How to Design a Home Office that Inspires Calm, Creativity & Contemplation

In the midst of this pandemic craziness, it’s easy for life to feel hectic and out of control. Longing for a place to sit back, dream and contemplate? Why not craft a sanctuary at home where you can retreat to unwind and relax?

So many of my clients have mentioned that they feel guilty for not being more “productive” during this quarantine. They wake in the morning determined to fill every hour that stretches before them checking off their to-do lists…but somehow the day passes  without much getting done.

Don't despair—I’m giving you permission to sit back, dream and contemplate. Please don’t think that time is wasted! Private, uninterrupted time can refresh and inspire. And a home office can be just the space for that to happen.

1. Your Home Office Chair and Other Cozy Seating

A functional office chair is a must for being productive (as well as long-term neck and back health!) but who says home offices have to be all work and no play?

Make sure your space includes a comfortable upholstered chair—an “easy” chair that will help you get cozy and relax.

My go-to is a “chair-and-a-half”, an oversized chair that is wider than standard, but narrower than a love seat. It allows you to curl up and lean back into the pillows, be it for a catnap, sipping your favorite beverage and contemplating life, or reading your favorite author.

2. Exquisite Views and Your Essentials Within Reach

Place a small table next to your comfy chair, one big enough to hold a book, a lamp, and a cup of tea (or a glass of wine!). Tuck it in close, within easy reach. Don’t be tempted to put anything else on the table—distractions are the enemy of quality private time.

But do be sure to spend some time getting the view from your chair just right—a soothing view of your favorite artwork, the rose bushes beyond your window, or even the skyline. Whatever works for you!

3. Contain Your Clutter to Inspire Calm

Be sure to remove or conceal anything that doesn’t add to your sense of serenity and calm. Send loose papers packing to file drawers. Wrangle books onto shelves. Contain office supplies in a cupboard, and banish stress from your home office. Turn on relaxing music. And don't forget to turn off your phone!

4. Mood Lighting for Every Moment of Your Day

Remember that reading light beside your comfy chair? That’s your task lighting, and it requires a bright, focused light. You’ll want the bottom of the shade at about the height of your chin when you’re seated.

But to set a relaxing and comforting mood for the rest of the room, pay special attention to your other lighting. Install a dimmer switch on the overhead fixture. (This is a great opportunity to add a chandelier—the shimmer can create a wonderful atmosphere!)

Add your favorite scented candles for full effect. And nothing improves mood and creates an overall tranquil atmosphere more than natural light. Adding a mirror or two will bounce those beautiful rays throughout the room.

5. Soften the Sound with Easy Upgrades to Your Space

Peace will be next to impossible to achieve in a noisy environment. Solid core doors, plush carpeting or thick area rugs (with a rug pad beneath), and heavy window coverings can make a huge difference in softening sound. Even large, canvas, gallery-wrapped artwork on the walls will soak up sound.

If you can’t bear to part with your existing artwork, try attaching a piece of foam to the back of each piece. It’s a small thing, but it can help!

Fill up your bookshelves—the larger the bookcase, the less sound will get through. Finally, put that green thumb to work. The flexible and porous nature of indoor house plants make them natural sound reducers!

6. Serene Surroundings for Your Video Calls

If “soothing and peaceful” during quarantine means uninterrupted FaceTime or Zoom calls with your favorite people, consider your background and lighting. No matter how important your conversations are, poorly lit rooms and distracting backgrounds can detract from your enjoyment.

How do you fix that? Turn your phone light on and adjust it so your face is illuminated. Or count on Mother Nature—natural lighting can be a great way to look and feel more refreshed (especially in the morning or early afternoon.)

Those bookshelves and plants mentioned earlier? Like threads of a tapestry, colorful book spines naturally weave an understated yet visually appealing backdrop. And you can share a serene moment with family and friends via a peek of greenery.

7. Personalize Your Home Office to Reflect Who You Are

Knowing a bit of the story about where an object came from—and the person who crafted it—always adds incredible value to the design of a soothing and peaceful space. Even more wonderful are the pieces that have been handed down from family members.

Personal associations and fond memories attached to the objects you choose to bring into your space will always ensure that your personal story is written in every corner and on every surface of your home office. These items are a way of preserving happy memories, and inspiring creativity, joy, fun, and positivity!

I hope these tips serve you well. But more than anything, I encourage you to keep your eyes and heart open. Be alert to your inner voice , and the feeling that comes from creating a space that reflects and supports your best self. Fly without fear, following no one’s rules but your own!

Ready for a home office that doesn't feel like work? Contact us and let's design your dream space!