Since our peel & stick tile project is now complete, it’s time to chat about an office design refresh! In this post, I’ll share how to design an office space that is both functional and beautiful and how you can do it too!
If you’re like me, you probably had to adjust to the work from home life pretty quickly earlier this year. Maybe you first started working from your couch and eventually realized that wasn’t the best idea. Or maybe you already had an office space, but just shoved all your work items in there and didn’t give much thought to how you actually wanted the space to feel. Well, it’s time to change that! With a new year coming up and many of us still working from home, let’s make our work spaces ones we actually love.
Mood Board
When considering a refresh for any project, the first step I like to take is to make a mood board. A mood board is a great way to gather your favorite ideas in one spot. It serves as the overall concept for your space and you can return back to it to ensure your decisions and purchases are reflecting the way you want your space to feel. One of the best places to start gathering inspiration is from Pinterest. With my office, I started a board dedicated to this space and just started pinning images I was drawn to. After there were a couple that I really loved, I brought them together into this mood board.
Plan of Action
The next step for planning a project is to make a plan of action. With any project for our home, we set up a Google Doc for our plan of action that includes the budget, timeline, and links to items we want to purchase. This is where you can take ideas from your mood board and start figuring them out in more detail. For example, my office refresh plan of action looks like this:
Budget: $800
Timeline: January
- Shelving | $316
- Wallpaper | $100
- Chair | $229
- White Basket | $20
- Wicker Baskets | $46
- Grey Basket | $24
- Cork Board | $12
- File Holder | $13
- Desktop Unit | $14
- Wire Bins | $40
Office Design Elements
Then, it’s time to decide on the design elements you want to include. Whether your office space is located in your bedroom closet or you have a whole room dedicated to it, here are the 5 elements I would recommend including in the design:
1. Desk
A desk or workspace is the most important part because this is where the work happens. When we moved into our home last year, we built this DIY live edge desk for my office and it’s my favorite part of the space! Having a desk to put your computer or place your laptop on will ensure you have a dedicated spot to work.
If you have limited space, you can still make room for a small desk! I love how Angela Rose Home used this little nook in her bedroom to create a cozy and functional desk. Plus, that vertical slat wall is so pretty!
Another idea I love for when you don’t have a ton of space is a floating desk! The The Merry Thought has a tutorial on how to make this one below.
2. Storage and Organization
Storage is another element that is crucial to a functional office space. In my current office space, this is definitely lacking. With no storage, I find myself getting overwhelmed when it starts to feel cluttered. Right now, we’re using our guest bedroom as the spot where I keep my tile samples, paint binders, paperwork, business cards, etc. While it’s nice to have it all put away and out of sight, it’s not the most functional since it’s not close to my office. To make my office space more practical, the plan is to include a shelving unit that will provide a spot for all of these items. By using baskets or cute storage bins, items can be hidden away while still looking pretty on a shelving unit or on your desk.
If you’re needing more storage in your office, here’s a couple of inspiration ideas I love:
Photo: Studio Aki
Photo: Pennies for a Fortune
3. Comfy Chair
Since we’re spending a lot of time in these spaces, a comfy spot to sit is a must! When considering a chair for your space, think through if you’re needing one that can roll, has adjustable height, or is cushioned. Office chairs can be spendy, but some great options to look for one include thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or stores that are having sales. I found my leather chair at a thrift store and love it!
4. Wall Treatment
Especially with so many virtual calls happening these days, a beautiful background is a must! Wall treatments are a great way to add a fun detail to your office space and provide an interesting backdrop as well. The plan for my office is to install a peel & stick wallpaper on one wall for a pop of pattern. I really love this one in Making Joy and Pretty Thing‘s office.
Another idea I love is this skinny slat wall that Nadine Stay installed in her office.
5. Decor
And finally, decor! This is what will make your office feel personal. When thinking about decor for an office, I like to incorporate decor that is both pretty and practical. I LOVED this pegboard idea from Eye Swoon because of the simplicity and also how it provides a spot to display ideas for upcoming projects.
Another great idea for office decor that is practical too is a pegboard. This one is so fun with the pop of color it adds as well!
Photo: Better Homes & Gardens
For an even bigger decor statement, this corkboard wall is so fun!
Photo: Hunker
I can’t wait to share more about my office refresh project and take you along as we work on this space! If you’re updating your office in the new year, I would love to see it! Tag me @willabyway so I can share your office ideas.
