What are some good ways to decorate my home office to make it more inviting?

Question

First of all, I live in a rental, so painting walls or any remodeling is out of the question. I am lucky enough to have an extra room dedicated to all of my business files, computer, etc. etc. but each time I sit down to do any work at home, I inevitably find myself on the couch (or the floor) of my living room in front of the TV with papers spread out all over.

I do have a small TV in the office room just for entertainment while doing boring tasks, but does anyone have any ideas for me so that I ENJOY going into this room and stop toting all my papers back and forth between the living room and the office?

Thanks! (my business thanks you too! :) )

Answer 1

I work from home and having a home office that you love to be in is a great blessing. Here are some tips I've used to create my own personal space.

Color is personal and extremely important. Since you can't paint, decorate with fabric. Curtains, upholstery and sofa pillows can all be used to create a space using the colors you love to look at. Consider buying a plush area rug in colors that go with your decor. Even if you already have carpeting on the floor, if the color or carpeting is not pleasing to you, you can still place an area rug over it. Buy the best carpet you can afford that you really love. After all, you can always take it with you and if you love it, you will always find a place for it.

Place your desk where you can look up away from the computer and focus on a window with a view, a piece of art you enjoy, or an arrangement of accessories of some favorite items.

If possible, create a cozy corner with a small sofa or lounge chair with an ottoman, a side table and good lighting. It's good to be able to move to a different position so that you don't get bored or stiff sitting at a desk.

Decorate the room as you would any other room in your favorite decorating style. Don't feel it only should have a desk, computer and file cabinets. Your desk could be nothing but a favorite table where you have lots of room to spread you work on. Consider an armoire for your computer station or as a bookshelf and display for your favorite collectibles. Place a round, to the floor, tablecloth on the end table by your chair. Add a coffeepot or electric teapot to the room. Bring in some favorite photos for the wall.

Flowers are always a welcome accent. If you like scented rooms, use a reed diffuser or effusion lamp filled with scents that appeal to you.

When you work in your room, keep asking yourself, "What do I really like about this office?" What do I really dislike about this office?" Use your answers to gradually create a space you love to work in.

Above all, keep clutter out of your way. It is hard to enjoy working in an area that is always messy and you have to clear out a space to work in it.

Do yourself a favor by creating a favorable work atmosphere where you enjoy going each day. Many times it is not only discipline that keeps people working on a schedule and getting work done at home, but an office that is comfortable, inviting, and functional.

Answer 2

Putting pictures on the wall is my solution. Do it with tiny nails so you don't wreck the wall. Paint might help too, if you are allowed to do so. Use a color that makes you feel like working... not something soothing, which could make it more difficult to work. Nothing to irritate you !

I like my office, but toting things back and forth from my office to the largest sorting area in the house is still a problem. I am saying that a pleasant atmosphere may not cure you of that problem.

Answer 3

Lots of soft rugs and mirrors and pictures on the walls
Organise the office with a desk centre and wall to wall books helves
with plants
make sure your lighting is adequate to create the right atmosphere

Answer 4

Betta fish tank. Easy to care for plants.

Answer 5

you could move your sofa in there LOL