If you work from home like I do, you know this to be true: there is nothing more demotivating than the prospect of working in a disorganized, uncomfortable, and artless home office. We can forgive the mess from time to time (just for you Steve), but not a workspace that inspires nothing. Devoid of character, or any sense of style. Take a hint from these lovely (and organized) home offices and get to work on yours, with a little effort, some imagination, and these six basic rules…

#1 LET THERE BE LIGHT

Decide on where you want to set up your workspace. Pick a spot in your house with lots of bright, indirect, natural light. As long as the light isn’t glaring, near a window would be ideal, and bonus points if it’s got a view. Though a low-light environment is said to spark creativity, I’m arguing that it is not the only thing that can help to inspire those brilliant ideas. On the other hand, bright light improves mood and productivity. You’ll work better, feel better, and it’s good for the planet.

Photo from Apartment Therapy

Via Decoist

Via Atl Girls

#2 MIND THE DESK

Whether you’re buying a brand new desk, upcycling an old one, or building one from scratch, consider the following: the space it’s going to be in, your surface space and storage needs, and the style you have in mind. And don’t forget ergonomics. Here’s A Quick Tip to Find Your Ideal Desk Height.

Photo by Ashlee MCClung

Photo from Tess Guinery

#3 DON’T FORGET THE CHAIR

Congratulations! You’ve graduated from working in bed, or the kitchen counter, so don’t take that chair for granted. Choose one that weighs light but provides good back support. Soften a not so comfy chair with a cushion or throw. And here’s a simple idea if you’re stuck with that officey office chair.

Design Sponge

Sarah Lis Smith via West Elm

#4 ORGANIZE, BUT FIRST…

There are a million tips on how to get organized, but the first and most important one is: to purge. Get rid of all the things you don’t need or rarely use. Those ten pads of post-its, or that growing inspiration file of magazine pages that are inspiring nothing but dust. Purge before you decide on wall shelves or other organizing supplies. Trust me it will be simpler. Some mess might still happen, but not in an insane way again. We’re not going for immaculate, but for a realistic balance that is sustainable.

Via Atl Girls

Photo from Homedit via Brit + Co

#5 LET THERE BE PLANTS

If you’re not into gardening, at least consider the idea of a few plants on your desk or in your home office. Two or three (ok, or ten) are wonderful as decor and will bring in that green for creativity and some good vibes. The benefits of having them will far outweigh the care they’ll need from you. Don’t know which plant? Here’s a quick guide to picking the perfect office plant.

Via Decoist

Photo by Riika Kantinkoski via My Domaine

Photo from Front + Main

#6 A LAST WORD: INSPIRATION

Don’t forget to liven up your workspace with some inspiring art and objects that you love. Curate them well and let them remind you of why you do what you do. This is especially true when your work is your life, and because sometimes, even the work you love can feel like work.

“Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.” – Stella Adler

Patric Johannson via Entrepreneur

Via The Every Girl

From Front + Main

Thanks for reading!