Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Home Office / Library
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary home office in Seattle with a library, grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, wood and panelled walls.

Urban Farmhouse

Design DCA

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional study room in Houston with blue walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding desk, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Winnett Residence

Level Studio

Our Winnett Residence Project had a long, narrow and open concept living space that our client’s wanted to function both as a living room and permanent work space. Inspired by a lighthouse from needlework our client crafted, we decided to go with a low peninsula gas fireplace that functions as a beautiful room divider, acts as an island when entertaining and is transparent on 3 sides to allow light to filter in the space. A large sectional and coffee table opposite custom millwork increases seating and storage allowing this space to be used for the family and when guests visit. Paired with a collection of Canadiana prints all featuring water play off the white and blue colour scheme with touches of plants everywhere.

One Sunset Residence, Camano Island WA.

Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

Home Office / Library
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary home office in Seattle with a library, grey walls, dark hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a concrete fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, wood and panelled walls.

Urban Farmhouse

Design DCA

Mid-sized transitional study room in Houston with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding desk, exposed beam and panelled walls.

Home Office Design Ideas with a Two-sided Fireplace and Panelled Walls

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.