35 Simple Office Decor Upgrades to Make Your Work Day More Inspiring

Designer Wesley Moon managed to pack a lot into this tiny makeshift office area thanks to an eclectic mix of furnishings, smart storage, pretty decor, and a refreshing color palette. He covered an Italian shield-back chair in glazed linen by Ralph Lauren Home and then updated the antique secretary with a white leather writing surface and decorative with tchotchkes inside bell jars to play up the whimsical and dreamy vibe of the light blue colors.

This office designed by Nicole Dohmen of Atelier ND makes another strong case for experimenting with a unique color palette. The chartreuse paint is a custom blend by IJM Studio, and while they loved it, it was deemed too harsh for a large room. It is, however, perfect for the home office, as it feels both creative and understated. The floating desk matches with the blond wood flooring and chair to give the room an airier presence.

The landing, mudroom, and office are all filled with antique bowls, baskets, and Americana in this home designed by Massechessets-based designer Katie Rosenfield. She warmed up the green tones with cream and beige paints as warm wood and brass elements for a charming, nostalgic, and cozy office scheme. Antique books, artwork, and an area rug help assert that sensibility.

The main level of this Seattle home by MB Design Group boasts an open-concept floor plan, so the concrete slab flooring connects it to the surrounding space and complements the steel structural elements. A wall dedicated to storage is tucked into the corner while pretty decorative items and artwork break up the functional elements.

Workstead's re-imagining of Sommariva, a sprawling Hamptons residence that dates back to 1872, blends the best of old and new. The home office is no exception. Taking inspiration from the home's Italianate architecture as well as the coastal surroundings, the team went for a monochromatic treatment in the office, painting the walls and trim in the same jewel tone. Elaborate orange florals bring in just a touch of contrast, but tabletop clutter is kept to a minimum.

Designer Eric Smith was tasked with transforming this study (formerly an old stone barn) into a wood-lined studio that appears to be floating in the forest. The objective was "to create a built expression of an artist’s creative process, from start to finish," explains Smith. So the hallway is lined with books, the materials are refined and down-to-earth, and everything is about the view beyond the window.

One of Lauren Waters's main goals in this Tribeca loft project was to carve out a comfortable work-from-home space that didn't encroach on the living room. Waters selected industrial pieces, including a utilitarian metal filing cabinet and sculptural schoolhouse desk, in cheery hues. “We wanted this nook to be as colorful as the rest of the apartment,” the designer shares.

If your home office is nestled into the corner of a living or family room, pick one item that connects it to the rest of the space. In this example from Heidi Caillier, the classic farmhouse chair got a fresh coat of red paint, nodding to the gingham upholstered ottoman in the sitting room portion of the space. It's separate enough to focus on the distinct tasks while visually cohesive.

Set up an extra reading nook, if you have the space. It can be used by you when you're doing research or you just need a break from your office chair, or as a mini "waiting room." In this reading nook off the office, Lauren Nelson chose plum chairs and incorporated pops of purple because the homeowner loves figs. Take a page from her book and use your favorite colors!

Turn any old task into something invigorating with a home office that channels a dreamy library. Retro-inspired lighting, antique furniture, cafe curtains by the window seat/reading nook, and fully-stocked bookshelves set this one apart. Leanne Ford proves that you don't need to buy all new items for a well-decorated office either.

Architect Jeffrey Dungan proves how transformative built-in features are in this home office from a Birmingham, Alabama, home. An oval cutout on the back wall behind the desk opens up to the entry, which you can see a hint of in the antiqued mirror. A spacious table and cabinets were custom-made.

While everyone could use a little more inspiration in their lives, creatives really need a workspace that truly enhances their imagination and personality. In pattern-prone designer Anna Spiro's home office, bold colors, eclectic furniture, and all sorts of prints join forces to reflect her style.

Nothing commands respect like a show-stopping chrome desk, whether you're running board meetings or hosting open-door office hours for the family pet. But seriously, any little mirrored accent mirrored will bounce light and maximize size.

Windowless does not always have to equal sad. Leave it up to Anna Spiro Design to show us how to turn a drab basement into a cheerful, invigorating home office. Interior glass windows, baby pink paint, fresh flowers, cute patterns, and large artwork do the trick.

Who would think that the corner desk would be the piece that brings the party to the living room? Though your impulse might be to pick a plain piece that blends in and to position it facing away from the room, this kitty-corner turquoise desk in a living room by Monica Fried. The Richard Hawkins painting creates the perfect backdrop, too.

Any unused room (or even just a blank wall!) can be transformed into a home office with the right decor. Take note of this walk-in closet/bathroom by Reath Design to see how it's done. Built-in cubbies provide ample storage and fun accents like a colorful area rug and a brass table lamp bring personality.

Utilitarian wall-to-wall modular shelving, desks with plenty of storage drawers, and an adjustable midcentury office chair in this workspace by Andy Beers of Ore Studios ensure that the inhabitant can get down to business comfortably. It also aligns perfectly with the minimal yet family-friendly style of the rest of the house.

Before Pinterest boards, there were three-dimensional, real-life mood boards. In Ditte Isager's office, the walls are alive with hand-picked inspiration and pinboards keep things nimble so the decor—fabric swatches, magazine pages, sticky notes, and ribbons—can come and go. Tumblers and repurpurosed containers keep pens and accessories organized.

There is a lot to admire about this home office designed by Kirstin Fine. Let's start with the seating: From the Beetlejuice striped cushion chair peeking out in the corner to the fur armchair, patterned sofa, colorful stool, and midcentury desk seat, there's no shortage of stylish places to sit throughout the workday. Then, there are the lights! That gorgeous undulating pendant above the sitting room area makes meetings instantly brighter, while the drum pendants, sconces, and lamp ensure task lighting.

This corner office, also designed by Monica Fried, takes a more subtle approach with a green kidney-shaped desk, clay-toned walls, shades, and furniture, and a small vase for fresh flowers.