5 Tips to Set Up a Functional Home Office You’ll Actually Enjoy

After tackling Jackson’s bedroom and closet earlier this spring, I was ready to move on to our next remodel project: creating a designated home office space for my husband, Tim.

The challenge? Our breezeway.

This space—situated between the kitchen and garage—features four doorways, two windows, and built-in shelving. It had been acting as a catch-all but offered very little usable wall space or functional layout. Not ideal… but I love a challenge.

With a fresh coat of paint (thanks to me, not Rocky 🐾 our lab-doodle, who mostly offered moral support), I got to work transforming the breezeway into a space that feels organized, masculine, and practical for Tim’s occasional work-from-home days.

Whether you’re setting up a home office full-time or just need a corner that works, here are 5 key tips to make your space functional and stylish:

1. Know What You Need

Start by making a list of essentials. Do you need heating or cooling? How’s the lighting? We added a wall-mounted heater for Maine’s colder months and chose a tile floor that makes it easy to swivel in and out of the desk chair.

Window nearby? Use coverings that control glare while letting light in. No windows? Be sure to layer lighting to reduce eye strain and create a cozy vibe.

2. Choose Your Spot Wisely

If space is tight, get creative. Our breezeway isn’t a traditional office—but it had potential. Think about areas you don’t use much, like a guest room or dining room, and carve out a zone that separates work from home life.

3. Prioritize Natural Light

Natural light improves mood, productivity, and reduces eye strain. We were lucky to have double windows with a peaceful backyard view, so I used that as the visual anchor. If your space doesn’t get much light, try mirrors and warm lighting to open things up.

4. Invest in the Right Furniture

Your desk and chair matter—big time. Measure your space carefully before purchasing or repurposing furniture. A simple table with file cabinets underneath works great if you’re short on square footage.

Choose a chair that offers good support and fits your daily needs. Bonus points for slide-out keyboard trays and adjustable heights to keep you comfortable during longer work sessions.

5. Declutter and Maximize Storage

You don’t need a big office to stay organized. We used built-in shelving with baskets and bins to store supplies and paperwork. A file cabinet under the desk keeps things tucked away, and since the space also serves as an entryway, we added a coat rack and rustic bench for shoes and jackets.

Keeping everything in its place makes the space calmer and easier to work in—no matter how small.

BEFORE: Catch-All Breezeway

DURING: Fresh Paint + Layout Planning

AFTER: Organized, Rustic & Ready

Thanks for checking out our latest remodel and declutter project!

✨ Need help designing a home office that actually works for you? I’d love to share ideas or help you plan your space. Learn more about my interior design services here.

Wishing you health, happiness, and an inspired home—Kim