Home Office

by Laura Casey Interiors on May 28, 2009

I was in a client’s home office last week, and we discussed how to get started on working on changing her space. I think the best approach to starting an office redo is to designate 15 minutes a day, put it on your calendar if you have to. I am a big proponent of less is more in a home office, the less clutter there is the faster things will get done. Prior to “decorating”, even if you are working in a limited space, your lighting, filing and seating are very important. If you are really working from home all day and plan to for a long time get the best one you can afford. Everyone likes a good- looking chair, but the comfort and positioning are the most important. If you have started a home-based business or work at your computer all day long I recommend the Aeron Chair by Herman Miller or the Leap Chair by Steelcase. The ergonomic features support the body at every position and are height adjustable. They are both pricey but worth it. The Russell Executive Mesh chair is an Aeron Knockoff but gets good reviews for much less.

 Minimal decorations can keep a home office clean and fresh looking.

picture 28 Home Office

If you have an older desk you can update your space by using some contemporary lighting or putting a series of framed pictures on the wall.

picture 14 Home Office

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This office also has a nice sitting area incorporated into it.

picture 17 Home Office

Just a small amount of wallpaper can brighten an office as well.

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My parents have saved their “vintage” telephone similar to below. If space is limited you can always work a desk into a library or family room.

picture 1 21 Home Office

or put one in the corner of a guest bedroom.

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I like the “all white” storage.

picture 16 Home Office

My home office is small so I must be organized. I have files nearby that I need to access on a regular basis

and I separately have files that I need less frequently. I could use an idea board as large as this.

picture 301 Home Office

Built-in shelving and extra storage help to keep it clutter free.

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even basic cabinets next to each other can work.

picture 20 Home Office

Do you need to get organized? Click HERE for some fun gadgets to get you started…

This creative idea is a magnetic knife holder installed sideways.

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picture 24 Home Office

Use a wallboard for inspiration, notes and to-do’s.

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What I really need is one of these out back

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with this upstairs.

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My home office needs a makeover, it might just get one pretty soon…

Photo Credits: Better Homes & Gardens, House to Home, Coastal Home, Point Click Home

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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }

1 velvet and linen May 28, 2009 at 8:52 am

Your post couldn’t come at a better time, Laura.
As you know, I am about to turn my sunroom into my home office.
I love those white storage boxes/magazine holders.
Do you have the source for those?
xo
Brooke
BTW: I wish we would have put a second story on our garage, just like your image!

2 Sarah Pribyl May 28, 2009 at 9:52 am

I love all of your different storage ideas-thanks so much for all of your great organizational options!

3 Sarah's Fab Day May 28, 2009 at 10:33 am

Loved this post! I wish my little office was as cute as the ones you shared. My favorite office chair is the Steelcase Think chair. Oh so comfy.

4 Kristen May 28, 2009 at 12:28 pm

What beautiful office spaces. Keeping them de-cluttered works much better for me in theory… especially since I share my space with my husband! But in those moments when I am able to clear it out, it’s a much more relaxing and efficient place to be! I like the Grand Rapids chair building shout outs! Herman Miller’s Aeron is my fave.

5 Vasudha May 28, 2009 at 11:23 pm

very enlightening…. i am also in the process of making a small home office…. got some good ideas out there…

6 Susan Lang @ Designing Your Dream Home May 30, 2009 at 11:11 pm

Enjoyed this post so much. Super ideas for home offices. Thanks for commenting on my 10 Floral Design Tips! I plan to ask Marc for 10 more to put in a future post!

7 Brilliant Asylum May 31, 2009 at 9:19 am

I totally need to organize my office today–thanks for the reminder. I can’t use the “But I just moved in” excuse forever.

8 Karena May 31, 2009 at 9:55 am

Oh, will I ever be organized! I do keep at it though. So many great ideas for storage and cubbies.

9 meg May 31, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Great post, there are so many ideas to pull from! I love the magnetic knife holder used in a new way and your chair suggestions- we are working on a home office so these will come in handy! hope you had a great weekend!

10 Betsy Head May 31, 2009 at 8:51 pm

You’re making me want to redo my home office! Great ideas and beautiful photos.

Betsy

11 karlene May 31, 2009 at 9:28 pm

I was keeping a mental track of everything thing I liked so that when i posted, I could tell you, but I like too much. :-) great post, very inspiring!

12 kathleen June 7, 2009 at 4:59 pm

I should read your blog more often. You have some fabulous ideas.

13 Cristin July 2, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Great post! I am thinking of having a custom desk/cabinet built for my office. These images were great inspiration.
happy 4th!
xo,
cristin

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