Create a practical and inspiring home office by following my five step plan – assign a dedicated space, choose a work surface and seating, consider your storage needs, add some inspiration and finally finish off with accessories.
Part two of my home office blog series outlines some on-trend design schemes with tips on how to achieve a cohesive look. Check it out for top tips on how to create a boho, mid century or glam work space.
How to create a practical and inspiring home office – part two
1) Dedicated space
The first step is to assign a dedicated space to work in. Somewhere you can place your laptop and files without constantly getting them out and putting them away again. Equally importantly, a space you can retreat to where family members know not to interrupt you. Few of us will have the luxury of a spare room to exclusively dedicate to a home office, but there are other ways to zone your space.
Lawless Design 
eli_at_home
Consider using an accent colour to physically designate a nook or corner as your work space, such as this serene example from Lawless Design. Wallpaper can serve a similar purpose. @eli_at_home has created a beautiful focal point out of her home office (desk from MujuFurnitureUK, Etsy). Much better than a messy space you pretend isn’t there!
Bloomingville 
Pati Robins
If you are short on space consider a wall-mounted desk, such as this stylish choice from Bloomingville. Alternatively, check out how @patirobins has created a fantastic micro office in her 1×0.8m boiler cupboard.
2) Office Furniture
Next, consider what furniture to include in your work space, beginning with somewhere to work and somewhere to sit.
Maisons du Monde 
Gregory Lavor
Traditional office furniture is boxy and boring, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Your desk can be a beautiful piece of furniture in its own right; a good thing if your work space is also part of your main living space. I’d happily put this dark blue 3-drawer desk from Maisons du Monde in pride of place.
Consider also if your desk needs to be freestanding or if it can be built in, a good option to make the most of a tight space. Built in doesn’t have to be expensive either. Consider using, for example, a bit of leftover kitchen worktop or adapting floating shelves, as seen in this streamlined example from Gregory Lavor.
When it comes to choosing a chair why not opt for a bold accent colour such as teal beauties from John Lewis & Partners and My Furniture?
3) Storage
Third, keep your work space tidy by considering your storage needs. Will choosing a desk with a few drawers be enough, or will you need more space?
Melanie Jade Designs 
Paperchase
Placing shelves above your desk is a classic choice, made even easier with a growing range of complete shelving systems available. Melanie Jade Design has created a practical and stylish look with these oak linking shelves from Fy! For additional storage add a small unit or filing cabinet which can tuck neatly beneath your desk. Opt for matching storage boxes and files to keep things neat, such as Paperchase’s Kraft collection.
4) Inspiration
We all need a bit of inspiration sometimes. Prepare for the darker moments by including some images or typography in your work space that you find particularly uplifting.
Seasons in Colour 
Soozi Danson
Create an inspiring gallery wall like Jenny Kakoudakis at Seasons in Colour or this amazing space from Soozi Danson.
Elle Decoration Sweden 
Better Homes and Gardens Australia
Alternatively, why not use cork to create a statement wall that can double as a bulletin board like this amazing example from Elle Decoration Sweden (Photo: Petra Bindel). Hang a coloured pegboard like Better Homes and Gardens Australia which can act as both storage and display space.
5) Accessories
Finally, consider finishing touches such as lighting and stationery.
Finish off your home office with some stationery, a pen pot, a memo block, a table lamp, a mug, maybe a plant… Check out the fab selections at John Lewis & Partners and The Range.
So that’s it. Five easy steps toward creating your own practical and stylish home office. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below and check out my Pinterest board for more inspiring home office ideas.
PART TWO – How to create a practical and inspiring home office
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