Inspiration for an expansive industrial home studio in Other with white walls, carpet, a freestanding desk, black floor, exposed beam and wallpaper.

Taking WFH to the Next Level -- an eclectic home office

Just the Thing

Minnie the cat makes this home office feel like a private retreat.
Design ideas for an expansive eclectic study room in Toronto with black walls, carpet, a freestanding desk, grey floor and wallpaper.

1854 Media Commercial Office

Umber Interiors

1854s publications are displayed in a rainbow for maximum visual affect.
Photo of an expansive midcentury study room in London with white walls, carpet, a freestanding desk and blue floor.

1854 Media Commercial Office

Umber Interiors

Vintage MCM furniture form the bases of the kitchenette area. Decorated with handcrafted ceramics and custom artwork by Umber Interiors.
This is an example of an expansive midcentury study room in London with white walls, carpet, a freestanding desk and blue floor.

Taking WFH to the Next Level -- an eclectic home office

Just the Thing

Black walls set off the room's cream furnishings and gold accents. Touches of pink add personality; the pink ceiling medallion adds emphasis to the elegant chandelier. Highlighting the tall windows, black painted frames add graphic interest against the cream sills. Drapery emphasizes the ceiling height while absorbing sound and adding warmth. A huge custom rug unifies the seating and working areas and further contributes to the hushed atmosphere. In order for this room to feel more like a retreat and less like an office, we used regular furniture pieces in non-standard ways. The client’s heirloom dining table serves as a writing table. A pair of brass and glass consoles holds printer, stationery, and files as well as decorative items. A cream lacquered linen sideboard provides additional storage. A pair of cushy swivel chairs serves multiple functions – facing a loveseat and bench to create a cozy seating area, facing each other for intimate discussions, and facing the desk for more standard business meetings.

1854 Media Commercial Office

Umber Interiors

Plastic floating shelves above the work station allows for photography pictures books to be displayed.
Inspiration for an expansive midcentury study room in London with white walls, carpet, a freestanding desk and blue floor.

仙台の木造オフィス

Ka design Inc.

Design ideas for an expansive industrial home studio in Other with white walls, carpet, a freestanding desk, black floor, exposed beam and wallpaper.

Taking WFH to the Next Level -- an eclectic home office

Just the Thing

A mural of pink peonies, scaled to fit the longest wall in the room, is strategically positioned as a Zoom backdrop. Walls match the mural’s off-black background, as if the artist had painted directly on them. Highlighting the tall windows, black painted frames add graphic interest against the cream sills. Simple cream drapery emphasizes the ceiling height while absorbing sound and adding warmth. A huge custom rug unifies the seating and working areas and further contributes to the hushed atmosphere. In order for this room to feel more like a retreat and less like an office, we used regular furniture pieces in non-standard ways. The client’s heirloom dining table serves as a writing table. A pair of brass and glass consoles holds printer, stationery, and files as well as decorative items. A cream lacquered linen sideboard provides additional storage. A pair of cushy swivel chairs serves multiple functions – facing a loveseat and bench to create a cozy seating area, facing each other for intimate discussions, and facing the desk for more standard business meetings.

Taking WFH to the Next Level -- an eclectic home office

Just the Thing

Expansive Home Office Design Ideas with Carpet

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.