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Putting together the perfect home office can be both exciting and daunting in equal measure. With an endless supply of Pinterest boards filled to the brim with modern home office ideas, it can be tricky to nail down the right style for you.
Whether you’re drawn to an industrial chic or mid-century style, you want to find an aesthetic that’s both inspiring and keeps you focused on your work. To help you craft a home office you’ll love, we’ve pulled together five of the best modern homes office ideas and trends for remote workers.
5 modern home office ideas to build a space you’ll love
When designing your modern home office, consider what you need in order to function at your best, reduce distractions, and create a space that both makes you feel comfortable and boosts your productivity.
These five ideas will help!
1. Separate your office from the rest of the house
Even though you work from home, it’s so important to designate part of your house as your home office. Ideally, you’ll have a door so you can separate your home office from the rest of your house. If you’re unable to dedicate an entire room as an office space, consider using an alcove, breakfast nook, attic space, or any other area you can dedicate to being a work space.
A low partition or privacy panel on your desk can also create separation from your office and living space. You can also point your desk towards a window or wall, so all of the distractions are behind you.
2. Use natural light
Multiple studies have found that natural light and views to the outdoors are the number one attribute in workplace environments. Natural daylight in offices isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it also reduces eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness.
If possible, set up your workspace near a window, and consider whether the light comes in in the morning or the afternoon. If you’re an early bird, you might prefer an east-facing home office. But if you prefer to work later in the day (or need the extra boost of afternoon light), a west-facing office might suit you better.
Of course, not everyone has flexibility when it comes to choosing the direction of their home office. But if possible, choose an area in your home with some natural light, whatever time of day it happens to come in.
3. Get creative with your desk
When it comes to selecting a desk, there are a multitude of options to suit your budget and space restrictions. A foldaway or mounted wall desk are popular options for those with small office spaces.
If you live with roommates or a partner that also works remotely, consider using a large table or desk long enough for two or more people. A long desk is also perfect if you require a lot of space when working.
Some prefer a simple, flat-top desk, while others work best with a desk with built-in storage. Before buying a table or desk, visit a local furniture store and try out different styles. Going in-person, rather than just browsing online, could help you get a sense of what you need and like.
You might also consider a standing desk to reduce the time you spend sitting. Or you could get a standing desk attachment or choose a desk that moves up and down, allowing you to switch between a sitting- and standing-level height, such as the Jarvis adjustable standing desk.
Your desk is one of the most important investments in your home office, so be thoughtful about what kind you ultimately select.
4. Balance a neutral desk with brighter accent pieces
Neutral desks — either white or wooden — are the go-to palettes for modern office spaces. Neutral desks can brighten a room and help create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can then enhance this neutral backdrop with accent pieces such as brightly colored chairs or personal touches on and around your desk.
Accent walls, bright carpets, or decorative pieces on your desk are easy ways to incorporate your personal style into your office without overdoing it or falling into visual chaos.
5. Incorporate storage
Without proper storage, your newly designed workspace could become a jungle of papers and junk in no time. Unless all your work is 100% digital, it’s crucial to incorporate storage into your modern office space design.
If you can splurge a bit, recessed shelves or built-in cabinets are a great way to mix functional items and decor at the same time. If you’re on a tighter budget, then hanging shelves, book shelves, and small cabinets are excellent storage solutions. Use your storage units as another accent piece that will perfectly complement your office.
Find modern home office ideas that work for your unique space
Working in the comfort of your own home gives you the best of both worlds — you can set up a productive office space while enjoying the comfort of your own home and space. Although the responsibility falls on you to create your office, you also have the opportunity to tailor a space that perfectly suits your needs.
When designing your office space, begin by selecting an ideal space in your home where distractions can be kept to a minimum. Think about what elements are most important to you, and don’t forget to invest in ergonomic furniture that will protect your posture and overall health.
By keeping an eye out for modern home office ideas and tips, you can craft an elevated workspace that makes going to work every day a joy instead of a chore.
