Decorating an office looks different for everyone, but the end goal is always the same: to create a productive and energizing work environment. Whether you're running a business from home, meeting clients, or simply using your office to pay bills, consider designer solutions for decorating an office.

1. Organized & Inspired

Organization lays the groundwork for decorating an office. A clutter-free workspace will make working from home feel more peaceful and productive.

Small Storage Hacks

No matter the size of your home office, you'll want to streamline things with storage hacks. While some desks offer ample storage space, there are plenty of other ways to organize and decorate your office. Floating shelves are perfecting for holding books and binders. Baskets can house extra printer paper, envelopes, and folders on your desk. A decorative tray will keep everyday items like the stapler, pens, and paperclips tidy.

Large Storage Must-Haves

In larger home offices you have the freedom to bring in organizational furniture. A bookcase is our go-to piece of furniture for adding function and style. Whether you're designing with an industrial aesthetic, posh glamour, or taking the traditional route, a bookcase makes a statement while elevating office decor and providing storage.

2. Foundational Design

Is maximizing space at the top of your mind? Details like the color palette, light fixtures, cozy touches, and window treatments create a stylish backdrop you’ll want to work out of each day.

Palette Picked

Uplifting and balanced colors will inspire motivation without creating distraction. Warm gray tones, pale blues, and earthy greens, for example, are both energizing and peaceful. Wallpaper adds a pop of personality – and with countless patterns, textures, and colors, there’s something for everyone. Floral and botanical as well as abstract designs are go-to designer picks: calming but with enough energy to stay focused.

Illuminated Spaces

Once you've got a color palette nailed down for your home office, bring in the small necessities you need to be productive. Good lighting is key. Even with strong overhead lighting, a desk lamp helps light up your work and curbs eye strain. A lamp also casts a great glow for video calls. If your office includes a sitting area for meeting with clients, set a floor lamp in between seats to create ambient light.

Soften It Up

A soft area rug is just the thing to add a layer of comfort without seeming too casual. Low-pile rugs are popular in office design and can make sliding in and out of your desk easy. If your office is a part of another room, a rug will visually zone off your office area.

Windows That Wow

Another important aspect of decorating an office is the window treatments. Designers use window treatments to soften the look of the room while ensuring there’s the right amount of light, no matter what time of day it is. Opt for colors that complement your palette or a pattern that adds the right texture and personality. Choose a fabric that's easy to maintain such as linen or cotton.

3. Final Touches

Once you get the foundation of your office space all set, it’s all about creating the right atmosphere with curated decor.

Thoughtful Details & Decor

Decorative objects and accents are small ways to show off your personality. Designers keep office accents streamlined by working accessories and accents into the existing office features. Colorful geometric bookends or a bust on the mantel instantly attracts the eye, as do marble dishes filled with beads on a coffee table or desk. They’re simple ways to decorate that immediately project your business persona.

Go Natural

Natural materials balance out tech equipment and furniture while bringing warmth. Consider a trio of concrete vases, wood picture frames, or metallic light fixtures. Houseplants are another easy way to warm up a home office with an organic accessory. Not a green thumb? Consider snake plants, golden pothos, or lucky bamboo which don’t require much lighting. Growing them in ceramic, terracotta, or stone planters brings even more natural elements into a home office.

Infusing Art

Wall art also creates a visual centerpiece for an office. Watercolor art is muted and relaxing while the brushstrokes are broad and flowy. A wall clock or large wall mirror is another design-world favorite, as is a gallery wall of family portraits or a collection of art. You'll feel inspired every time you look at the images. Before hanging pieces, make sure there is plenty of blank space in between frames and canvases as this will give your brain a break.

Sensory Experiences

One thing that's known for increasing creativity is embracing a new scent. Target what you need to get the most out of your workday and choose a scent that empowers. Floral and plant scents are great for improving your concentration. Fresh and fruity scents are amazing mood enhancers. And woodsy and spice scents are good for boosting energy.

Pro Tip:

Interested in learning more about how to decorate the perfect home office? Check out our guide 3 Steps to Designing a Home Office.

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