More people have been working from home over the past five years. According to the US Census, the number of people working from home tripled from 5.7% to 17.9% from 2019 to 2021. 1 While some companies have returned to the office, many are still offering remote work. According to Forbes, in 2023, 12.7% of full time employees work from home, while 28.7% work hybrid, meaning they work select days at home. They also estimate that in 2025, 32.6 million workers will be remote. 2

With so many people working from home, having a well-designed office is becoming a top priority. Here are a few reasons a well-designed office are important:

• Having a designated space can help with the separation of work & your personal life and can increase focus & productivity by reducing distractions
• A visually appealing work space can have a positive effect on your mood and motivation
• A well organized home office with proper storage solutions can promote effective time management and task prioritization
• It can contribute to positive physical well-being by including ergonomic furniture, proper lighting and equipment set up at the best height to prevent strain on your body.

So let’s talk about ways you can create a chic, yet functional home office in your space.

• Create a color scheme that is both sophisticated and stimulating. Utilize colors that allow you to focus on your work and keep your creativity. You will often see blues, greens, and neutrals used in home offices because they tend to promote calmness and focus. While all white offices have become popular, I suggest pairing it with colored accents and decor, and including fresh greenery to keep it from looking too sterile.
• Add some pattern! One of my favorite places to see wallpaper used is in a home office. It is a great way to really personalize your space. Other fun ways to add pattern are with patterned fabrics on office chairs or custom window treatments.
• Find stylish storage options. Since it is important to keep your office space organized to help you stay on task, there are lots of fun ways to incorporate wall shelves, bookcases, filing cabinets and storage baskets into the space.
• Include captivating lighting into the space. A home office is a great place to add a distinctive chandelier to really illuminate the room. Make sure you also have plenty of task lighting. Add decorative table lamps or a floor lamp to make sure your space is well lit.
• Consider custom built-ins. An office is one of the best rooms in the house to have built-in cabinetry. You can choose the size, configuration, materials, and finishes that match your style and needs. This can allow you to maximize your space and enhance your storage harmoniously. In addition, well-designed and seamlessly integrated built-ins can increase the value of your home.

A well-designed home office is not just a functional space but a reflection of your style, personality, and work habits. Schedule a call to learn more about how we can create the perfect home office space in your home:

https://calendly.com/jamie-ebonyandoak/complimentary-30-minute-discovery-call

https://ebonyandoakinteriors.com/

Footnotes:

1. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2022/people-working-from-home.html
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2. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/remote-work-statistics/#:~:text=By%202025%2C%2032.6%20million%20Americans,about%2022%25%20of%20the%20workforce. ↩︎