First of all, when I wrote my last post, which was the first post for my new website, I didn’t realize it would take me so long to write the second post. I wasn’t prepared for the ennui that would set in after losing our dear puppy-boy, Bucky. But we’re starting to get accustomed to our ‘new norm’ now, with just the two of us in the house, and that’s a good thing.

What is also a new norm for many of us is the need for a great, functional home office. I know many of you are working in much more stressful situations these days, what with the continued office-work from home, coupled with the home schooling of your children. Add to that the fact that no one really knows how long this will remain as the ‘new norm’ for both work and school, and it can add up to a lot of anxiety.

In my work as a designer for California Closets, I’m doing lots of home offices these days, in addition to the ever-constant closet, pantry and garage design. This business of ‘feathering your nest’ is booming – people are home and are looking around and saying, “Gee, we really need to fix this place up!”

Here are a few of my favorite office ‘fixes’ that you might enjoy and get some inspiration from.

This office shows how to incorporate the functional elements (file drawers and storage) with the beautiful. You can’t see it well here, but the backing is a beautiful wallpaper with subtle gold flecks. This office is in an open loft area, so is visible to anyone visiting this home, hence a lot of the more artful touches. But I say, why not make any space you work a beautiful space, just for you?

Sharing a work space is so much easier if it’s well planned – drawers for both people, a common storage area, room to move, and of course, lighting.

An office doesn’t have to be complicated – workspace, a few drawers and shelving – and can still be beautiful.

I love how even a small space can be made efficient – clean and simple and functional.

We recently did our home office – my corner of the counterspace under the window is full of my favorite things, including my inspiration board.

My husband’s corner has some of his favorite things – including his throw-back Eagles phone-helmet.

When your home work environment is customized to you, you can be much more productive.

I hope you feel inspired by some of these spaces. Have you got some special touches in your home office? Do share!

Thanks for reading – stay safe!

Adena