8 Ways To Create an Appealing Home Office

As summer cedes to fall (sorry to bring it up), we’re bidding a fond farewell to sun-splashed sojourns and focusing on productivity (again, my apologies). It’s time to get down to business, and a good place to start is with a home office — a convenient location to organize personal papers, work remotely at your day job or establish a side hustle. To offer a bit of incentive to get back in the swing of things, and to help you embrace — and even enjoy — the coming whirl of activity, here are some tips on creating a home office that’s enticing and energizing. (See? I’m not a monster.)

1. Add a large dose of bright color …

Perk up your work with a vivid hue to brighten the busy days ahead.

Photo: John Armich, Design NJ August/September 2019 | Designer: Janis Schmidt, IDS | Architect: Stephen Fenwick, RA, PP

2. … or just dip a toe in the palette pool

Perfectly placed pops of color liven up a staid space.

Photo: Patricia Burke, Design NJ October/November 2015 | Designer: Rina Carrolli

3. Have some fun …

You take your work seriously; you don’t have to do the same with your office.

Photo: David Gruol, Design NJ August/September 2018 | Designer: Sarah Bishop | Architect: Thomas Baio AIA

4. … or embrace the businesslike

Keep your books in a nook for organized and efficient reference. (Flowers and art won’t hurt though, if you want to soften the style.)

Photo: John Ferrentino, Design NJ April/May 2019 | Designer: Tracey Butler | Architect: Jay Michael Petrillo, AIA | Builder: Scandic Builders Inc.

5. Carve out a corner …

No dedicated office? That’s okay — all you need is a desk and a chair precisely positioned on a room’s perimeter.

Photo: Marco Zambelli/ Design NJ August/September 2015 | Designer: Linda Benson

6. … or look outward

Don’t be shy; face your space.

Photo: Peter Rymwid, Design NJ August/September 2016 | Designer: Jacqueline Currie-Taylor

7. Make it multipurpose …

All work and no play … you know the rest. Add a sofa and create a cozy place to relax when you’re not in business mode.

Photo: David Gruol, Design NJ August/September 2018 | Designer: Sarah Bishop | Architect: Thomas Baio, AIA

8. … or be more single-minded

Easily distractible?  Keep your space work-only. At close of business, close the door and move on to the relaxation portion of the day.

Photo: Peter Rymwid, Design NJ June/July 2017 | Designer: Theresa Scelfo | Architect: Andrew Passacantando, AIA