Don’t you agree that it’s much easier to work in a beautiful space? I’m convinced that a dull, dreary home office zaps your energy, while a gorgeous room actually improves your productivity! Whether you’ve grabbed a corner of your bedroom as an office, or have a large, dedicated work area, there’s so much you can do to personalize and energize your space.

Here are some of our favourite ideas:

Choose your colours. Colours affect our moods profoundly. When you’re decorating an office, keep in mind that colour may strongly influence how you work! For example, yellow is stimulating; blue is calming and encourages concentration; green creates a sense of balance and harmony; purple is contemplative and promotes deeper thinking. A neutral office is always ‘safe’, but may not spur your creativity. Of course, always choose colours you love!

What’s your style? Is your home rustic, contemporary, modern or traditional? With the diverse selection of office furniture available today, your work space can beautifully complement the rest of your home. Whether you like sleek and simple, elegant glossy wood, rugged distressed wood or mostly metal – it’s available! Add a credenza if space permits to house your supplies and create a unified look.

Dress up your walls. Don’t stare into space for inspiration, gaze at a wall that will make you smile! How about graphic, bold wallpaper? Or a chalkboard wall for messages, art and ideas? Or a gallery wall of favourite images on a theme? Or even a hand painted mural of a favourite quote?

Pick Some Flowers. Add some on-trend green plants to purify the air and soothe your spirit or fresh cut flowers for scent and beauty. Natural elements make any room more joyful.

Sitting Pretty. Your office chair doesn’t have to be blah and boring! There are so many designs available that not only look great, but are comfortable and supportive for long periods of sitting. Wood, metal, leather, upholstered, tufted – there are endless choices.

Add Shelves. Bookcases are the office standard and are always appropriate, but open shelves may allow you to better express your individual style, including displaying your collections and your sense of whimsy – things that make work more fun! If your drawer space is limited, shelves are also a perfect place to display beautiful and functional containers for work materials, supplies, etc.

Go Luxe. Who says a home office has to be strictly practical? Choose rich jewel tones and luxe fabrics – a leather work chair, velvet accent chair, lamps with fabric shades and a thick, plush rug. Indulge!

Create your dream work space and get inspired! Who knows, the next big genius idea may be yours!

Tags: design tips, Furniture, home office, trends