Quick tips for making over your home office

For those of us who work from home its important to have a dedicated work space, but making it look amazing often gets pushed down on the priority list because clients come first! Here are a few tips that should only take a minimal amount of time to make your office a bit more easy on the eyes

via Martha Stewart for instructions to create this project.

Location: Your home office needs space. Without space you aren't going to be able to focus on the task at hand. It doesn't have to be a huge space but it does need to be a defined work space. If you're really short on time, expert organizer Molly Boren of Chicago-based Simplicity Works says to "define the space if possible: maybe with a curtain or even a rug, the way you would define another activity's zone within the living space." This works even if you don't have an entire room to set aside. There shouldn't be anything else in that office except for what you need to work. My "sewing nook" is just a secretary desk in the dining room. You'd never know it was there until I put the top down!

 
via Houzz.com

Lighting! Overhead lighting is extremely fatiguing on the eyes, and personally sometimes I feel like I can feel it sucking the life and energy out of me like a UFO sucking me into it's spacecraft. Under cabinet and task lighting is crucial and quick to set up. Experiment with different wattage light bulbs until you find what works best for you.

Change your perspective.  Literally.  I found I could focus better when my desk was not facing a wall.  You may be different.  Only when you are comfortable will you be able to focus.  Move your desk and see if your productivity improves within a few days.  If it doesn't, reposition and try again.

Monique Lhuillier’s office via Elle Decor

Storage and desk surface are two workspace elements that are really important to me.  These changes may take a little longer to employ, but you can't really work without them. Having cabinets and drawers really keeps the clutter off the desk and gives you a more relaxed feel to your day. Desk surface space is something I simply can't skimp on. Give yourself enough space to spread out your work instead of being cramped up and unable to visually breathe. If you are looking for great desk cabinet and counter top ideas, Corian has some beautiful options. Some storage options, like desk height filing cabinets or bookcases can double as extra desk space and allows you to keep your office better organized. I have trouble sitting down to work if my desk surface is cluttered.

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

Creativity. Feel like there is no room for an office in your home? Makeover a closet! This can be done in a weekend.  Turn your closet into a working office and when you need tuck it away you can just close the doors and it's back to the room it was before! This may take a little more creativity, but it can make a huge difference in a small home.



via HGTV.com

Authenticity. The most important thing about a home office is making sure it inspires you. It has to be a space that you love in order for it to work. Having a space that is yours with your style can really improve your mood as well as your work! Have fun with it!

Another great resource I always turn to is the 2009 Decorology post, A Room of One's Own - Creating Your Creative Space

  This post was in partnership with solidsurface.com

An awesome giveaway for all you organizing junkies out there!

The awesome guys at Sorting With Style is offering Decorology readers a chance to win a treasure trove of office supplies to help keep your workspace organized and cute. The winner will receive everything listed below.

I work from home, so I know how important it is to have all the right supplies at your fingertips.  It also doesn't hurt if they're cute, too!   Having an organized space also keeps me focused.  Whenever I'm having trouble being productive I take a few minutes to tidy up my desk and I find that it instantly helps me hunker down, because I'm not distracted by the mess.

If you want a chance to win this great prize from Sorting With Style, like them on facebook, and then leave a comment on this post (make sure you leave a way for me to get back to you!)  The winner will be chosen by random draw, and the contest closes on Thursday the 26th at 6PM  EST.

Black & White Mini 3 Ring Binder $16
Black & Silver Pinstripe Thank You Set $13
1 Red/ 1 Pink Lipstick Pen $10
7 in 1 Colored Pencil $8
Get Comfortable Journal $8
Reflect Journal $8
Get Comfortable Sticky Note Set $6
Skeleton Key Sticky Note Set $6
 Coffee Bean Sticky Note Set $5
Dragonfly Pin Set $8

Giveaway Value: $88.00

Here are a few of my other favorites from the Sorting with Style site.

 This super adorable porcelin memo board.

A memo pad and business card holder in a fun, flowery pattern

 This mouse pad would take me back to my days as a painter.

 I want a chevron switch plate like this for every room!

Can you imagine going to this beautiful space everyday for work?

I work from home, so I'm pretty lucky that I can design my space however I want (or however my wallet allows), but I have worked in a few offices and it's sad that we have to spend so much of our lives in a space where we can't really make it ours. Often it's hideous cubicle partition walls that we have to stare at day in and day out.

The loft is that of polish bag producer Batycki, a company located in north Poland - Gdansk.  It's light-filled and decorated with vintage furniture and accessories.  The plants also add a nice touch.

great shot

What do you think of the loft? Is your office space nicely designed/decorated, or do you with the company you work for put a bit more emphasis on good interior design?