Obviously, your office has to be functional, but if there is something we learned from the corporate environment, it is that the more beautiful and personalized our workplace is, the more likely we are to want to spend time there and produce outstanding results. 

Michael Soledad agrees that functional and cozy home offices are becoming more and more important. "I think it's because having a dedicated space for work helps people become more effective at their jobs," he tells Bored Panda.

"The other advantage to having a home office is that you are able to tailor it based on your taste and workflow. This makes the space more efficient and enjoyable to work in which [we] tend to produce better output," Michael adds.

We asked Michael what he thinks are the three most important elements of a good home office. He believes the first one is organization. "The more organized you are in your space, the easier it is to locate things that you need," he puts it simply.

Second, you need isolation. "Being in a dedicated space helps you focus on the task at hand," Michael explains. "This doesn't necessarily mean that you need a space that is fully removed from the rest of the house because even a small area or desk for work can help you get in the proper mindset."

And last, but probably the most important, is inspiration. "Nothing makes you want to do your best work more than being in a space that you enjoy," Michael says. "Surrounding yourself with items that inspire you will help you feel like you are living in a space instead of working in it."

The professional designer also shared some simple tips on how you make your home office better. "Declutter as best as you can," Michael goes back to the rule of organization. "Only keep the essentials in the beginning, especially the things in front of you when you are working. This avoids distractions and will help you determine other needs for you as you continue to work from home."

Second, Michael advises not to attempt to get everything you think you need at once. "Your taste can change suddenly depending on your mood or life situation. Pick one item that you need but also really like. Start there and build the rest of your space slowly, one item at a time."

Michael also suggests reusing the items you already have. "Be resourceful. Not everything needs to be bought," he says. "You can repurpose other items you've accumulated around the house. From table lamps to home decor. Move things around and see how they make you feel. Sometimes moving furniture alone can dramatically change a space."

Sally Augustin's idea that we need more natural light in our workplace is emphasized by Cornell University professor Dr. Alan Hedge. In his 2018 study, Hedge found that optimization of natural light in an office can improve health. The respondents in his research reported a 51% drop in incidence of eyestrain. 63% said they get less headaches and 56% feel less drowsy.

Natural light is always your friend. It is also essential in a small office because it makes the space feel bigger. That's why, if in any way possible, try to set up your home office closer to the window. Locating it next to a window gives you the optimal access to natural light. However, if that is not possible for some reason, consider placing it at an angle against one of the corners.

Plants breathe life into any space, so why should your home office be any different? First, they keep the air around them clean. A NASA study from 2007 found that plants can remove up to 87% of airborne toxins in a single day. 

They are also said to have a soothing effect on you – apparently, they can reduce stress and anxiety. A group of researchers in 2015 found that touching and smelling plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress.

Are you a DIY artist, a graphic designer, or an art enthusiast? Frame it, put it on shelves, on your desk, anywhere it can shine, and make your space full of vibrant energy. Surround yourself with the things you love to create an atmosphere that makes you want to create more. And in this case, don’t worry about less being more – go all out!

If all you need for your work is your laptop and a notebook, you can skip the elaborate home office design and go for a minimal setup. You can do it in any corner of your house, as long as it gives you enough space to set up a comfortable desk and chair.

And note that minimal doesn’t mean devoid of any and all decor. You can still have something on the desk or the wall so your workstation doesn’t feel empty; just make sure you keep it in sync with the rest of the minimalist design.

Not a fan of minimalism? Go all out! Mix colors and patterns, and don’t stop at that – try mixing styles to create your own unique home office setup ideas. Showcase your bright and playful personality in your office design by embracing maximalist decor!

You can paint the walls, the ceiling, and the furniture in one color to create the feeling of spaciousness or go for a pop of color with just a couple of items. In both cases, your office will be a perfect reflection of your personality.

Organizing your space in an efficient way is a super important concept, especially when it comes to small home office ideas. Don’t neglect vertical space; you can mount cabinets and open shelves on the walls to free some of the valuable floor and desk space. If you use a printer or other bulky equipment, try putting it in the corner or tucking it under the table.

Where is the best place to put a home office? Of course, if you can afford to allocate an entire room to a home office, that’s great. But what if that’s not the case? Well, honestly, there is no wrong place if it makes you feel productive and inspired. 

Whether you manage your first company from your master bedroom or place your desk against the back wall of your garage, what matters most is what you get accomplished. So, as long as the space is big enough to fit everything you need for successful work, you can confidently call it your home office.