Revamping my home office: The makeover plan

This room has been a bit of a challenge from the start. It was staged as a lounge when we bought the house, but a separate sitting room was just not necessary. So it became my home office.
The problem? Odd layout, too plain, too uninspiring and not nearly as functional as it should be. This is one of four spaces I want to update this year and my goal for 2025 is to turn it into a workspace that’s both practical and a joy to be in—colourful, full of personality and cleverly designed to make the most of its awkward layout.

The Layout

If I’d designed the house, this room would look very different. It connects to two small bedrooms, the hallway and a large bathroom, making it more of a thoroughfare than an enclosed office. And with a huge window (which I love) taking up yet another wall, space for furniture is limited. But rather than moving walls around, I’ll have to work with what I’ve got and find the smartest layout possible.

I created a quick 2D floorpan of the situation to show you what I mean:

2D home office floorplan — **Odd layout, right?**

Flooring

The office has carpet, which isn’t my favourite, but it’s in very good condition, pretty neutral and runs seamlessly through the entire second floor, so replacing it isn’t practical and could potentially be rather pricey. Instead, I’ll add colourful rugs to bring in texture and personality without the cost of redoing the floor.

Walls & Ceiling

Colour! Pattern! Right now, everything is plain white and that needs to change. I’m thinking a mix of wallpaper and paint to add vibrancy and interest. And art, there must be art!

Lighting

The current lighting is harsh and cold—five ceiling spotlights that I rarely use because of the light they produce. I’ll definitely integrate by trusted Anglepoise desk lamp has been my desk companion for over 15 years, but it’s time to upgrade the overall lighting situation. I’m considering a combination of a standing lamp, a more exciting ceiling situation and maybe even some wall lights to create a warmer atmosphere.

Window Dressings

The space currently sports long white curtains – pretty, but just not practical. They drag on the floor, which, in my opinion, works beautifully with smooth wooden or tiled floors but just looks messy on carpet as the fabric drags and ends up in a messy pile. I’m planning to swap them for Roman blinds. That way, the wall space on either side of the window becomes useable.

Home Office Furniture

My desk and chair are staying—both have been with me for years, and I love them. The desk was originally a display table in a clothing store and the chair was custom-made in Thailand to fit the table’s extra height. However, I’d love to reupholster the chair to bring in some colour and pattern.

If the budget allows, I’d like to add under-window storage with a comfy cushion top, creating a cosy nook for reading and relaxing. Built-in shelves flanking the window would also make great use of the space for books and decorative pieces.

The plan is set—now to bring it all to life!