Large traditional home office in Boston with medium hardwood floors, a built-in desk, white walls, no fireplace and brown floor.

The Grey Barn

User

Inspiration for a large country study room in Boston with white walls, light hardwood floors, a built-in desk and brown floor.

Hollingsworth Park

Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

This three-story, 11,000-square-foot home showcases the highest levels of craftsmanship and design. With shades of soft greys and linens, the interior of this home exemplifies sophistication and refinement. Dark ebony hardwood floors contrast with shades of white and walls of pale gray to create a striking aesthetic. The significant level of contrast between these ebony finishes and accents and the lighter fabrics and wall colors throughout contribute to the substantive character of the home. An eclectic mix of lighting with transitional to modern lines are found throughout the home. The kitchen features a custom-designed range hood and stainless Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. Rachel Boling Photography

NFL Players Residence

Miriam Moore Design Studio LLC

MIRIAM MOORE has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Miami International University of Art and Design. She has been responsible for numerous residential and commercial projects and her work is featured in design publications with national circulation. Before turning her attention to interior design, Miriam worked for many years in the fashion industry, owning several high-end boutiques. Miriam is an active member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Mill Neck Manor Showcase

Katharine Jessica Interior Design, LLC

This 7 bedroom, 8 bath home was inspired by the French countryside. It features luxurious materials while maintaining the warmth and comfort necessary for family enjoyment

Writer's Retreat - Pasadena Showcase 2012

Haustech

For the 2012 Pasadena Showcase House, we created a first of a kind 60" touch screen television that operates much like an iPad. Surf the web, check email, watch television, work on documents - all with the touch of a finger. The Writer's retreat features in ceiling surround speakers and state-of-the-art controls. The Writer's Retreat at the 2012 Pasadena Showcase House of Design, part of the large Spanish Colonial Revival estate. CBA Technology created a first of a kind 60" touch screen television that operates much like an iPad. Surf the web, check email, watch television, work on documents - all with the touch of a finger. The Writer's retreat features in ceiling surround speakers and state-of-the-art controls. (Design & Build by Cynthia Bennett & Associates) © Tom Queally

Art Deco in the heart of Kiev.

S-Studio

Creation of the harmonious and comfortable living space is the base of the work. This is a subtle and refined decision of an interior in keeping with the classic style of the XIX century.

Gosnell Residence

Stephanie Swander Interiors

Liv Collins Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional home office in Other with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and a freestanding desk.

home office

Elad Gonen

Design ideas for a large modern home office in Other with white walls and a freestanding desk.

SB 14

D & P Deisler & Partner

Large contemporary study room in Munich with white walls, carpet, no fireplace and a freestanding desk.

Before and After

Gacek Design Group, Inc.

Photo of a large contemporary study room in Philadelphia with a freestanding desk.

Rondeel_Hamburg_Alster

User

Inspiration for a large contemporary study room in Hamburg with grey walls, dark hardwood floors, no fireplace and a freestanding desk.

Large Home Office Design Ideas

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.