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Last week we looked at some organization hacks for back to school. This week we’re continuing to get organized by perusing design boards for looks that transform your home or business office space using cool office makeovers. It’s really hard to be inspired and productive without a setting that feels comfortable and easy to be in! I’m always looking at design magazines and Pinterest boards for new ideas to spruce up my work space. I may just borrow one element: a lamp, paint color, ways to organize books, etc.

These ideas I’ve posted to my own Pinterest Boards are recent bits of intrigue I wanted to share with all of you! If you haven’t checked out my boards, you should! We’ve got all kinds of party inspiration, fashion finds, and other stuff designed to bring razzle-dazzle to your world! And, speaking of parties, if you haven’t yet gotten yourself a FREE copy of our Super Secret Party Tips Guide, do it right now!

Wall of Whimsy

This little collaboration space is from data software company Splunk in San Francisco. It’s obviously been styled by an interior designer, but the thing I liked best about this space is the bright whimsical wallpaper! There is truly nothing more depressing than white walls! Whether you’re looking to update your home office or business office, busy vibrant patterns (whether they’re on one wall or several) creates a neat focal point that can enhance any type of furniture, be it vintage metal desks, wood furniture, simple glass desks from Ikea, or a hodge-podge of second hand pieces that don’t match.

Like a colorful area rug, fun wallpaper is a great way to tie everything together!

Calming Pastels

I love pink and gold together, which is why this ensemble caught my eye. This entire office look can be accomplished pretty easily. Two white sideboard style desks from Ikea, with any color low back leather office chairs on casters creates the work space. This room uses pink window shades but you could just as easily paint one wall a soothing pastel color and use gold contrasts with blotters, desk lamps (as shown), plant stands, pendant lights, or with gold metal bookshelves.

Drafting Tables

I LOVE drafting tables! And I’m not even an architect! If you’re thinking about a new look for your home “office” where you don’t really work for hours on end at a desk but just want a cozy nook for inspiration, this is a perfect idea. Dark paint on one wall paired with an industrial metal stool and drafting table is really all you need. The pendant lamps are a nice embellishment if you want to go all the way. Setting a tablet or iPad on a drafting table not only eliminates neck strain from looking down, it frees up space from having a traditional desk if you have a small room. Drafting tables also look beautiful when displaying artwork with clamps or if you want to create a planning chart. So many options!

Pop Of Color

Similar to whimsical wallpaper, infusing a room with one single bright color creates its own statement. This example uses blue table tops, chairs and pendant lamps. You could use any color you like, of course! While I’m not a big fan of white walls (uh, yes, I know I already mentioned that and I’ll probably mention it again!) I like the idea of colored furniture, which you can DIY yourself with paint or contact paper to spruce up old furniture you want to reinvent.

Cool Contact Paper

Remember that contact paper I just mentioned? There are so many fun designs now, including paper that looks just like marble! Sure, you can beautify the insides of drawers with them, but you can also use them to dress table legs, sides of bookcases, even desk tops that are beaten and scratched. With peel off adhesive, they’re easy to apply. Simply put a glass top over the desk for a whole new look.

Hang Out

This is a display from the gift store at the Museum of Modern Art, but it got me thinking about hanging decor. If you work in a loft that has high ceilings, this would be a really inexpensive way to create a conversation piece.

Try multi-colored umbrellas (rather than boring black) or hand-painted paper parasols set in contrast to a white shag area rug for a really fun look that updates your office for very little money.

More Uses For Pallets

Pallets! Those crappy things found worldwide on loading docks! People recycle them to make furniture all the time now. But there are ways to utilize them in tact that can create a clean urban feel. Think: a stack of two for a coffee table, or a stack of four in several columns for a wall shelf that can hold office equipment like printers and supplies. These shown here have a white antique varnish on top. If you’re going to use it as a coffee table, consider sanding the edges and putting a coat of epoxy on top to prevent splinters!

Relaxation Room

The thing that most intrigued me with this image was the idea of creating a recreational “quad” in the center of a large warehouse style office space. Artificial turf pairs well with the swings. It’s really clever and keeps the area looking open. Not sure I dig the “rock” grey bean bag chairs, but the idea of creating a fake outdoor space inside is definitely fun. If you have a small business that is housed in an old warehouse, creating a central quad area might be a good way to utilize space for meetings, collaboration, and relaxation breaks that’s way more inspiring than an enclosed conference room!

Multi-Purpose Home Office Spaces

This “his” and “her” (I use the terms loosely, people!) office space is ideal for home offices where you don’t necessarily have a spare room as an office, but want a designated work space. A simple bar against the wall divided by filing drawers is made beautiful by the photo collage wall and simple decor pieces.

Next week we’ll be compiling Life Hacks that keep you organized and most of all happy! Until then, remember that all work and no play makes for miserable, stressed out everybodies! Reward yourself by celebrating with family and friends. Our Super Secret Party Tips Guide has loads of entertaining tips for parties big and small. Best of all, it’s FREE!