Transforming your home office into a productive and inspiring workspace can significantly impact your work-from-home experience. Earlier this week, we offered a glimpse into our own attic conversion, which served as our initial home office setup. However, it was far from ideal, characterized by mismatched furniture and a generally cluttered environment. The existing paint job was, frankly, a disaster. It was time for a change.
With both my husband and myself working from home, albeit on different schedules, the need for a functional and comfortable shared workspace became paramount. Our requirements were clear: a clutter-free environment, both visually and practically, with ample storage solutions. We envisioned a space that fostered calmness and productivity, a place where we could spend extended periods without feeling confined or restless. These were our essential goals for the home office makeover.
Our approach to this room makeover may deviate from conventional wisdom, but we prioritized furniture selection before addressing the paint. While some prefer to paint first, we found it more logical to define the space with furniture and then choose a color palette that complemented it. To each their own!
We were incredibly fortunate and excited to collaborate with Haworth, a leading manufacturer of high-quality office furniture and workspace solutions. While their primary focus is on corporate environments, they also offer an online store catering to residential and small business customers. This was a game-changer for our home office project.
After careful measurement and planning, we opted for a black, white, and beechwood color scheme, aiming to create a light and airy atmosphere in our office. We abandoned the L-shaped desk configuration from our previous setup and instead chose two long desks positioned side-by-side, facing the window. Given that the room only has one window with a decent view, we wanted to maximize its impact. Furthermore, taking occasional breaks to gaze outside can be a refreshing change of pace.
With the primary furniture and storage solutions in place, it was time to focus on additional updates and accessories. Top priorities included a ceiling fan (essential for combating the summer heat in our poorly insulated attic) and insulating shades for the window to regulate temperature year-round. A quick search on LampsPlus yielded a perfectly-sized fan for our sloped ceiling, while Blinds.com provided the ideal top-down, bottom-up cell shades. Heat-related crises averted!
I firmly believe that every room benefits from a rug, which instantly enhances its coziness and inviting atmosphere. Since this space is a *home* office, I aimed to create a comfortable and personalized environment. We incorporated a faux cowhide rug (surprisingly durable and easy to clean), an array of throw pillows, and a comfortable chair for lounging with a laptop. The addition of plants and artwork completed the transformation.
Before adding the accessories and window treatments, we addressed the walls with a fresh coat of paint. Ideally, painting should precede installing anything on the walls or windows. While we considered skim coating to smooth out the textured walls, we ultimately opted for a matte finish paint, which helps to minimize imperfections and reduce contrast. We chose a neutral white for the ceiling and trim and a light gray for the walls. The new colors dramatically improved the ambiance of our office, making it feel significantly more spacious compared to the previous sage green and yellow hues.
And there you have it – our fresh and functional home office makeover, affectionately known as the Laptop Lounge! This transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design choices and strategic furniture selection can elevate a workspace, promoting productivity and well-being.
Home Office Source List
For those interested in replicating aspects of our home office design, here’s a comprehensive source list. If any details are missing, feel free to inquire in the comments section below.
- Desks: Reside Angled Desk (Haworth)
- Desk Chairs: Very Home Chair – Upholstered Back (Haworth)
- Rug: Grand Canyon (Loloi Rugs)
- Filing Cabinets: Compose Mobile Pedestal (Haworth)
- Credenza: Planes Low Height Credenza (Haworth)
- Task Lights: Pixo Desk Lamp (Haworth)
- Ceiling Fan/Light: Minka Aire Spacesaver White Hugger Ceiling Fan (LampsPlus)
- Window Coverings: Super Insulating Triple Cell Shade (Blinds.com)
- Pillows: Fall 2014 Collection (LoLoi Rugs)
- Dog Bed: Sheepsking Bed (Skookum Dog)
- Lounge Chair: Locust Mari Canvas Butterfly Chair Cover + Brass Chair Frame (Urban Outfitters)
- Side Table: Stump Table (Kalon Studios)
- Wall Shelves: Sand Melamine Shelves + Shelf Clip Brackets (The Container Store)
- Wall Art: Custom Pet Portrait by Jo Chambers, The Pug by Evie Kemp, Sami Woman by Lisa Congdon, Moonrise Kingdom print by Lauren Gregg.
- Wall Paint: Classic Gray in matte (Benjamin Moore)
- Ceiling Paint: Simply White in matte (Benjamin Moore)
- Trim/Doors/Baseboards: Simply White in eggshell (Benjamin Moore)
For even more insights and “before” photos, be sure to explore the original post.
Disclaimer: Haworth, LampsPlus, Blinds.com, and Loloi Rugs generously provided products for this makeover. All expressed viewpoints and opinions are solely my own.
Keywords: Home office, office makeover, workspace design, Haworth furniture, office decor, small office ideas, productivity, home office setup, office organization, design inspiration.
Creating an efficient and attractive home office can greatly improve your focus, reduce stress, and make working from home more enjoyable. This guide offers practical tips and real-life examples to help you transform your workspace into a haven of productivity. Whether you’re starting from scratch or simply looking to refresh your current setup, you’ll find inspiration and actionable advice to create the perfect home office for your needs. Consider these elements when creating your home office:
- Ergonomics: Prioritize comfortable seating, proper desk height, and monitor placement to prevent strain and fatigue.
- Lighting: Maximize natural light and supplement with task lighting to reduce eye strain.
- Organization: Implement storage solutions to keep your workspace clutter-free and efficient.
- Personalization: Add personal touches, such as plants, artwork, and inspiring quotes, to create a welcoming and motivating environment.
- Technology: Ensure reliable internet access, invest in necessary equipment, and organize cables to maintain a productive workflow.
By considering these aspects, you can design a home office that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve your professional goals. Good luck with your home office transformation!