KuDa Photography
Mid-sized modern study room in Other with black walls, light hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a metal fireplace surround, a freestanding desk and beige floor.

Des Moines, IA - Remodel

Catherine Renae Thomas Design Co.

This is an example of a mid-sized traditional study room in Other with black walls, travertine floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding desk, beige floor and panelled walls.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Built in bookshelves with LED and dry bar
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Contemporary Elegance | Atherton, CA

Sullivan Design Studio

Transitional home office in San Francisco with black walls, medium hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a freestanding desk, brown floor and panelled walls.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Coffered ceilings
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Des Moines, IA - Remodel

Catherine Renae Thomas Design Co.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Custom fireplace
Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Built in bookshelves with LED
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Built-in bookshelves and window nook.
Photo of a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Attention to every detail
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Des Moines, IA - Remodel

Catherine Renae Thomas Design Co.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional home studio in Other with black walls, travertine floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding desk, beige floor and panelled walls.

Des Moines, IA - Remodel

Catherine Renae Thomas Design Co.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional study room in Other with black walls, travertine floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding desk, beige floor and panelled walls.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Escape and relax in your new custom home library. Game of chess anyone?
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

Hidden door!
Inspiration for a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Des Moines, IA - Remodel

Catherine Renae Thomas Design Co.

Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional study room in Other with black walls, travertine floors, a ribbon fireplace, a stone fireplace surround, a freestanding desk, beige floor and panelled walls.

Custom Library Cedar Park

Matterhorn Development Co.

LED on each shelve. Built in bookshelve
This is an example of a mid-sized arts and crafts home office in Austin with a library, black walls, dark hardwood floors, a ribbon fireplace, a plaster fireplace surround, a built-in desk, brown floor, coffered and decorative wall panelling.

Home Office Design Ideas with Black Walls and a Ribbon Fireplace

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.