a cozy & functional home office

Two years have passed since I moved into my current home, and during this time, I've been on a journey to transform my home office from a bland and uninspiring space into a cozy and functional haven where creativity flows and productivity soars.

When I first stepped into this room, it had white walls, light beige floors, and a simple desk. The chair I used initially belonged in my living room. But today, I'm excited to share how I've turned this into a simple, relaxed, and thoughtful space, designed to promote well-being and make every moment spent here a pleasure.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

The first step in my transformation was to break away from the monotony of an all-white home office. Inspired by the beautiful morning light that bathes the room, I decided to add a touch of coziness by painting one of the walls in a soothing shade of grey. It instantly created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect backdrop for my workspace.

So, let's have a look at the inspiration behind my home office transformation. As I embarked on this journey two years ago, I knew I wanted to create a space that reflected my personal style and values. To kickstart the process, I began by creating a mood board filled with images, colors, and textures that resonated with me. I drew inspiration from nature, aiming to bring the outdoors inside, and incorporated elements of minimalism for a clean and uncluttered feel.

This mood board helped me make design decisions that aligned with my vision for a cozy and inviting workspace. It's a visual representation of the tranquility and creativity I aspired to achieve in this room, and I'll be sharing it below to provide a glimpse into the thought and planning that went into every corner of my home office.

A closer look to the space and different areas I created in my home office.

The Desk

The heart of my home office is undoubtedly my desk, a versatile piece that allowed me to mix and match table tops and legs. Beyond its sleek design, it's a statement of environmental responsibility, using fewer raw materials. This desk is where I spend most of my time, and it provides the perfect canvas for my daily work.

On my desk, I placed a stylish basket from H&M Home, which has proven to be a perfect addition for corralling the inevitable clutter that accumulates while I'm working. This nifty basket is a versatile storage solution, capable of holding a variety of items, from my notebooks to my camera and all those pesky cables that used to snake around my workspace. It's a small addition that makes a big difference in keeping my workspace organised and uncluttered, allowing me to focus on what truly matters.

*the picture ledges decor changing over the time*

*the morning light that bathes the room*

*my cat enjoying the cozy corner I created*

Recently, I also decided to add a cork board to my workspace – you know, one of those cool boards where you can pin up quotes, pictures, and all sorts of things that make you feel motivated and inspired. It's a simple DIY project I've been daydreaming about, and with a trip to IKEA and a little bit of creativity, I made it happen. Now, my home office is not just a place to work; it's a space where I can surround myself with inspiration, positivity, and all the things that keep me going. Whenever I need a boost, all I have to do is glance at my cork board.

The Picture Ledges

One of my favorite elements in the room is the picture ledges. These versatile shelves allow me to regularly change their styling, displaying my favorite magazines, books, postcards, and objects that bring me joy. They also act as a focal point in my home office, creating a cozy atmosphere as I work throughout the day.

The Day Bed

To maximize the utility of the space, I incorporated a day bed. It serves as a comfortable spot for friends and family when they visit, but it's also my go-to spot for early morning reading and email checks. Interestingly, my cat seems to share my affection for this cozy corner, often choosing it as his naptime retreat.

The day bed's multifunctionality is a smart solution, providing a sofa, a single bed, a double bed, and storage all in one piece of furniture, perfect for small spaces. To add warmth and elegance, I placed a simple rug with neutral tones in front of it, creating a touch of texture and comfort.

*perfect spot for early morning reading and email checks*

*adding a pop of color to my home office through home accessories*

The Bookshelves

Once the furniture pieces were in place, I felt the need to introduce some storage for my growing collection of books. The wall behind the day bed seemed like the perfect spot. Opting for minimalist shelves, I aimed to keep them simple and airy to allow the colorful book spines to pop and capture attention. These bookshelves combine functionality with aesthetics, ensuring that my books are always within reach.

*simple and airy shelves for colourful book spines and plants*

The Bench

As a nature enthusiast, I wanted to bring a touch of the outdoors inside my home office. With a growing collection of plants and flowers, I decided to integrate them into my interior scheme.

My solution was a bench in a soft color, crafted from solid birch wood. It adds an element of interest and texture to my home office while providing a cozy haven for my beloved plants. This versatile bench serves multiple purposes – from displaying plants to holding my books, magazines, or a simple candle. It's even a convenient spot to rest my coffee cup while I lose myself in a good book in my cozy reading nook.

Above the bench, I've hung a handy wall-mounted storage solution that's perfect for all those little things you find around a home office. It's a normann copenhagen pocket organizer, and it's as versatile as it is stylish. This nifty organizer can hold magazines, serve as a cute planter for my indoor plants, and keep my office supplies in check. By using the walls I was able to make the most of the space I had available, making my home office feel more relaxed and organised.

Two Years of Dedication to a Cozy and Functional Space

In the span of two years, I've poured my energy and heart into creating a home office that is not only functional but also a calming and cozy sanctuary. From DIY projects and wall painting to careful space planning and styling, every detail has been thoughtfully chosen.

This space is designed to embrace well-being, promote productivity, and offer comfort at every turn. Whether I'm working at my desk, unwinding on the day bed, or tending to my cherished plants, my home office has become a place of inspiration and rejuvenation. I consider this place a reflection of the power of thoughtful design where work and relaxation coexist harmoniously.

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