22 Home Office Ideas to Make You Want to Log On Every Morning

Don't be so quick to toss the old desk that has been collecting dust in your attic. Turn your trash into treasure with a fresh coat of paint in a daring hue.

Let an oversized mirror steal the show in your home office, even if it's only a small nook in the center of your living area.

For this delightful office nook, designer Michelle Woolley Sauter of One Coast Design relied on a bold mural wallpaper for visual appeal. "To add a touch of charm, we adorned the walls with a breathtaking mural wallpaper inspired by the vibrant culture of Charleston," Woolley Sauter says. "It's visually stunning and creates a serene and studious atmosphere perfect for learning and concentrating, with a touch of history."

Yes, your office should be arranged to tackle your to-do list, but there's room to have a little fun too. The best place to start is with art that speaks to your taste. "When designing home offices, they are often part of a living space, offering flexibility for work and play," says Lathem Gordon of GordonDunning. "We wanted the client to be able to daydream a little while working, so we included a gallery wall of maps from places they had traveled."

Pick up some chalkboard paint and turn your monthly schedule into a chic accent wall. You may want to use small strips of wood to form straight lines, plus wooden letters to mark each day of the week.

The easiest decorating choice you can make in this type of layout? Luxe-looking window treatments! "We dressed the windows with multiple layers of window treatments to allow the client to shade her eyes and monitor as the sun moves through this sunny space which has windows on three sides," says designer Caroline Kopp.

Take a cue from Rachel Mae Smith of The Crafted Life blog and mount your desk to the wall. Enhance the low-profile look with a track shelving system and brackets spray-painted in bright hues.

If your idea of the perfect office is cozy and moody, then a dark paint color is for you. Take a cue from Hattie Collins of Hattie Spark Interiors, who let Farrow & Ball's De Nimes dominate this office. "The blue really envelops you when you're in the room,"
Collins says. "It's a space to retreat and get a little work done, or relax, and have a glass of wine at the end of the day."

Find a moody shade and use it on walls, trim and the ceiling, like interior designer Mary Beth Christopher of MBC Interior Design does here. Striking gold lighting fixtures serve as the perfect contrast.

This sophisticated office space, designed by Sarah Stacey, has calming green walls and dark wood tones. The area rug's playful pattern and intriguing color scheme warms up the room.

Looking for an easy way to add a playful touch to your office? Consider chalkboard paint that's ideal for putting your to-do list on full display.

Whether you have a small home office or simply a wall in your primary bedroom, a ladder desk can help save on space. Not only does this one have two drawers, it has two spacious open shelves that double as decor.

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From the collection of old books and the Victorian-style chair to the brick floors, this light-filled home office has an antique feel that's worth replicating.

Don't be discouraged if you lack a designated room for a home office. Add a flip-down work area to just about any corner, and you'll be all set.

Although the style has been popular since the '60s, acrylic furniture remains a fun element in modern interiors. Pair it with neutral colors, like Cameron Johnson of Nickson Living does here, or experiment with bold hues.

No dedicated office in your floor plan? Make your own by removing the doors of an empty closet and turning it into a cozy workstation. Outfit it like you would any other room: Add wallpaper, light fixtures and decorative touches.

Believe it or not, a minimalist interior with white and wood finishes can be full of character. Just a few thoughtful decorative accents, including artwork, can bring more style to the space.

Lindi Vanderschaaf and her husband, Russel, opted for an unexpected yet functional office setup — a wall next to the stairs on the first floor of their Grande Prairie, Canada, home. Go for a narrow desk and long floating shelves that make the most of horizontal space.