Creating an office nook in your home can make work a little less tedious. When the days are long and the work is hard, the space you’re in can either make or break you. Stressed about a project? A messy space will only add to your stress.
This means it’s important to create an environment you love working in. COVID certainly changed the times and more and more individuals are working from home leading to an even bigger need for a beautiful home office space. Whether you have an entire room or a small corner, follow along for tips on how to create the perfect modern farmhouse office!
Contents
Selecting Your Office Nook Desk
Selecting the right desk is the most important decision you will make when designing your office nook. Start by thinking about the size of your space. Obviously, a large office space will lend itself to a wider desk selection, however, your choice in a smaller space may require some more thought. In smaller offices, I recommend selecting a desk with more storage options to help keep things organized.
Next, start considering how you utilize your desk. Do you have a bunch of computer screens or does your desk become a landing space for piles of paperwork? Think through what you need in a desk and search for a stylish piece that will meet your needs. Take the time to do your research as not all desks are created equal.
Choosing A Chair
Choosing an office chair can be a quite complex topic with a wide variety of options and probably deserves its own post (let me know in the comments below if you’d like one), but I’ll keep it short and simple today. Your chair will help define the space so select one that brings in your personality and some fun to the space. If your desk is a bit more rustic, opt for a more modern chair and vice versa.
As far as function, there are a few important factors to consider:
- height adjustability
- material cushion and breathability
- mobility
- seat width and height
- lumbar support
Ensure all of these meet your expectations since you will be sitting here for 8 hours a day!
Find The Right Lighting
Lighting is such an important element in any space and your office is no exception. A well-lit office can make you feel more productive and the right lighting will make you look fabulous on those oh-so-popular zoom calls. The right lighting will require you to layer in multiple fixtures and the size of the room will determine just how many layers you need.
As far as basics go, I recommend starting with a bright overhead light, at least one desk lamp, and if it’s a larger room, add a standing lamp as well. If your room feels dark but you have a few windows, a precisely placed mirror can help brighten the room too! If you want to learn more about lighting, check out Nicolle’s 10 Tips For Choosing The Right Lighting.
Storage, Storage, Storage
No office is complete without the right storage accents! Wicker and gold are really in right now, and there are a plethora of storage accessories to choose from in those materials. If you have a lot of paperwork, these gold trays or leather file holders will make the perfect addition to your office nook.
Similar to choosing a chair, make sure your storage is both stylish and functional. If you need files readily available, but lack desktop space swap the desk organizer for a wire, wall hanging file container. If you want more space savers, check out Alexandra’s recent office storage blog.
Time To Accessorize
You spend at least 40 hours a week working. It’s important to make that space feel as homey as the rest of your home. Don’t forget to accessorize with pieces that are meaningful to you.
For instance, add in a picture of your family or dog to put a smile on your face each time you look at it. Keep a decorative clock nearby to keep an eye on the time or add a succulent or other greenery to help soften your space and elevate your mood. Add some unique and eye-catching storage pieces for your desktop.
Keep Trash Away
Last, but not least, the most important factor in keeping a tidy office nook workspace is to ensure you have a trash bin nearby. Keeping a small trash bin will encourage you to empty it frequently, but also ensures that your mid-day snack wrapper isn’t left at your desk until mid-day tomorrow. Although it can be tempting to select a boring trash can, picking a stylish bin that blends seamlessly with your other decor will keep your bin from becoming an eyesore.
