8 Ways to Smarten Up Your Home Office (And Enjoy Working More)

Home offices tend to be low on the list for rooms we want to refresh or renew, even when we spend most of our time within that space. As working from home becomes less of a temporary solution for many, it’s in your best interest to create a workspace that keeps you focused and efficient. These 8 office improvements will make you feel excited to sit down at your desk.

1. Paint Your Walls a Mood Altering Color

One of the most cost-effective ways to give a room a total makeover is by giving it a new coat of paint. If you want to boost your creativity, add yellow to your walls, but blue is the color of choice if you’re more interested in efficiency. Colors impact how we preserve an object or situation, so if you want to influence your mood at work, choose hues that produce happiness.

2. Use Specialty Paint for Laminated or Varnished Surfaces

Painting your walls can take days of applying and drying, and you may not be able to use that room for a portion of your workweek. If you have a boring desk, shelves, or other furniture that could use a bit of flair, remove it from your office and paint it. Laminated and varnished surfaces will need special paint. Otherwise, your furniture won’t dry properly or look worse than before.

3. Audio Equipment That Looks as Great as it Sounds

Many entrepreneurs and work-from-home professionals prefer to work while playing music, listening to a podcast, or with some form of background noise. Bang and Olufsen speakers are capable of incredible sound, are Bluetooth enabled, and compatible with AirPlay 2. The White Beoplay A9 Speaker model can even be used as a beautiful furniture piece in your home office.

4. Add Real/Synthetic Houseplants or Flowers 

Many real houseplants are valued for their air-purifying properties, which can help make your mind feel more focused. Adding a bit of greenery to your office can also lower anxiety levels, increase productivity, and reduce overall stress. Although faux plants don’t give you the same benefits as real flowers or houseplants, they can spruce up a windowless office space.

5. Organize Your Files and Equipment

Unless you’re one of those people who work better with a mess, start organizing your files immediately to help you feel less overwhelmed. Start by installing shelves on your walls or behind your desk, so you don’t have to look at the clutter. Adding new, colorful file boxes to your shelves can boost your happiness, while neutral shapes create a more classic look.

6. Purchase Art of a Floor Rug

If you just moved in or you rent an apartment, home, or condo, you may not be allowed to nail a permanent installation on the wall or paint the office anything other than white. Or, maybe you just want a quick way to smarten up your office. Either way, adding art to your walls with sticky tack or hanging strips will avoid damage, and a floor rug can instantly add color to your floor.

7. Corkboard and Whiteboards for Notes and Memos

Corkboards or whiteboards are available at every office depot in the United States, and they serve the dual purpose of smartening up the space while being practical. You can use your whiteboard to write down ideas you’re afraid you’ll forget, while a corkboard can be used to pin up lists, memos, art, and notes. Pin enthusiasts can also display their collection this way.

8. Don’t Forget the Necessities like Lights, a Desk, and Chairs

Choosing the right desk for your home office is integral to your work performance, as a desk that’s too small or too low could make your space feel uncomfortable. Be sure to purchase a chair that’s comfortable and helps you sit up straight to avoid back problems. Finally, add lamps around your desk and office that are bright and work with your other interior design elements.