As the new year begins, there’s no better time to refresh your workspace with a home office makeover. Improving your office setup not only boosts efficiency but also enhances your overall well-being. From decluttering to incorporating ergonomic furniture, lighting, and personal touches, the right home office makeover can transform your workspace into a place where creativity and productivity thrive.
Whether you’re working from your new home in Arvada, CO, apartment in Inglewood, CA, or decluttering your office in your rental house in Roy, UT, designing an inspiring environment is essential. Let’s explore some expert tips to help you create the ultimate home office this year.
1. Declutter and organize your space
Decluttering and organizing your home office is crucial for creating a space that encourages focus and productivity. A clean, well-organized environment reduces distractions, making it easier to concentrate on tasks and deadlines.
Francesca Soberano, a Los Angeles, CA-based professional organizer at The Luxe Organizer, recommends starting the new year by giving your home office a refresh to boost productivity and inspire success. “Declutter, deep clean, and create a vision for the space you want to work in. Assess your storage before buying new bins, and recycle old technology responsibly,” Soberano says. “Set up a clear, ergonomic workspace with a digital document management system—scan papers when possible and establish an easy filing and shredding system for the rest.”
By eliminating unnecessary items and creating helpful storage systems, you not only free up physical space but also clear mental clutter, allowing you to work with greater clarity and efficiency.
“We believe your office should be both functional and reflect your personal style,” states Wendy Kerrigan at Atelier Design, a boutique architecture and interior design studio based in New Orleans, LA. “Start your home office makeover by decluttering and organizing, as a clean workspace boosts productivity. Create an intuitive layout with ample storage to reduce clutter. A well-designed office can make work feel less like work.”
An organized home office also helps you maintain a sense of control and reduces stress, leading to a more enjoyable and productive workday.
Sort through the piles of paperwork
“After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a few extra moments of calm to set yourself up for success,” says Tara Kirkland, a professional organizer at TK Lifestyle Organizer. “Sort through paperwork that may have piled up and either file, recycle, or take action. Also, it’s a good idea to create a 2025 tax folder to keep track of write-offs and receipts.”
Sorting through paperwork is a great way to start your organization process and set yourself up for a more successful year ahead. Creating designated folders for upcoming tasks, taxes, and other key categories will help keep your workspace efficient and prevent important items from being lost.
“In your home office, when you see clutter and piles of paper it can be stressful, and it can be difficult to focus on the tasks at hand—physical clutter creates clutter in the mind. You’ll want to invest in a desk with drawers to house office supplies and files,” suggests Jamie Haskell at Haskell Home Organization, a professional home organization, decluttering, and home-styling company in Meridian, ID.
“The ultimate goal is to have a functional and beautiful space that inspires you to be your most productive and efficient,” Haskell concludes.
By starting the year with a clean slate, you’ll feel more in control and ready to tackle new challenges.
Photo courtesy of Haskell Home Organization
2. Prioritize lighting during your home office makeover
Improving the lighting in your home office can have a significant impact on both your productivity and comfort. Proper lighting reduces eye strain, helping you work for longer periods without discomfort, while also being beneficial in enhancing mood and energy levels.
Kris Celtnieks at Sasquatch Architecture, a Portland, OR-based architecture and design firm, shares his suggestion for where to begin with adjusting the lighting in an office. “Start by strategically placing your office in an optimal room with natural light and ventilation. This not only boosts productivity but also improves your overall mood in an area you will be spending at least a third of your day in.”
By incorporating a mix of various lighting options, you can create an atmosphere that supports both focused work and relaxation, ultimately leading to a more comfortable workspace.
Photo courtesy of photographer Meagen Larsen for Sasquatch Architecture
Take advantage of help from AI
“Beyond traditional updates like ergonomic furniture and decluttering, consider incorporating AI-powered tools that can optimize productivity and streamline daily tasks,” recommends Tao at WOX, an office space management platform.
AI tools can greatly enhance the functionality and comfort of your home office by automating tasks and optimizing your environment. Smart lighting systems, for example, can adjust to your work patterns, providing the right brightness for focused work or relaxing ambiance during breaks.
Tao concludes by saying, “Smart lighting systems and AI-driven organizational apps can transform your workspace into a seamless blend of comfort and efficiency, setting the tone for a successful year ahead.”
3. Keep ergonomics and comfort in mind
Ergonomics plays a crucial role in creating a relaxed and effective home office environment. Proper ergonomic design helps reduce the risk of strain and injury by promoting good posture, supporting your back, and ensuring that your desk and chair are at the right height.
“I’m always up for a good home office makeover; however, since wellness is extra relevant in January, that’s where I like to put my focus,” states Samantha Potter at Samantha Potter Home, a lifestyle blog focused on home decor finds, style tips, DIYs, and recipes. “I chose to add a walking pad and desk riser to my home office. When you’re not getting your steps in, opt for an aesthetically pleasing but functional ergonomic chair—bonus points for the footrest.”
Photo courtesy of Samantha Potter Home
With ergonomic furniture and accessories, such as adjustable chairs and keyboard setups, you can minimize discomfort during long work hours, leading to better focus and fewer physical ailments.
“Let’s face it, we all spend long hours in the office, so comfort and functionality are equally as important as aesthetics. Even though we are so technologically advanced in storage solutions, we all end up having a thing or two we need to put away,” shares Lexi Powell, owner and designer of Alexandra Lauren Home Collection in Jackson, TN. “That’s why I recommend a desk like the Jasper. It offers open spaces at the top for important papers, keeping the surface clean and organized.”
Powell suggests, “Pair it with our Industrial Loft Upholstered Leather Chair, which is not only durable and easy to clean but also provides excellent back support for those long workdays.”
Prioritizing ergonomics not only improves your well-being but also enhances efficiency by allowing you to work more comfortably.
4. Maximize storage
“Start the new year strong by refreshing your home office with a few simple updates,” states Jessica Carter at Signature Organizing, a Kirkland, WA-based professional organization business.
Maximizing storage in a home office makeover is essential for creating an organized, productive home office setup. It helps reduce clutter, which can improve focus and efficiency. With proper storage solutions, you can keep important documents, supplies, and equipment within reach while maintaining a tidy environment.
Carter continues by recommending, “Add functional storage to keep essentials within reach. A refreshed workspace can truly do wonders for your productivity and mindset.”
Photo courtesy of Signature Organizing
Try out a vertical workspace
A clever way to utilize a small space for an office is by taking advantage of tall ceilings with a vertical workspace, such as in a living room and office combo. This can significantly free up floor space in a tight area by utilizing the full height of the room.
“Maximize storage by utilizing vertical space—a wall desk with stacked shelving keeps floors clean and organized,” Lynda Kroeze, an interior designer at Nook & North Interiors, suggests. “Opt for plenty of closed storage, especially if your office shares a room with other spaces.”
Photo courtesy of Nook & North Interiors
5. Incorporate nature and biophilic design into your home office makeover
Incorporating nature and biophilic design into your home office makeover can significantly enhance both your health and performance levels. Adding plants, natural light, and materials like wood or stone helps create a calming and inspiring atmosphere, reducing stress and boosting creativity.
“Biophilic design revolves around integrating natural elements into workspaces, such as plants, natural light, and organic materials, to foster a calming environment that boosts productivity and well-being,” shares Tineke Triggs, owner of Tineke Triggs, an interior design firm in San Francisco, CA. “When it comes to redesigning home offices with an emphasis on health and wellness, incorporating ergonomic furniture, natural plants, and relaxation areas supports both physical and mental health.”
Photo courtesy of R Bradley Knipstein for Tineke Triggs
Bring in texture
Adding texture to a home office makeover can transform the space, making it feel more inviting and dynamic.
“Wall panels are perfect for creating a feature wall, defining the space, or adding a touch of texture and character to your environment,” Stefa Normantas, Marketing Liaison at Texture Plus, a faux wall company, recommends. “For a practical and visually appealing option, consider Texture Plus faux wall panels, which come in a variety of finishes like wood, brick, or stone to suit your personal style.”
“With their lightweight design and easy installation, faux wall panels make it simple to elevate your home office and create a space that inspires productivity,” Normantas concludes.
Hop on the biophilic design trend
Defined as a design approach that brings elements of nature into indoor spaces to help people feel more connected to the outdoors, the goal of biophilic design is to feel calmer, reduce stress, and boost well-being.
How does one incorporate this design trend into a home office? Jake Weber at GSW Architects, an architecture firm in Portland, OR, suggests, “Before buying new furniture, consider rearranging your current space or adding simple décor like artwork. For a biophilic touch, consider bringing in natural elements, like easy-to-care-for house plants and succulents.”
Photo courtesy of Chuck Collier Schmidt for GSW Architects
Adding plants to your environment is a simple yet effective way to enhance the space. Not only do they bring a touch of nature indoors, but plants also help purify the air and create a more calming and relaxing home office.
Kealin Freund at Homegrown Architecture, a family-owned and operated architecture firm, shares, “Add plants and greenery to add an element of calm into your office space. Don’t forget wall space for a preserved moss wall or as a location to hang plants. Lastly, make sure you have furnishings with drawers or cabinets to reduce visual clutter and to maintain a clear desk space.”
Photo courtesy of Homegrown Architecture
6. Add in personalization and aesthetic details
“A home office is essential in this day and age and there’s nothing like the new year to set yourself up for a success like an office refresh,” states Refinement Wagner, an interior designer in Portland, OR at Design With Refinement.
Adding unique home office ideas to your space is a great way to make the area feel more inviting and reflective of your personal style.
Wagner shares her input on how to draw personality into a home office makeover. “Add plants and don’t be afraid of color—painting is the easiest and most economical way to refresh a space. Lastly, bring in art that makes you happy.”
Personal items like photos, artwork, or quirky desk accessories can create a sense of comfort and make the workspace feel less sterile. Incorporating bold colors, playful decor, or meaningful mementos can inspire creativity and make long hours more enjoyable.
“Refresh your home office by rearranging your shelf displays with updated photos in frames, artwork, knickknacks, hardcover books, or candles,” shares Erica Murphy, owner and interior designer at ELM Interiors. “You can create a statement wall by painting it a solid color or revamping a piece of furniture by repainting or reupholstering an accent chair.”
Photo courtesy of ELM Interiors
7. Highlight the best aspects of the space
By strategically arranging furniture, adding accent lighting, or using mirrors to reflect natural light, you can emphasize the best aspects of the room and make the space feel even more expansive and personalized. Celebrating the best parts of the room helps you make the most of what you have, creating a space that feels truly yours.
“We always ask our clients to highlight their favorite aspects of a room then we play up those features,” states Hope Telford at the architecture firm Telford+Brown Studio Architecture.
“For example, if the space you are working with has a window, make that the focus of the space, and ensure you can see the sky from your desk,” Telford continues. “Others might prefer to keep work separate from their living space, which can be accomplished by closing a door or using bookshelves with baskets.”
Whether it’s a large window with a great view, unique architectural features, or a spacious corner for a cozy reading nook, drawing attention to these strengths creates a more enjoyable and efficient environment.
Photo courtesy of Telford+Brown Studio
8. Don’t be afraid of color and mood
Adding color to your home office makeover can dramatically transform the atmosphere, making it more vibrant and energizing. The right palette not only enhances the room’s aesthetic but also helps set the tone for the type of work you do, fostering an inspiring and motivating space to be productive.
“Does the color of your office motivate you to work everyday?” questions Robyn Niederegger, principal designer and owner of Robyn Niederegger Interior Design in Seattle, WA. “Consider a soft blue or sage green paint for maximum productivity. Also, find something to add to your office that inspires you such as a vision board, or inspirational photos.”
Bold colors like blue or green can promote focus and creativity, while softer tones like beige or pastels create a calming and relaxing environment. You can introduce color through accent walls, furniture, or decor items such as rugs, cushions, and artwork.
Mae Myers, Interior Design Studio Lead at Boise, ID-based Pivot North Architecture, states, “Color-drenching your space by painting the walls and ceilings in a color that brings you joy, is a quick and easy way to refresh a space. We also know that being comfortable is key. Investing in a commercial grade task chair or a sit-stand desk to provide your body with customizable options for movement throughout the day can help ease pains and aches so you can stay focused when you’re working long hours.”
Whether you choose bold statement colors or a more subtle, harmonious palette, adding color and staying comfortable can help you feel more connected to the space and support your productivity.
Transform your space with a home office makeover
A well-executed home office makeover can significantly improve both your efficiency and overall work experience. By following the steps for creating the perfect home office, you can curate a workspace that supports your physical and mental well-being. With these expert tips, you’re ready to transform your home office into a space where work feels more enjoyable and efficient, setting the stage for success in the months ahead.
