Home office makeover: Design inspiration

If you read my earlier post about the home office makeover plan, you’ll know I’ve been itching to do something about this room for a while. It’s currently a plain white box with furniture pushed up against the walls—a setup that never really worked, especially given how much time I spend in here. The layout isn’t practical, the lighting is harsh, and there’s nothing about the space that actually inspires me to sit down and get creative.

So, now that the basic plans are in place, it’s time to dive into the fun part: the inspiration. I’ve pulled together some ideas and design elements that will turn this room from functional-but-dull into something I actually want to spend time in—something that reflects how I work, think and (let’s be honest) procrastinate.

So what’s the direction?

Built-in practicality (and a comfy window seat)

The large window in the room should be a real feature—but at the moment, the space underneath it is doing absolutely nothing. I’m planning a custom-made lowboard that runs the length of the wall, offering both storage and a built-in window seat. Add some comfy cushions and textured fabric and suddenly it becomes the perfect spot for morning coffee or a change of scenery when I’m mid-project.

Colour, texture and a bit of pattern

It’s time to say goodbye to the all-white walls. I’m planning to add warmth and character with a new paint colour and potentially wallpaper to bring in some pattern and texture. I want the space to feel thoughtful and creative, not clinical.

Light that works with me, not against me

The current ceiling spotlights are bright and cold—fine for surgery, less so for spreadsheets and mood boards. I’m planning to add a pendant light and replacing the switches with dimmers so I can adjust the atmosphere depending on the time of the day/ evening.

New window dressings

The current long white curtains have overstayed their welcome. I’ll be replacing them with blinds in a coloured or patterned fabric—something that works better with the function of the room and ties into the overall look I’m going for.

Stay tuned. The glow-up’s coming.