As more people are working from home, it’s important that you make your home office as practical as possible. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring and bleak.
WATCH: How to create a multi-purpose office space
The home office is a place within the home that is often left until last to decorate, and only then as an after-thought. However, this under-styled space is usually where the important documents are kept, big decisions made and studying done, so it pays to decorate it in such a way that inspires thought and provides comfort.
Here are ten different styles to inspire your home office
1. Scandinavian
A Scandinavian-inspired office look is one that is incredibly popular among the Instagram and Pinterest set. The look is bright, white, clean and clutter-free. Keep the colour palette to white, add texture with faux fur, timber and plants. Use one colour for a bold contrast, as black is used here.
2. Mid-century modern
Mid-century modern interiors feature furniture from times gone by, the 50s-60s. Think old fashioned desk with peg legs, teak and rosewood, chairs in rounded shapes and earthy colours such as green, brown, mustard and dark red. Metallic hardware is also common to this style.
3. Glamorous
For those who prefer a more glamorous work space, you can’t go past metallic finishes, faux fur, velvet upholstery and glossy white furniture. This look is simple enough to achieve, start with white, select gold, rose gold or silver for your accent and add accessories in luxurious finishes. Don’t forget the plush cushions and a themed gallery wall!
4. Vintage
Give your home office a vintage feel with a well-loved desk and time-worn chair. Embrace the natural wear and tear of second-hand or antique furniture, and select anything that feels like it could have come from an old workshop, school or library. Dress it up with pendant lights or lamps in glossy black, vintage signs or posters, and lots of desk accessories made from tin or other metals. Think heavy, sturdy and old.
5. DIY
Budget-conscious and easy to do, a DIY home office can look a million bucks when done right. Use old crates to prop up a sanded-down piece of timber and turn them sideways for storage. This look can also use with large bricks as your base. Dress it up with a plush rug in faux fur or a thick plush, and chairs or accessories with an industrial feel.
6. Small space
Need a home office or study zone but really don’t have the space? Then this one-wall solution is for you. Pick up a narrow desk and matching chair and set them up against a spare patch of bare wall. Install some floating shelves above the desk on the wall for added storage. Voila you’re done!
7. Hamptons
The laid back yet sophisticated look of a Hamptons-inspired home is one that blends with the Australian lifestyle beautifully. If you’re attempting a Hamptons-style home office remember to use whitewashed or pale timber in raw finished, lots of white linen and cotton, and keep your accent colours to shades of blue, yellow, green and beiges. Set off the beach vibe with a woven pendant light, baskets or beachside paraphernalia.
8. Minimalist
Sleek, chic and fuss-free, a minimalist home office is free from all the bells and whistles. Install a floating desk into an available nook within your home, and install shelves above it for storage. All you need is a chair (a simple yet sophisticated style, of couse!), desk lamp and powerpoint discreetly tucked into a corner.
9. Eclectic
A riot of colour and texture, an eclectic home office is less about achieving a look and more about putting your personality on display. An eclectic style accommodates most styles of furniture, from antiques through to contemporary pieces, provided it’s all tied to together by a consistent colour scheme. Try grounding the room with a brightly coloured rug, and decorating the space with items the same colours of those in the rug.
10. Contemporary
Easy to replicate and bang on-trend, a contemporary home office can be achieve by using white as your base palette, add greenery either via plants or prints, texture via something woven or bamboo, and a dash of a metallic accent. Play up the symmetry with matching prints or twin lighting.
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