Home Office Styling Tips | The Essential Guide

HOME OFFICE STYLING TIPS: Decor Style 

DECOR STYLE 

We recommend exploring our Style Library for step-by-step styling tips for a range of decor styles or take our Interior Style Personality Quiz if you are still discovering your unique style. 

COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY

Considered use of colour in your space will also evoke different feelings and shape your perception of the space.

• Monochromatic: to ground the space for a streamlined look.  
• Colour Combination Template: Select a base colour + complimentary accent colour + metallic element + natural material.
• Light & serene colours: Pure white offers a crisp + clean base palette for a bright and fresh feel. Off-white provides a beautiful warm glow if your room has ample natural light. Warm grey/beige is easy on the eyes and can keep stress levels down. Nickel accents are calming & facilitate productivity. If you have lots of natural wood accents, soft-blue-green hues can balance the warmth in most woods for a sense of calm. 
• Dark & moody colours: For coziness, we love a dark, bold colour for the office wall, trim, and ceilings. A deep, dark green is associated with harmony, balance, and reassurance. Olive green promotes peace and a sense of bringing the outdoors in. Darker blues and charcoal are associated with focus, intelligence, and strength. 

• Zoning ideas: Add subtle spatial boundaries with a small area rug, concertina doors, potted plants, or pieces of wall art. 
• Separate Home office: If you have a dedicated home office space, placing the desk away from the walls can emphasise the purpose of the space and allow you to maximise the space for complimentary reading nooks and storage pieces. 
• Open floor plans: Open floor plans often call for workspaces that blend with your existing interior décor, allowing for a subtle flow in between rooms. For cohesion, link through colours and materials. The beauty is in the detail, so consider storage options such as leather or rattan trays, pen holders, or desk caddy in lieu of plastic generic items. 

Photo Source: SEPTEMBER EDIT

Photo Source: HOUSE LIFT DESIGN

Photo Source: NORDIC DESIGN

HOME OFFICE STYLING TIPS: Furniture, Storage & Organisation

• A sturdy desk: select a desk at the right height, size, and style. Desk types include traditional desks with storage, a concealed office cabinet, half moon or corner desks, "L"-shaped and "U"-shaped desks, or a floating desk. Styles include secretary, writing, computer, standing, partnered, or executive. 
• An ergonomic chair: pay attention to the adjustable features, lumbar support and seat depth. Consider breathable materials, and if your home office is situated in an open-plan space, select a chair that will fit seamlessly with your existing decor style.
• Additional seating: if your home office caters to more than one person or also serves as a home library, consider guest seating options such as storage ottomans, drum stools, window seating, a two-seater sofa or an armchair.  
• Storage furniture: start by decluttering and editing what you currently have, then decide on a clear, designated storage system. Small space storage options include discreet filing cabinets, desks with deep drawers, extra shelves, and wall-mounted shelving systems. Large pieces include open or closed bookshelves, ladder shelves, filing cabinets, buffets + sideboards.
• Storage accessories & stationary: Stackable rattan document boxes, stationary holders, waste paper bins, filing trays, or pencil holders to minimise messes and keep your workspace looking tidy and uncluttered.

Photo Source: SUZIE ANDERSON HOME

Photo Source: HOUSE LIFT DESIGN

Photo Source: PUFIK HOMES

HOME OFFICE STYLING TIPS: LIGHTING

To maximise efficiency and cater to the task or energy level needed, lighting needs to be flexible and varied.
We suggest including one of each of the different artificial light sources listed below for a balance of direct and indirect bounce lighting.

• Task lighting: An adjustable or articulated desk lamp brightens areas where routine tasks are performed.
• Window treatments: the addition of translucent blinds, sheer curtains, or roman shades will reduce any glare whilst maintaining natural light. 
• Accent lighting: LED picture lights, wall sconces, and strip lighting can highlight and enhance storage options.
• Diffuse ambient lighting: dimmable overhead lighting and tall upward-shining floor lamps bounce the light off of walls and ceilings to achieve even light dispersal. Consider the ritual of lighting fragrant candles when working, adding life and light to the space. Fragrances that boost productivity and mood include mint, lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, and cinnamon.  
• Natural lighting: natural light promotes well-being, boosts your mood, and balances the overall ambient light. It is a bonus if your room offers a view, allowing your eyes to refocus throughout the day. Tip: every 15 minutes, allow your gaze to travel at least 10 metres for 20 seconds to refresh the eyes and minimise strain. 

Photo Source: THE STYLE SALONISTE

Photo Source: RE DESIGN

Photo Source: STUDIO MCGEE

Allow your home office to reflect your own individual style and personality by accessorising with something loved, something living, and something with lustre, balancing old and new items to achieve a look that is visually considered. 

Something Living:

Fresh-cut greenery, faux plants, flowers, or potted plants brings living energy into your space. 

Something Loved:

A workspace that inspires and evokes positive feelings will increase productivity. Add a few cherished objects such as art, books, fragrant candles, and decorative accessories that will bring the necessary beauty to the space.

Something with Lustre:

Crystal and mirrored surfaces assist in circulating the natural light throughout the room.

Glass obelisks, clocks, candleholders, picture frames, water decanters, reflective surfaces, and muted brass, gold, pewter, and bronze details add an element of glamour and charm. 

Photo Source: BUNGALOW 56 DESIGN

Photo Source: SOFTLY STUDIO

Photo Source: SUZIE ANDERSON HOME

---

• Natural Materials: Natural materials are soothing for a work zone. Contrast natural woods, ceramics, cane, leather, and other tactile textures to create a warm and comforting atmosphere.
• Rugs, cushions & throws add texture, coziness and help mellow the acoustics of the space. Layering contrasting materials such as stone-washed linen throw alongside a chunky-knit woven rug or upholstered plaid armchair. 
• Desk vignettes: Experiment with grouping your accessories together in odd numbers of 3 or 5 items for visual interest. Creating vignettes on your desktop or on a decorative tray allows you to showcase a mix of functional and aesthetic items in a curated way. 

Photo Source: EST LIVING

Photo Source: Oak Stone Homes Iowa

Photo Source: ELLE DECOR