Your office is an important space. It is where you spend most of your life, earning money to feed your family, and fulfill your career dreams. Of course, a setting that matters so much deserves to be special–a place where you can be the best version of yourself.
The good news is that creating a home office oasis doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It also doesn’t have to take up a lot of space. By following a few tips and tapping into your inner Martha Stewart, you can room a filet mignon on a hamburger budget. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Choose frugal furniture
New home office furniture is going to take a huge toll on your budget, so why not just opt for items you enjoyed before? You can buy a used table, filing cabinets, or printer tables from a number of suppliers. You probably already have an old dresser, dresser, or small table that you can easily turn into a desk.
Using these kinds of eclectic cuts will not only save you money, but can also create a unique and eye-catching look. A closet, for example, can house your entire office in one place.
Color it beautiful
An inexpensive way to create a new look is with paint. Whether you choose subtle, soothing shades or bright, upbeat tones, latex licks can give a tired room a whole new face. You might even want to add a company logo or words of inspiration to the focus wall.
A touch of paint in a matching color can also breathe new life into old furniture. Think outside the box and enjoy yourself.
Have fun with fabrics
Whether your style is funky or sophisticated, the right fabric can put your personal stamp on your office space. If you choose to work from a spare cupboard, you can use fabric curtains to hide your clutter when your workday is done.
You can make inexpensive wall art by framing patterned fabric swatches.
Do you get a lot of stuff on your office chair that’s a horrible color? Does not matter. Just make covers for the seat and back and–voila–you have a new chair. And fabric stores always have great deals on scrap that will work wonders on smaller repairs.
Be cunning with chaos
There’s no need to invest in expensive desk organizers and accessories, especially if you have things around the house that do the same thing–and look good while they’re doing it.
Use your favorite mug or cup as a pen holder. Cover the bottom half of the Pringles container with cloth or scrapbook paper and use it to store scissors and other tools. Woven baskets can be converted into “in” and “out” bins. Choose an inexpensive banker box for your larger storage needs.
Don’t forget to check the storage containers at your local dollar store. And, again, get creative and have fun.
Make it your own
For many people, this is the most fun part of putting together a home office – the accessories. Find the objects that will bring the room together and make it a place you want to spend time in. Borrow items from the rest of the house that will inspire you, make you feel happy, and add interest to the room. However, don’t include too many accessories, as you don’t want to make a mess. In a small office space, less is more.
Creating a usable utopia doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag and massive migraines. You also don’t have to kick your first child out of their bedroom. With a little imagination, a little investment, and a healthy dose of ingenuity, you can create your own beloved space. Get creative.
What smart home office design ideas can you share?
Image courtesy: Residence.
