How to Setup and Decorate a Home Office

We live in a time where more and more people are working from home. What is the state of your home office? If you find yourself living around a mass of clutter, it’s time to get your home office in order! Your office setup will consist of a work space for your computer, an area to keep books and notebooks, and an area for supplies and any archival filings. In general, everything should have a place.

I love the concepts taught by Marie Kondo in her “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up:  The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.” If you follow her rules, you will find success. Discard things first and think about storing them second. As you go through your office things, pick up each item and ask yourself, “Does this object spark joy?” If you have no use for an item and no longer need it, thank it and discard. When I say discard, if it’s an item that can be donated, please do so, and recycle your paper. If it’s too much for you or the paper has sensitive information on it, there are shredding centers that can handle this for you. Your local office supply store will offer a paper shredding option, click here for more information.

Once you have your things in order, you can get down to decorating! My favorite part! I set up an IdeaBook on Houzz for you to peruse and get some ideas, click here to view. If you are starting from scratch and need to set up your home office, click here to see some lovely furniture options from Pottery Barn. If you prefer a minimalist, and modern look (also affordable) click here to see options from Ikea. Keep in mind that your office does not have to be void of color, in fact, I highly recommend adding colors that make you happy, creative and inspire you. Check out these colorful filing systems from the Container Store, very fun!

5 Point Home Office Checklist:

1. Add a fresh coat of paint and window treatments to let in natural light. If your home office gets afternoon sun, you will want a way to keep the sun out of your eyes. Consider a window option that lets light in without it being direct; such as shutters or blinds.
2. Add proper lighting for your work and comfort; this will mean more than a desk lamp. The desk lamp serves as task lighting, and the ambient light will fill your office with a soft light. For an in-depth article on how to choose the proper desk lamp for you click here.
3. Add a chair for guests and a new spot for you to sit if you need a break from the computer.
4. Add a beautiful rug.
5. Add artwork that brings you joy. The artwork could be a wonderful place you love to vacation, your kid’s artwork, or inspirational quotes. Incorporate whatever sparks your happiness!

If you are considering a new office chair, there are several things to take into account. If your job requires that you work in front of a computer, you will want the proper chair for your desk, click here to read a fabulous article from ApartmentTherapy.com on the six things you need to look for in an office chair. If you have problems with your back, neck, or posture consider a Balance Ball Chair, click here for more information. The Gaiam website states, “The Balance Ball Chair provides all-day ergonomic support for a stronger healthier back. By sitting on the ball, you’ll improve your posture and spinal alignment while getting a powerful core-strengthening workout.”

For tips on ways to hide cables, unsightly router or cable boxes, click here to view my Pinterest board. I also found this fabulous article on how to hide cables, click here to read.

If you need help picking out the right desk, fabric, paint color or trying to arrange your office setup, give Debbie a call 610.955.8202 for a consultation or fill out a contact email. I look forward to helping you be more productive and happy in your home office space!

By Debbie Correale, founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Houzz.