Small Home Office Makeover Ideas

A home office should be a place that inspires you to think creatively while focusing on the tasks at hand. You want to surround yourself with items and images that promote productivity, yet also provide a sense of calmness and comfort when job stress starts to overwhelm you.

You can start by creating an art wall. Combine framed photos of your loved ones and favorite vacation spots with interesting artwork and decorative pieces that inspire you. Hanging them gallery style will create a professional and cohesive look.

Another option is to install hanging photo clips so you can easily switch out the photos you keep on display. This is also a great way to display greeting cards during holiday time.

By installing a corkboard wall – or simply hanging an oversized framed corkboard – you can easily display personal items as well as work-related materials. It’s the perfect place to tack up appointment reminders, to-do lists, and even inspirational quotes to help get you through the day.

The best way to brighten up your home office is by infusing a signature color. It doesn't matter if you have a little or a lot of space. From a dynamic piece of artwork to an upholstered chair or even an area rug, a refreshing pop of color can add interest and excitement to an otherwise bland workspace.

You might also want to consider how different hues can affect your mood. According to HGTV, there is a psychology to color. If you work in a creative field, like advertising, you might want to add a splash of orange, while those in high-stress professions, such as finance, might prefer to decorate with a more serene green color palette.

Peel and stick wallpaper is another wonderful way to add some wow to your workspace. With a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, there is bound to be something that speaks to you.

Live plants are another way to add pops of color to your space.  From the foliage itself to the playful planters you pick, this is a fun way to add interest to your work zone. As an added bonus, LABS, a world leader in functional workspaces, found that houseplants have been proven to improve "indoor air quality," increase productivity as well as creativity. So, whether you prefer a small desktop succulent or a potted rubber tree plant, be sure to include a dose of Mother Nature in your makeover.

It’s important that your home office offers ample lighting. While you certainly don’t need to install overhead fluorescent lights like those found in most offices, you do want to have some sort of task light by your workstation. Because lamps tend to take up a lot of prime real estate on your desktop, you might want to consider adding an adjustable wall sconce as part of your makeover. This will allow you to direct the light over your workspace when you need it or push it out of the way when not in use.

Even if you already have the ideal lighting situation in your home office, you should consider changing the light bulbs. White light has been proven to improve productivity. A report by UNC Kenan-Flagler’s online MBA program showed that cooler more bluish-white light also enhances alertness and mood and decreases fatigue.

By definition, a home office is a place to do work and that often involves sitting for long periods of time. So, one of the first places to start is with the seating. There is no rule that says you must use a traditional desk chair. It’s perfectly fine to pick something more aesthetically pleasing, such as an upholstered accent chair or even a dining chair. Just make sure it’s comfortable and provides good lumbar (back) support.

If you have room, you may want to think about adding some comfortable seating such as a sofa or loveseat – or chaise if you are tight on space. It’s always nice to have a comfy place to relax and recharge, or for family members to sit if they pop in to visit after work hours.

Last but not least, when doing a small home office makeover make sure you personalize your workspace. Take design inspiration from your interests and hobbies. For instance, if you enjoy sailing you might want to go with a nautical theme. Paint the walls a bold blue, replace cabinet or drawer pulls with knotted ropes, and frame an old nautical chart as an interesting piece of artwork.

Another way to make your home office feel more like home is to add scented candles and a few throw pillows or blankets. You want to create a comfortable sanctuary where you enjoy spending time. After all, if you work from home you are spending upwards of eight hours a day in this space – that’s probably longer than you spend anywhere else in your house, except maybe your bedroom.

Your home office should be a place that reflects your personality while also promoting productivity. If it doesn’t do that, then it’s time for a change. From framing your favorite family photos and fluffing up an attractive throw pillow to adding pops of color and changing out your light bulbs, there are a lot of quick and easy things you can do to makeover your small home office.