The old saying goes that if you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life. However, we all know that no matter how much you love your career, work is sometimes just that: work. For those of us who are lucky enough to work from home, having a home office is a chance to bring your design personality into the workplace. When decorating your office, you want it to be practical but also act as an inspirational space conducive to working. Styling your office has serious effects on your workday — from how to position your desk to what accessories lead to your best work.

Sitting in a commanding position is part of the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui; your desk positioned so you are facing the door, and can see opportunity as it walks in. Even if you don’t have many people walking in and out of your home office, positioning your desk this way is ideal for the energy-flow in your room and makes you aware of unwanted distractions as they enter your space.

Design by Robin Baron | Featuring the Bari Chandelier

This Modern Soho Penthouse office maintains a sleek and sophisticated look and has excellent feng shui by placing the desk facing towards the door. The designer added artwork like the talll wooden vase-like pieces and a framed photograph as constant sources of inspiration for her lucky client. Assuming you spend around 40 hours a week in your office (and for some it might be way more), surrounding yourself with inspiring art is one of the best ways to keep you going through the hardest work days.

Two table lamps from 2017’s new collection — the Mini-Hinsdale and Garfield

Lighting is more important than some people would think in their home office. A desk lamp is especially needed if your space is small or doesn’t get a lot of natural light, or if you’re working into the late evening.

Our Mini-Hinsdale uses contemporary materials like marble and fun cascading bulbs, while our Garfield is a more traditional desk lamp in the banker’s style. Trendy Aged Brass and clean lines bring new life to a classic design. If you’re thinking of hanging artwork in your office check out the entire Garfield family, which includes picture lights to illuminate your most adored pieces.

Don’t count out flush mounts, sconces, pendants, and chandeliers —they all look wonderful in an office and add another layer of lighting.

Lisa Stone of Lisa Stone Designs used our Stanley sconce and a desk lamp in this cozy office nook. The nook receives exceptional natural light during the daytime, creating an optimal space for getting work done.  Lisa Stone also followed a cardinal rule of home offices, adding some greenery to keep the area fresh. Having something living in your office like a plant has so many benefits to your work and health. Certain plants work to purify the air and help reduce sickness and even dry skin. 

But not everybody dedicates an entire room to a home workspace. Some people prefer keeping their office open and minimal, allowing their work to take center stage without any distractions. This lovely and organized desk space is set out in the open, only a few steps from a relaxing nook. W Design Interiors took advantage of our Savona family, using the flush mount and pendant to create design unity throughout the stairwell and the office space. A sconce and industrial-style table lamp provide accent and task light layers, meaning whoever works here will always have the illumination they need.

Whether you enjoy a more streamlined office or love to be surrounded by mood boards and plants, home offices are at their best when they work (no pun intended) for you and your needs. Figure out what design inspires you and what brings out your best work and you may be surprised by how fun your day job becomes.