Houston Office Interior Design
With working from home becoming the new norm (thank goodness), it's more important than ever to create a space that not only fuels your productivity but also makes you happy. When it comes to assessing your space, it starts with getting creative and making the most of what you've got. If you're blessed with a dedicated room, congrats – you've hit the home office jackpot! Either way, take a good, hard look at your space and think about how you can maximize every inch. Can you squeeze in a compact desk that doubles as a storage unit? Or maybe you can create a "cloffice" (that's a closet-office hybrid, I promise I'm not making it up). The possibilities are endless, so think outside the box! After bugging him enough, James Holloway – Houston's best interior designer, has finally shared some tips with me. So, let's start with the basics!
Foundational Design Elements
Your desk and chair are like the Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson of your home office – they belong together. Be sure to prioritize both form and function when shopping for a desk. Think about your workflow and what you need to keep within arm's reach. Do you need a ton of storage space for files and supplies, or are you a minimalist like me? Can you work efficiently with only one screen, or do you need three like me? And don't even get me started on the importance of a good office chair! You'll be spending a lot of time in that baby, so make sure it's got your back (literally). Invest in an ergonomic chair that supports your posture and keeps you comfy for hours on end. They're not paying us for this, but Herman Miller makes comfortable office chairs!
Lighting is Crucial
Like in all aspects of interior design, lighting is one of the key players in the home office scene. If you have a window in your space, I suggest positioning your desk nearby to take advantage of that natural light. It will help you be more productive and you'll look much better on your next Zoom call (trust me, lighting is everything). Now if your space is lacking in the natural light department, then there are still plenty of ways to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with the right mix of ambient and task lighting. Consider adding a table lamp to your desk for focused work, and think about incorporating some overhead lighting... maybe even a floor lamp to brighten up the room! Pro tip: you can even play around with different color temperatures to create the perfect vibe for your space. For example, I prefer a cooler temperature in the day but a warmer temperature in the evenings (in case you're wondering, it's quite warm right now).
Embrace Your Uniqueness
Your home office should be a reflection of your personality, so don't be afraid to let loose. No more boring, cookie-cutter cubicles, you're the boss around here!
Go for a sleek and streamlined look with clean lines and a neutral color palette, if you like minimalism. But if you're more of a maximalist, then embrace the bold and the colorful with patterns, textures, and statement pieces. You can even add a good gallery wall – I always think of those as your soul's version of a mood board. Fill it with artwork, photos, and quotes that inspire and motivate you. If you really want to take your space to the next level, consider adding some greenery. Plants clean the air, make you feel better, and create the illusion of working in a lush, tropical oasis (even if you're really just in your PJs – just don't stand up in the meeting).
Getting Rid of Clutter
Now you could have the most Instagrammable office in the world, but if it's a hot mess of clutter and chaos, you're gonna have a bad time. Take a good, hard look at all your stuff and figure out what you actually need to keep your office running. Invest in some bookshelves, filing cabinets, or even a rolling cart that you can wheel out of sight when you're not using it (ok, maybe the last one is a bit much). But definitely get yourself some cable management tools to keep all of those cords in order!
Putting Your Health First
“When there's health, there's wealth!” We all know that work can be stressful (not mine, James!), and when you're working from home, it can be easy to blur the lines between your personal life and your professional life. That's why it's so important to prioritize your physical and mental well-being in your home office. You've already invested in the ergonomic furniture that supports your body, but investing in your mind is just as important! Take regular breaks to stretch, move around, and give your eyes a rest from the screen. I say create a little corner of calm in your space – whether it's a nice spot to read, or a yoga mat that doubles as a nap mat, you need a dedicated spot to unwind and recharge. And if anyone catches you snoozing on the job, just tell them you were practicing your 'corpse pose' – it's a legitimate yoga move! If you want to see how design affects your health, check this out: How Interior Design Can Influence Your Mental Health.
Schedule Your Consultation
While you do all the hard work, don't settle for anything less than a space that truly works for you. Let us help you design a home office that perfectly matches your needs and style. Schedule a consultation today and let's turn your workspace into a place where you can do your best work.