to bookshelves, you’ll need some kind of storage. Cabinets, file drawers, bins, and baskets are all great ways to keep your office clutter free. Wayfair has lots of really nice looking file cabinets – definitely not the old school metal kind.
Flooring
A wood floor adds warmth to a home office. Pair it with a nice rug and you’re good to go. Just don’t do those plastic desk chair mats. Ick.
Design Inspiration: Home Offices
Here’s my Houzz Ideabook of fifteen inspirational home offices:
Did you see anything that inspired you? I’d love to have the office with the bookshelves and library ladder.
Be sure to pin this for later!
