This is an example of a mid-sized country home office in DC Metro with a library, white walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and brown floor.

Graystone

Southfen Residential Construction

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional home office in Baltimore with a library, beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace surround.

Cozy Library

Lux Decor

This is an example of a transitional home office in Montreal with a library, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a freestanding desk.

Dinton, Buckinghamshire

Kingsey Kitchens & Interiors

Inspiration for a traditional home office in Buckinghamshire with a library, blue walls, dark hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and brown floor.

Island inspiration

12/12 Architects & Planners

This 1990s brick home had decent square footage and a massive front yard, but no way to enjoy it. Each room needed an update, so the entire house was renovated and remodeled, and an addition was put on over the existing garage to create a symmetrical front. The old brown brick was painted a distressed white. The 500sf 2nd floor addition includes 2 new bedrooms for their teen children, and the 12'x30' front porch lanai with standing seam metal roof is a nod to the homeowners' love for the Islands. Each room is beautifully appointed with large windows, wood floors, white walls, white bead board ceilings, glass doors and knobs, and interior wood details reminiscent of Hawaiian plantation architecture. The kitchen was remodeled to increase width and flow, and a new laundry / mudroom was added in the back of the existing garage. The master bath was completely remodeled. Every room is filled with books, and shelves, many made by the homeowner. Project photography by Kmiecik Imagery.

Island inspiration

12/12 Architects & Planners

Midcentury Makeover in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Forward Design Build Remodel

This is an example of a large midcentury home office in Detroit with white walls, dark hardwood floors, a brick fireplace surround, brown floor, a library and a two-sided fireplace.

Home Library

Diane Hasso Studios

Our home library project has the appeal of a 1920's smoking room minus the smoking. With it's rich walnut stained panels, low coffer ceiling with an original specialty treatment by our own Diane Hasso, to custom built-in bookshelves, and a warm fireplace addition by Benchmark Wood Studio and Mike Schaap Builders.

Modern Farmhouse Bellaire Showcase

Stone Acorn Builders

Design ideas for a large country home office in Houston with a library, blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and beige floor.

Modern Farmhouse Bellaire Showcase

Stone Acorn Builders

Design ideas for a large country home office in Houston with a library, blue walls, light hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and beige floor.

YORKTOWN

HUNTINGTON ID

Fully remodeled home in Tulsa, Oklahoma as featured in Oklahoma Magazine, December 2018.
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional home office in Other with a library, blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and brown floor.

Photo of a transitional home office in Montreal with a library, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a freestanding desk.

Cozy Library

Lux Decor

Inspiration for a transitional home office in Montreal with a library, a standard fireplace, a brick fireplace surround and a freestanding desk.

Home Office Design Ideas with a Library and a Brick Fireplace Surround

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.