The upper conference room in our Live/Work Office features a folding door wall that expands the room to twice its size when opened. We found that the ceiling lamps on the porch were not quite enough to heat the entire space so we turned to Napoleon Fireplaces for a recommendation. The lead us to the Alluravision Electric Fireplace. It was the perfect addition to our space creating enough heat to make it comfortable for entertaining and with the custom designed surround gives a sophisticated look to the space.

Office reading zone

Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors

Leading off from the kitchen is the office space, complete with reading area, storage space, plenty of book shelves and tactile soft furnishings. Photography: Megan Taylor

office/living renovation

Coosh Interiors

Bedroom converted to office/living room with complete renovation.
Design ideas for a mid-sized modern home office in Dorset with green walls, vinyl floors, a wood fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and beige floor.

Art and Accessories Displays

room2improve

This is an example of a small study room in Detroit with green walls, medium hardwood floors, no fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and brown floor.

Renovation Stick Handling

Eurodale Developments Inc

Andrew Snow
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional study room in Toronto with beige walls, medium hardwood floors, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and a freestanding desk.

architectural drawings dhaka Bangladesh

3D Designer Dhaka

This is an example of a large asian home studio in Other with black walls, brick floors, a corner fireplace, a wood fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and yellow floor.

Napoleon Fireplace Room Remodel

Visbeen Architects

Home Office Design Ideas with a Wood 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.