The right color spells productivity.
By Lauren Smith, Good Housekeeping
More and more people are adding home offices, libraries and quiet rooms to their homes — but that doesn't mean the design has to be sleepy. All of these spaces are vibrant and inspiring, making it a room someone would seek out — not avoid.
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Coordinate your patterns.
Sometimes it takes a polished, professional-looking space to feel motivated. The coordinating (but not matchy-matchy) patterns on the window treatment and chair in this Dering Hall office designed by Sara Gilbane Interiors does the trick.
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Stick with sets.
Don't underestimate the power of a coordinating office accessories to keep your space organized and streamlined. This white lacquered set looks clean and modern.
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Infuse with inspiration.
Color has the power to get your creative juices flowing and improve your mood (a must when work's involved), which is why the statement art in this office from Dering Hall and designed by West Haddon Hall is so effective.
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Pick accessories that pop.
Metallics like gold, brass and silver have a way of instantly elevating a space, without being too distracting. Even better: This swivel lamp will make sure you never have to strain your eyes to see.
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Keep the backdrop white.
If your style changes faster than your computer background, keep your space all white. You can switch in new pillows, patterns and accent colors as you desire, as proven by this Dering Hall office designed by Jen Talbot Design.
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Add a statement chair.
Even if everything in your office is cookie cutter and traditional, all it takes is a bold chair to totally transform the vibe — as seen here in an office from Dering Hall and designed by Studio Gild.
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Paint your bookshelves.
Who says books are boring? Not us — and certainly not this office (from Dering Hall and designed by Lisa Gutow Design) which features a lime green bookshelf backdrop.
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Make walls work harder.
So you don't have a dedicated room for a study. That doesn't mean you're out of luck. This minimalistic desk takes up hardly any wall space and still offers three shelves worth of storage.
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Use natural elements.
If you're easily stressed out, muted accessories from nature will create a serene and peaceful ambiance. This office, from Dering Hall and designed by Terri Ricci Interiors, takes advantage of natural wood and white walls.
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Color block your books.
Instead of picking out bright artwork or accessories, Ashley Campbell Interior Design gave this Dering Hall office life by grouping like-colored books together and stacking them against a black backdrop. Genius.
