Over the years, our team at Laura U Design Collective has created and updated dozens of home offices. Some are quirky and colorful like the home office at Circle Drive. Others are serene and masculine like the moody office space at Heights Modern. Each reflects the lifestyle and aesthetic of the clients who write, study, craft, and take meetings from these office spaces. To create a beautiful and productive workspace, parse through this list of home office ideas from the LUDC archives.
Hallmarks of a Fully Functional Home Office Remodel
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, many of us have made the transition to working from home. This shift has underscored the importance of having a dedicated, functional space to maintain productivity and focus.
While aesthetics play a significant role in creating an inviting atmosphere, the foundation of a truly successful home office lies in its functionality. Functionality goes far beyond selecting the perfect office chair or executive desk.
By understanding the nuances that contribute to a seamless working environment—from ergonomic furniture to optimized lighting and from organized storage solutions to technology integrations—the right interior designer will ensure your space meets each and every need. Before you explore our list of home office design ideas inspired by projects in the LUDC archive, familiarize yourself with the hallmarks of a fully functional home office space.
Plenty of Storage Space
A well-organized home office is instrumental in enhancing productivity and reducing distractions. Adequate storage space is crucial as it ensures that all work-related materials, documents, and tools have a designated place—minimizing clutter and facilitating easy access.
As Dr. Kristen Fuller writes in this article for VeryWellMind, “Clutter can actually have a negative impact on your mental health.” According to Fuller and a number of scientific studies, “Clutter can increase stress levels, make it difficult to focus, take a toll on relationships, and more.”
Without sufficient storage, essential items can become lost or misplaced—leading to wasted time and potential frustration. Moreover—as the boundaries between work and home environments blur—having ample storage allows for the compartmentalization of professional and personal items.
As beautiful as floating shelves and open storage can be, we recommend mixing hidden storage with display shelving. This ensures that the workspace remains focused on professional tasks and is free from the chaos of daily household life.
Ergonomic Furniture
Ergonomic furniture is essential for maintaining proper posture and ensuring the well-being of those who spend long hours working from home. A poorly designed chair can lead to a multitude of health issues—including back pain, neck strain, and even long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
By providing appropriate support to the spine, alleviating pressure on the hips, and allowing for adjustments tailored to an individual’s unique body shape and work habits, an ergonomic office chair not only enhances comfort but also boosts productivity. It minimizes the physical toll that prolonged sitting can impose.
In addition to an ergonomic desk chair, you might also consider an adjustable standing desk. Adjustable height desks allow users to alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the day. This flexibility is instrumental in promoting better circulation—reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and strain on the spine associated with prolonged sitting.
By facilitating regular movement, these desks can help counteract the adverse health effects of a sedentary lifestyle—i.e., obesity, diabetes, and chronic back pain. Furthermore, standing intermittently can enhance concentration and energy levels—making not just a physical but also a cognitive difference in one’s workday. According to research cited in this resource from the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, “66% of workers felt more productive and 87% felt more energized by spending just an hour of their workday standing.”
Layered Lighting
Another key to protecting one’s health while working from home is layering light fixtures throughout the space. Layered lighting ensures optimum visibility and reduces
eye strain. General lighting provides consistent illumination across the entire workspace—setting a foundational light level and helping in tasks that don’t demand pinpoint focus. On the other hand, task lighting offers concentrated brightness to specific areas—crucial for activities like reading, writing, or detailed computer work.
By combining both, users can tailor the lighting environment to their needs—optimizing clarity and reducing the risk of headaches or visual fatigue. Layered lighting also allows for adaptability. As the day progresses or tasks shift, the balance between general and task lighting can be adjusted—keeping the office space functional and comfortable.
An Optimized Layout
A home office’s layout is—quite literally—its foundation. By thoughtfully arranging furniture, equipment, and storage, one can streamline workflows, minimize distractions, and ensure that essential tools are within easy reach. This reduces unnecessary movement and wasted time searching for items—creating a seamless work environment. Moreover, a well-planned layout ensures that the space feels spacious and uncluttered—regardless of its actual square footage.
This physical organization not only enhances functionality but also contributes to mental clarity—allowing individuals to focus more effectively and maintain a positive relationship with their workspace. In a recent article for The Wall Street Journal, Kathryn O’Shea-Evans underscores the importance of a well-planned office space—referencing our Rice Residence home remodel. The layout of this space allows the homeowner to swivel in her office chair—facing the window when she wishes and the interior when she has guests.
A Stellar Home Office also Needs…
- Personal Touches Like a Gallery Wall, Statement Chandelier, or Gorgeous Wallpaper
- Separation from Your Spare Bedroom or Primary Bedroom
- Large Windows and Odes to Nature
- Sound Proofing to Lock-Out Household Noise
Eight LUDC Designs to Inspire Your Home Office Remodel
From an ergonomic chair to adequate separation from your primary bedroom, we have covered all the practical must-haves for a fully functional home office remodel. Now, let’s take a look at some of our favorite home offices from the LUDC archives. Whether your personal preference is bold and colorful, floral and feminine, or cool and coastal, we have you covered.
#1 A Quirky, Colorful Home Office at Circle Drive
A work space need not be drab and dull. Whether through a bold wallpaper or intriguing art piece, each home office should reflect the personal style of its user. After all, creativity is rarely sparked in a stark white room. As we note in this post about using art in interior design, “art chosen for a social or creative space should be more energizing and instigating.” This home office—located just off the entryway— is both. Its art is engaging, colorful, and highly textural.
This space features a dynamic color palette, multiple patterns, and a variety of different finishes. We balance these elements by repeating shapes and textures throughout the space. For example, interpretations of the almond shape in the rug’s pattern repeat in the chandelier, mounted art piece just opposite the desk, and in several objects on the shelves. The structure of the desk also resembles that of the millwork behind it.
#2 A New Construction Craft Room at Braeswood Place
This might be the most charming and cheerful home office we have ever designed at LUDC. At Braeswood Place, we created a craft room for the owner and her daughter—who often scrapbook together.
Both the daughter and her mother collaborated with the LUDC team to create a space specifically designed around this craft. We included custom-sized cabinets — a collaboration with studioMET — and drawers to perfectly fit their paper and equipment.
The Parsons table has casters, so the homeowner and her daughter can move it around as they wish. Pierre Frey wallpaper and Orange Broom stools from Emeco make this space feel bold and bright.
#3 His and Hers Work Spaces at Viscaino
Many couples co-work from home. While remote work can be a relief for those who enjoy the concentration and privacy offered by solitude, sitting next to one’s spouse is not always a recipe for enhanced productivity.
Splitting your home office in two and infusing both personalities into the decor can make an enormous difference. Adding extra storage—as we did at Viscaino—ensures everyone has space for their files, books, electronics, and art pieces.
In this home office, a cozy fireplace separates the two zones, but both desks sit on the same area rug. This creates cohesion.
#4 Texture Does the Talking at Heights Modern
Viscaino’s home office is light, bright, and airy—punctuated by pops of color. In the home office pictured above, texture does the talking. Low profile furniture, glossy shelves, intriguing textures, and a monolithic overmantel add drama to this moody office space at Heights Modern.
The dark tones and elegant upholstery make this space incredibly sophisticated, but it still feels comfortable and welcoming. This space is emblematic of the rest of the home—the contemporary interior of which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding neighborhood’s historic and Victorian-style home.
#5 A Coffee Bar and Separate Entrance Create a Mini Commute at Hedwig Village
Between the bedroom and bathroom at Hedwig Village, we added a small vestibule—pictured above in the center—to create a certain degree of separation. The vestibule replaced the double door that separated the bath and bedroom previously.
With the owner’s study just off the primary bath, a morning bar was the perfect inclusion for this vestibule. Our team designed this romantic millwork—including cove edging and the special French curve detail—so that our clients could enjoy a cup of their favorite brew without even leaving their room.
#6 Natural Light Complements Dark Tones at Colonial Drive
From one River Oaks interior design project to the next, we find so much joy in creating functional yet beautiful studies. At Colonial Drive, natural light complements dark tones from the wood floors to the custom millwork. Her side of the study boasts a couple funky light fixtures, a Made Goods Garlon desk, art lighting and more.
We especially love the Vedra Medium Table Lamp with a Polar Blue Reactive Glaze Ceramic finish. The gray-green paint and Pindler Plymouth Smoke shades over the windows are a close second. Views of the home’s outdoor spaces certainly can’t hurt either!
#7 Custom Shelving Creates a Mid-Century Vibe at Green Tree
Seventh on our list of gorgeous home offices is this mid-century modern space at Green Tree. Mid-century modern design was characterized by its use of clean lines, organic shapes, and forward-thinking aesthetics. Many designers opted for walnut wood and brass finishes within this design era—their choice rooted in both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
In the post-WWII era, walnut—regarded for its robust nature and rich, warm hues—was both abundant and affordable. Its fine grain provided a sleek look—aligning with the movement’s emphasis on simplicity and elegance.
Brass—with its golden undertones—served as a perfect complement to walnut’s dark, warm tones. Together, they introduced a contrast that was both visually striking and inviting. Brass added a touch of luxury without being overly opulent—fitting the mid-century ethos of accessible sophistication.
Both walnut and brass are known for their durability. Mid-century designers—many of whom were influenced by a functionalist philosophy—appreciated materials that weren’t just beautiful but also long-lasting and practical. The era also saw a fusion of various design principles—including Bauhaus from Europe and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Walnut—with its minimalist appeal—and brass—with its subtle sheen—catered to this harmonious blend.
Alongside the rich teal of the accent chairs’ upholstery and manganese blue of the abstract painting beside them, walnut and brass are the perfect pairing in this stunning home office.
#8 Bold Artwork Acts as a Focal Point at University Place
This home office at University Place was truly transformed by our team—in large part by the custom millwork we designed for the space. The finish, hardware and structure of the floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcase was changed completely and nearly all furniture was replaced. The only piece that remains is the client’s existing desk, which lends a sculptural quality to the space.
For the hardware, LUDC designers chose bronze Helmlsey pulls by Jonathan Browning from Restoration Hardware. This home’s interior was inspired by the clients’ history in California. They wanted a home influenced by the quiet elegance and ease of elevated coastal interiors. From the pendant pieces framed behind the desk to the wall color and light fixtures, this space is the absolute embodiment of California cool.
Ready to Transform Your Own Home Office?
Reach out to the team at Laura U Design Collective.
