Help for tiny work office

thefourofus5356
thefourofus5356 Posts: 1
edited January 11 in Design Questions

I just started a new job. My office is small but has a lovely window for natural light. I have one piece of art and my professional diploma (which I know looks small). Please suggest anything to help me warm this area up. Thank you 😊

Comments

  • DanielaAraya
    DanielaAraya Posts: 624
    edited January 15

    That's a beautiful view from your window! Are you on video calls at work? Would it help to create a nice backdrop for you there? You could always go with a gallery wall since you already have a couple of pieces on the wall. I also love the idea of extra large pin boards in the office. I've looked at this guide to learn how to make them — so fun for an office environment 😊

    Outside of that, I would add some mood lighting in the room. Is there enough space for a floor or table lamp? Maybe a bookcase to add storage and an opportunity for styling?

  • InspiredCFSUK
    InspiredCFSUK Posts: 9

    Congrats on the new job! You can start off by adding a small plant or two near the window could bring life to the space. A nice desk lamp with a warm light can also add some cosiness. You should definitely go with a gallery wall since you already have a couple of pieces on the wall.

  • leegee4768
    leegee4768 Posts: 4

    I agree with the gallery wall idea, moving your diploma to the wall with the art you already have—maybe some other pieces that have some blue in them to make it look cohesive? What about a tall plant in that corner where the 2 surfaces meet? Add in some natural materials, wood, marble, woven basket or sisal carpet—items with texture. Also a table lamp would cozy it up. Maybe even a throw over your office chair.

  • Zephy
    Zephy Posts: 43 ✭✭

    I agree with all the ideas above! Yes to plants, more art, pinboard, and small lamps (desktop or possibly standing lamp on the floor if room). I would add my usual mantra — color! It looks antiseptic with all white surfaces and gray (?) walls. I'd choose these other objects in colors I loved and that coordinated with each other. Also desk accessory things like pen cups and paper trays — if you have the option, get them in cheerful and coordinating colors. Have fun!

  • Nanat
    Nanat Posts: 2

    Congratulations! Working from home is great and worth spending time making your office work for you! I love the view and the painting! I found putting a short floor lamp on my desk gave me light over my keyboard without blocking my view of the window. (I have a similar setup). Over time you may want to consider a bookcase or shallow credenza on the far wall with shredder, copier and office supplies. I also have put my monitor on a low shelf and have a keyboard that i attach to my laptop so that i can have 3 screens open but not have to use my laptop keyboard. My laptop is on a stand so it is the same height as the monitor. You may want to repeat the blue, green or yellow from the painting on a wall or piece of furniture. Also, this is a place you can use a fun rug because no one but you sees it even on a zoom call. I keep a pretty basket (actually a rattan trash basket) on my desk for papers I wish to recycle so it is handy, easy to empty, but also nice to look at. Have fun making your space work for you!

  • Jeannette_de_B
    Jeannette_de_B Posts: 1

    I would definitely use wallpaper on the wall facing the camera to warm the space up and give it some depth, and also take advang=tage of that lovely window to add some life via some plants. Congratulations on the job. I've worked from home for decades and love it!

  • ITSMEBETH2211
    ITSMEBETH2211 Posts: 7

    I know you are proud of your diploma and have carefully framed it, but is it something that is necessary to have on display with your job (I know doctors always have theirs up, for example)? If it is not necessary, I would relegate it to a wall of less prominence, and put a large or two medium-size pieces of colorful artwork or other framed decor (such as posters from museums) on that wall. You are facing it all day. Make it visually appealing.

    I do like the painting you have up already, but, depending on the parts of the room unseen, would hang it further from the corner than it current is.

    Is there a particular reason why the two tabletops are arranged as they are, leaving an empty void in the corner of the room? Could you line those up into a proper L shape better? I know that back corner would then be kind of unreachable for your work, but it would be a great place for a plant, which would also add coziness and warmth to the room.

  • cahjan17
    cahjan17 Posts: 5

    Congrats on your new job! I agree with suggestions for a gallery wall, lamp, and maybe a plant. I would also paint the walls or put up some wallpaper. The white top desks and white walls makes the room look sterile.

  • techblukat
    techblukat Posts: 1

    This home office is screaming for an L shaped desk and some color on the walls. That would give it some life and cohesiveness. Working from home, you aren't going to want your nice window behind you as it messes up Zoom/Teams calls as far as lighting. If you had an L shaped desk you could hide some storage underneath it, as you aren't going to need all that chair/leg space. And an L-shaped desk (as long as it doesn't come with too much bulk) will give you some nice real estate for working. Would go for something wood or wood-toned to warm up the room. If you put some more (personalized) art on the walls you should be good to go. Sometimes a home office takes a bit to pull together and can involve some trial and error until you decide when it is your zen space for productivity.

  • Salumbre
    Salumbre Posts: 16

    That's a wonderful little space for an office! I'm green with envy.

    I agree with all who suggested an L-shaped desk, to better use what little space you have, and some color on the walls. Maybe some stick-on wallpaper, just to try it out without the commitment.

    Also a gallery wall, and probably a cute mirror or two.

  • It looks like you could enhance your storage possibilities to have somewhere to put things, so it doesn't become cluttered - can you bring in a small cabinet or something?

    Are you able to put up curtains or nice blinds (Roman or matchstick)? I've seen those curtain rods and brackets that are on those stickers - that could work for you.

    Def. bring in a table lamp - a light blue or dark green base would tie into the art.

    A desk pad would spiff the desk up, as would a stylist mug or container for pens, etc.

    A coat stand to hold outerwear, your bag, etc. might be a nice touch.

    I would switch where the art and diploma are, because the big art on the small wall and small diploma on big wall are just disproportionate.

    A shawl over the back of the chair would disguise its unforgiving and blah black color.