Guest Picks: The Inspired Office
Put together a home office space that makes you excited to head to work each morning
Many people are taking work home with them these days, and having a great home office is necessary. Inspiration can come from many outlets, but the first place to start is your desk. The important question is, how can you make your office both efficient and inspirational?
While researching ideas for my own home office, I gathered images of my favorite spaces and realized the best ones had a few specific details in common: a desk with storage, a good light, an ergonomic chair and great organizational tools.
Other important aspects include having a clear design vision, choosing objects that you love and that spark imagination and, lastly, knowing that a pop of color is a good thing! — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
While researching ideas for my own home office, I gathered images of my favorite spaces and realized the best ones had a few specific details in common: a desk with storage, a good light, an ergonomic chair and great organizational tools.
Other important aspects include having a clear design vision, choosing objects that you love and that spark imagination and, lastly, knowing that a pop of color is a good thing! — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
Malibu High-Back Office Chair in Vinyl with Stitched Ribbing
One way to add interest to an office is to choose a colorful chair. Say goodbye to the common, black office upholstery, and say hello to chic furniture.
Correspondence Desk
This handsome and refined desk from Anthropologie has all the necessary features of a good desk: drawers to contain clutter, shelves to hold the large office accessories and a large, ample space to spread out your work.
Lauren Table Lamp
A beautiful and soothing color, this table lamp in celadon green would be a great light fixture for the home office.
Color Pencil and Brass Holder Set
I purchased this colored pencil set for a special event, and I have been lusting after it ever since. The holder alone inspires me to sketch out a beautiful room rendering.
LaCourte Upright Desk
This secretary-style desk is a sleek white box on the outside, and it would be an attractive addition to any room. When opened, the contrasting rich wood tones are just as striking.
Pencil Dispenser
This pencil holder sparks nostalgic memories of the diner straw holders. A little playfulness can go a long way when working hard.
Alphabet Letter Paperweights
These Alphabet paperweights in a vintage font are the perfect desktop accessory.
Martha Stewart Home Office™ with Avery™ File Folders
"Organization is the key to success," is a phrase that I've heard often over the years. A great way to organize an office is through color coordinating, and these folders by Martha Stewart create wonderful color stories.
Topographic USA Wall Map
I love the colors of this topographic map. It's also a smart piece of art to add to your office for those days when you're day dreaming of travel.
Macau Armchair with Casters
The bamboo Chippendale-style chair is a traditional design loved by many. This reproduction chair by Ballard Designs with wheels is the perfect update to a classic.
Barton Task Lamp
I'm absolutely in love with this task light. With the rich brass base and chartruese green glass, it has a lot of look for a desktop lamp.
Shelby Desk
For a more modern look, this desk has a unique shape and design with low-slung drawers that double as shelves for larger objects.
Chevron Monogram Dry Erase Memo Board by Studio Elle
Note-taking is an important aspect to staying on top of projects, and doing so sustainably with this customizable, dry erase board is even better.
Moleskine® Digital Folio for iPad
We all love our modern-day devices that make both work and everyday life easier, but sometimes we still want to hand-write notes or sketch out ideas. This iPad case and notebook by Moleskine is a magnificent design!
Polished Brass Julep Cups
Mint julep cups are favored by many for drinking. However, repurposing them into pencil and pen holders brings a bit of class to your desktop, especially in the brass finish.
Scattered Corolla Rug, Oval
To keep hardwood floors free from scratches and wear, place a rug underneath your workspace. This oval rug is a beautiful and colorful option.
Paris Paper Tape
Clear tape is a necessity in any home office, but using beautifully printed tape in a Parisian theme makes the mundane more exciting.
Golden Gate Lacquered Wood Tray
Keeping papers and miscellaneous materials organized is a must. This wood and yellow printed tray for the desktop is a great tool for doing just that.
Schoolhouse Extension Cord, Green Cloth
Sometimes there's no possible way to conceal the mess of extension cords that live within your office. A great solution is to purchase these attractive cords and show off your electrical systems instead.
Next: Create a Home Office on a Shoestring Budget
Next: Create a Home Office on a Shoestring Budget