TThis weekend I shared several inspirational images about creating functional, livable spaces. Today I want to highlight one of my favorite functional rooms — my home office. This room is from my previous house, and while I haven’t finished styling my new office yet, the ideas and lessons from this space will guide the design in my new home. The style may evolve, but the principles remain useful for anyone setting up a creative workspace.
I featured this room and many of these photos in The Inspired Room book, and I’m sharing a closer look with a few practical takeaways you can apply when creating your own productive home office.
1. Designate a special space to be inspired, organized and creative.
Working from home taught me how important it is to have a dedicated workspace. Whether you run a business from home or simply need a spot to manage family life, claim a specific area — even a small corner — for work. A defined place helps you stay organized, sets boundaries between work and home, and supports creativity and focus.
2. Surround yourself with inspiration.
Your environment affects how you work. Choose colors, textures and objects that inspire you. I arranged inspiration boards above my desk and selected elements that made the room feel energizing and personal. Small visual reminders of ideas and beauty help keep motivation and creativity flowing throughout the day.
3. Find organizational systems you can live with.
Organization only works when it fits your habits. Pretty bins and boxes are useless if you never use them. Test different systems until you discover what you’ll maintain — whether it’s labelled trays, a simple filing method, open shelving, or baskets. Practical, used systems create calm and clear the way for productive work.
4. Create a homey environment.
Even when the office is a place of business, it should still feel like part of your home. I chose furniture and accessories that reflect my style while serving practical needs: a rattan shelving unit I found secondhand, an antique secretary desk for storage, a large lamp for warm light, and a comfortable chair for long stretches of work. When the space feels welcoming, you’re more likely to use it — and that means more productivity and enjoyment.
Do you have an office space of your own?
Sources:
Wall paint color – Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
Desk – Pottery Barn
Botanical prints – Poppy Talk
Blue swirl lamps – Target
Linen chair – Restoration Hardware
Linen pin boards – HomeGoods
More sources from this room and others are listed in my shop and in my books.
For additional ideas on creating a home you love, see my books The Inspired Room and Love the Home You Have.