Guest Picks: Go Bright and Mod in the Home Office
Be inspired, organized and productive in a home office filled with sleek furnishings and colorful accessories
Hey there, office dwellers. Whether you spend your day in a cubicle, at home or in a corner office with corporate furnishings, I’m sure that the interior design of your space has crossed your mind. I am obsessed with how my home office looks (even though it’s my dining room). From interesting storage options to modern chairs and colorful accessories, there are all kinds of ways to add personality to your space for visual interest and, more important, for inspiration. I hope some of these pieces resonate with you and help you create your perfect home office, wherever it may be. — Emily from Merrypad
Midcentury Desk, Acorn
Start with a desk. Consider your work: How much space do you need? Does the desk need to be on casters so you can move it around? Is it deep enough for your computer? Most of all, make sure it’s the kind of desk that makes you excited to sit at. This midcentury desk has me itching to sit down with my coffee and write, write, write.
Designer Leather Office Chair
A comfortable chair is very important: Think perfect height, support where you need it, possibly wheels (but only if the floor surface is smooth). I like this classic design, and I really like the price tag!
Kvissle Cable Management Box
Cords runneth abundant in my own office, and I really need a management solution like this. It's just a bonus that it's really nice to look at.
Alex Drawer Unit on Casters
Organize with an attractive flat filing system. I really like the matte finish of this design.
Reid Lamp
This task lamp stops me in my tracks. I love the wooden finish married to the classic shape. You’ll need a great light to brighten your space; the right one can even brighten up an office cubicle.
Orange and White Tower of Power
I don’t even know where to start with expressing my love for Poppin products. From furniture and decor to tech accessories to organizational systems like this perky one, they give you no reason to hate sitting at your desk.
TPS Aqua 3-Drawer Filing Cabinet
My job is almost entirely digital, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting a set of these robin’s-egg-blue beauties. A filing cabinet this size is perfect for sliding under a desk, where it will be out of the way but still provide a colorful peek of color.
Real Simple 9-Cube Storage Unit, White
If a filing cabinet isn’t quite your style, open shelving is always a good idea. I like something with many cubes that lends itself to storing all manner of books, awards and trinkets.
Dancing Dots Canvas Basket
If you have lots of odds and ends to conceal on your open shelving, splurge on the cutest baskets that you can find. These polka dot ones are irresistible — I also want them for my daughter’s room.
Advantus 12-Inch Political World Globe
I love a nice globe. And though a vintage one in an office has real appeal, the base on this model is practical and beautiful. It’s perfect for one of those open shelves.
Nest Magazine Holder, White
Make a real statement in unexpected places in your office. A set of these coated steel magazine holders would double as pretty decor on your shelves or desktop.
White Glass Magnetic 17.75" Wipe Board
Have a dedicated spot for notes in your office. I like this glass surface that is magnetic; you can also write on it with dry-erase markers.
Helvetica Poster 2014 Calendar by Yumalum
If you don’t need a calendar you can write on, try an artistic one that you’ll like as much as a piece of art. Think of it as a conversation piece too.
Marimekko Unikko Tall Red and Silver Tin Box
Desktop tins are a great way to store odds and ends. Why not make them pretty? Why not go all-out Marimekko?
Small Swiss Railway Clock
Get a great clock. It’ll make you less frantic as you count down until 5 p.m. Plus, a clock that fits your design style is very telling of you as a person, client or employee, so choose wisely.
Trash Can
Office trash happens, so pick a garbage can you like. I like the antique look of these from Pottery Barn.
Belkin Orla Kiely iPad Mini Case, Multi Stem
I love a pretty iPhone or iPad case. Put a professional front on your technology with something that suits your personality.
iPhone Gramophone, Walnut
Work with good acoustics and an amazing feature piece in your office. This gramophone that hooks up to an iPhone is the coolest idea and beautiful home office decor at the same time.
Curved Upholstered Chair, Dove Gray
If you host clients in your office, invest in chairs that are comfortable. I like the clean lines of this chair, which would look good positioned around a table for a meeting, or try a set lined up against a wall in a waiting room.
Next: The Cure for Houzz Envy: Home Office Touches Anyone Can Do
Next: The Cure for Houzz Envy: Home Office Touches Anyone Can Do