Renter Friendly Home Office Design Tips

Renter Friendly Home Office Design Tips

    Working from home more now than ever before? We get it. Whether you’re an old hand at home office styling or this is all new to you, it’s likely you’ve spent more time in your home office in the past few months than you’re used to. Spending more time in a space means realizing what things are working, and where you may need to make some adjustments. Add in working within the boundaries of your rental agreement, and setting up a stylish, functional home office can get tricky. Fear not! We’ve got some awesome renter-friendly home office design tips that can help you set up a beautiful, functional home office workspace- whether you’re working with a spare bedroom, dedicated corner of the kitchen, or something in between. 

1. Multi-function or space saving desk

    When you think “desk” the first thing that comes to mind may be a large, executive piece- and while the classic desk style can be a great fit when you have a lot of room to work with, rental spaces tend to require flexibility and multiple functions. Computer desks, streamlined pieces, wall-mounted desks, or desks that can serve other functions (a desk that can also serve as a bar cart or buffet table? Yes, please!) allow for you to maximize the space you’re working with. Think outside the box. If it’s the right height, has enough space for your laptop and some files, and fits your style- it can serve as a desk! Wall-mounted desks have the benefit of freeing up floor space, but be sure to check your rental agreement before mounting anything heavy. If patching holes isn’t a problem for you before moving out, you’re good to go.

2. Translucent seating

    Acrylic seating isn’t just stylish. There’s a reason this look has remained in-demand for years- this modern look tricks the eye into perceiving a space as cleaner, less cluttered, and more open. When you’re working with the limited space of an apartment- tricks like translucent seating along with clean, minimal styling can mean achieving the stylish home office look you’re going for.  

3. Define the space for privacy

    If you’re working with a partner or other family members at home, you may need to utilize some tricks to make that multi-functional space more private when taking virtual meetings or phone calls. Storage shelves/ bookcases are excellent ways to provide both storage and definition to a space. Another great idea? Larger greenery, a curtain, or some other design element that draws a visual boundary. Not only do these design elements help to define the space, they can make for a stylish and visually interesting virtual call background!

4. Paint for mood and definition

    Part of setting the tone for both style and function is the color of your surroundings. While it’s important to check with your landlord before taking on any paint projects, paint is one of the easiest ways to completely change the energy and feeling of a space. There have been multiple studies done on colors and the moods they set- but ultimately you should choose a color that feels right for you. The right color can set the mood and tone for productivity in your workday. Another clever paint trick? Use color to create a feature wall, arch, or other defined space. Trending now, painted arches, circles, or other abstract features can both create a modern, artistic look and visually define the space. 

5. Layered and ambient lighting

    Working from home generally means hours spent in front of your computer screen- and hours of that exposure can lead to eye strain, and certainly isn’t inspiring. Add ambiance and layers of lighting with stylish desk lamps, attractive floor lighting, and if possible, lighting with dimmers. Being able to adjust the lighting in your workspace to suit the time of day has a huge impact on the energy and mood- and can reduce the headaches and strain from squinting at your computer all day. 

6. Creative art displays

    Wish your home office had an inspiring view, but your apartment lacks windows with anything more interesting than a street to look at? Lacking natural light? Want to bring the outside in, but it’s not practical with your rental agreement? Get creative with your art displays. Whether it’s a stylish set of framed prints of your desired view leaning casually on the back of your desk, using splashes of paint or sculptural objects and lighting to give your deskscape a boost, or utilizing the stylish option of washi tapes and other damage-free hanging to create an inspiring space- creative art displays infuse personality and positive energy into your home office without leaving much to be undone when it’s time to move. Set up a washi-tape display of quotes, photos, and prints you like above your desk, and easily switch them out or rearrange them. Want something more grown up that has the same feeling? A large framed cork board or painted piece of wood serves the same purpose. Add a mirror to bounce some light and give the illusion of a larger space.

7. Rugs and lounge seating

    Your office space should feel comfortable as well as functional. Whether the space is dedicated to your office alone or is a shared space, adjacent lounge seating is a great idea- being able to move around, switch things up, relax and unwind, or read through documents in a cozy seating option is a nice touch. Add toss pillows in different textures, and layer style with a rug that helps to further define the space. Area rugs are great for pops of style, color, and texture, protect your rental floors, and can be easily switched up when your style changes. In a rental space where your landlord may be wary of painting or hanging heavier items, details like rugs and lounge seating can be ways to incorporate colors, style, and patterns without changing anything that isn’t expressly yours. Plus, if you decide to move to a new space? Those great styles come with you into your new space.