Home Office
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary study room in Melbourne with grey walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace surround and a built-in desk.

Camberwell Residence 1

George Marks Design

Contemporary home office in Melbourne.

Darlinghurst Penthouse

Anna Antoniades Architecture

An eclectic and sophisticated kaleidoscope of experiences provide an entertainer’s retreat from the urban surroundings. Fuelled by the dream of two inspiring clients to create an industrial warehouse space that was to be designed around their particular needs, we went on an amazing journey that culminated in a unique and exciting result. The unusual layout is particular to the clients’ brief whereby a central courtyard is surrounded by the entertainment functions, whilst the living and bedroom spaces are located on the perimeter for access to the city and harbour views. The generous living spaces can be opened to flow seamlessly from one to the other, but can also be closed off to provide intimate, cosy areas for reflection. With the inclusion of materials such as recycled face-brick, steel, timber and concrete, the main living spaces are rich and vibrant. The bedrooms, however, have a quieter palette providing the inhabitants a variety of experiences as they move through the spaces.

West Pennant Hills House

Danielle Victoria Design Studio P/L

A traditional home study office with oak joinery, dark walls and ceiling and herringbone timber floors
Photo of a transitional home office in Sydney.

Mosman Park

Studio Esar

The owners of this stunning Mosman Park home decided the only way was up when it came to their dream home, opting to add a modular second storey rather than buying an existing home or starting from scratch.

Offices & Bookcases

Webber Coleman Woodworks

Rustic White Interiors
Design ideas for a large transitional study room in Atlanta with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a freestanding desk and brown floor.

Comfortable and Collected

Ann Lowengart Interiors

The family living in this shingled roofed home on the Peninsula loves color and pattern. At the heart of the two-story house, we created a library with high gloss lapis blue walls. The tête-à-tête provides an inviting place for the couple to read while their children play games at the antique card table. As a counterpoint, the open planned family, dining room, and kitchen have white walls. We selected a deep aubergine for the kitchen cabinetry. In the tranquil master suite, we layered celadon and sky blue while the daughters' room features pink, purple, and citrine.

Modern Mediterranean

Space Lab Design Services LLC

Transitional home office in Seattle.

Desco

Barrow Builders Group

Inspiration for a transitional home office in Dallas with grey walls, medium hardwood floors, a freestanding desk and brown floor.

New Orleans Inspired on Yarrow Point

Kristi Spouse Interiors

Custom home designed with inspiration from the owner living in New Orleans. Study was design to be masculine with blue painted built in cabinetry, brick fireplace surround and wall. Custom built desk with stainless counter top, iron supports and and reclaimed wood. Bench is cowhide and stainless. Industrial lighting. Jessie Young - www.realestatephotographerseattle.com

Lincoln x CM Studio

CM Studio

Design ideas for a transitional home office in Chicago.

Golf Course Contemporary II

Peregrine Design Build

Photo of a large transitional home office in Burlington with a library, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and a freestanding desk.

Northville New Construction - Cabinetry

Emery Design | Build

Transitional home office in Detroit.

Tropical Home Office

Inspiration for a large tropical study room in Miami with carpet, a built-in desk, beige floor and grey walls.

Office

Dominic Fusco Studios

This space was a very small bedroom which was converted to an office, incorporating a custom built in wall unit maximizing one entire wall and a half closet on the adjacent wall. The additional depth of the half closet creates much needed cabinet space and an extra deep shelf for the printer.

Arbor Project

Rebekah Nicole Interiors

One of the most exciting transformations was the conversion of the third garage bay into a second home office and music jam room. Partnering with JC’s Remodeling, we reimagined this space to include: Custom white oak cabinetry with custom storage built for amps, cords, and other equipment. A mini dry bar featuring a smoked mirrored glass backsplash and a honed marble countertop. Soundproof wood slat acoustic panels for a modern, yet functional accent wall. A curved bookcase detail that integrates beautifully with the cabinetry and wood slat wall, creating an intentional focal point. Curated furnishings like a comfortable tufted sofa (a take on the modern classic library sofa with distressed velvet), and a vintage-inspipred performance rug brought warmth and comfort. I also selected a curvy armless chair which is ideal for guitar sessions. This swanky retreat reflects a speakeasy lounge vibe, offering both a practical workspace and an inspiring creative haven. The client told me after it was all said and done that his kids love to pile onto the sofa and just hang out in the room as a family. Together, they build memories and learn new songs. That’s what good design should do—it brings people together.

Rock Creek Estate - New Home Build

Thomas E Hall & Associates

Design ideas for an expansive traditional home office in Philadelphia.

Modern Kentucky Office

Blandford & Co.

This is an example of a modern study room in Louisville with blue walls, light hardwood floors, a built-in desk and decorative wall panelling.

Inside a Modern Scandinavian Farmhouse

Inspired Interiors - Design. Build. Furnish.

Design ideas for a transitional home office in Chicago with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a freestanding desk, brown floor and vaulted.

Rupen

Etch Design Group

Transitional home office in Austin with green walls, medium hardwood floors, a built-in desk, brown floor and wallpaper.

Black Home Office Design Ideas

A home office has many uses and isn’t a mere luxury anymore. You might work from home, or bring work home, or you might just need a place to go through bills, mail or store important paperwork. Kids can use a home office to do their homework, or quietly play a game online. Browse the photos on Houzz for home office ideas and inspiration, and strike up a conversation with the architect or designer or your favourite picks. For more home office ideas, check out the Stories section.

How much office storage do I need?

To ensure your home office or study room isn’t buried under a deluge of paperwork, books and supplies, incorporate plenty of shelves, cabinets and drawers. Floating or built-in shelves with cubbies can stock books and magazine holders; or for a more traditional look, make room for a large bookcase that fits in with the decor of your home. Invest in a filing cabinet to store paperwork, and opt for a lockable filing cabinet if you have sensitive documents. A tray organiser can store incoming mail and will help prioritise bills. The type of desk you choose is also key to keeping things organised. Look for desks with deep drawers and plenty of surface space, and add tray organisers to the drawers to keep track of staples like pens, pencils, highlighters and sticky tape. If you want a streamlined look, find a way to conceal any computer cables or wires, too. One solution is to install a false back on your desk, if it doesn’t already have one.

How do I choose an office desk and chair?

If you spend long hours hunched over your work desk at home, invest in ergonomic office chairs with wheels for better back health and comfort. Consider optimal lumbar support with flexibility in adjusting handles and back angle. Most rolling office chairs come upholstered, typically in leather, but that’s no reason why you can’t have one custom-made to suit your home decor. When picking out your work desk, be sure to consider its overall function. If you work from home and hold meetings, pick an oversized, sturdy desk that is double-sided (can be accessed from both sides). You’ll want it to look professional, so opt for dark timbers over high-shine finishes. It’s also a good idea to create a separate study desk for the kids, so homework doesn’t go missing among your files. If your home office is for the whole family a two-person desk or built-in long work bench are more suitable. Where space is tight, look for a retractable computer desk, or utilise an awkward corner with a corner desk.

What home office decor will encourage productivity?

Use your walls for to-do lists: hang a pegboard and paint it in your favourite colour or be adventurous with chalkboard paint and whiteboard panels. Bulletin boards that keep the whole family in order are an extra feature that always come in handy. Use your stationery and office accessories – think pencil cups, paper trays and magazine holders – to add colour and pattern, and desk lamps, clocks, maps and calendars to personalise the space. Above all else, aim for ease of use.