White Walls, Creative Home Office

Decorating a home office with white walls can be a great way to create a stylish, elegant, and sophisticated space. White walls offer a blank canvas that you can use to showcase your personal style and creativity. One of the advantages of an all-white room is the illusion of space, making your home office feel more spacious and bright. To add some depth and texture to your white walls, consider adding wall art, shelving, or unique accessories that reflect your personality. You can also incorporate pops of colour, such as powdery blues, blush pinks, or heather greys, to create a calming atmosphere. Another way to decorate your white walls is by using a gallery wall with different frames and artworks or by attaching ledges to display your favourite pieces. If you want to add functionality and practicality, consider a cork wall, a chalkboard, or a grid where you can attach memos, shelves, and notes. Don't forget the importance of lighting in your home office. Let in natural light by opening a window, and complement it with great lamps to make the space even more inspirational and spacious.

Add pops of bright colour

Adding pops of bright colour to a white home office can be an effective way to create a vibrant and productive work environment. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Choose Your Colours

Before adding pops of colour, decide on the two or three colours you want to incorporate. Adding too many colours can be complex and may detract from the white backdrop. Colours that are complementary to white include bright shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange.

Rugs

A colourful rug is a great way to add a pop of colour to your home office. Opt for a rug with a colourful pattern or detail, or a simple rug in a bold, block colour.

Accessories

Accessories are a non-permanent way to add colour to your space. Choose bright accessories, such as lamps, in a single colour to make a bold statement. Alternatively, opt for accessories in complementary colours to create a cohesive and balanced look.

Flowers and Plants

Incorporating flowers and plants will not only add an organic element to your office but also a vibrant pop of colour. Flowers and plants are temporary and portable, so you can experiment with different locations and colours to find what works best for you.

Artwork and Photography

If you prefer to keep your furnishings and accessories neutral, consider adding pops of colour through artwork and photography. A bold print or mixed media collage can add a vibrant focal point to the room.

Textiles

A single patterned or coloured textile piece, such as a throw or blanket, can make a statement in a neutral space. Opt for a saturated colour that will inject personality without requiring a complete redecoration.

Create a gallery wall

A gallery wall is a fun way to create a focal point in your home office. Here are some tips to create a stylish and functional gallery wall with white walls:

Planning Your Gallery Wall

Before you start hanging your gallery wall, it's important to plan its layout. Measure the amount of space you want your gallery wall to fill and tape off a box of that size on the floor. This will allow you to experiment with different arrangements without putting holes in your wall. Try to keep the space between each piece around 3 inches to avoid a crowded look. Once you're happy with the layout, snap a photo for reference.

Choosing a Colour Palette

Sticking to a cohesive colour palette will give your gallery wall a curated feel. Try to keep the tones and intensities of your pieces similar. For example, you could choose neutrals, blues, and golds as your colour scheme.

Selecting Art and Frames

Start by placing your largest pieces first and build around them. Place your biggest piece in one of the outer corners if it's a smaller collection, or off-centre if it's a larger collection. Then, place your second-largest piece diagonally from the biggest piece. Mix horizontal and vertical pieces to keep your gallery wall interesting, and don't be afraid to mix and match frame styles. You can start with three frame styles, such as white, black, and wood, and then bring in a more ornate style, like a pop of gold.

Adding Personal Touches

Don't forget to add personal touches to your gallery wall. Anything can be art, from a drawing from a friend to an old photo or a ticket stub. Digital prints are also a great, affordable way to bring in art while supporting independent artists.

Other Tips

• If you don't want to put holes in your walls, attach ledges and place your artwork, signs, and notes on them.
• You can also use a corkboard or chalkboard wall to leave memos, attach shelves, and display photos.
• When hanging your gallery wall, start from the centre of the wall at eye level to create a focal point.
• If you have a window in your home office, position your desk so you can look out of it. If not, a gallery wall can be a great way to create an inspiring view.
• Ensure your home office has plenty of lighting by strategically placing lamps around the room.
• Choose a desk that is sturdy, double-sided, and professional-looking, especially if you plan on holding meetings in your home office.
• Invest in a filing cabinet and built-in shelves to keep your space organised and free from clutter.

Include mirrors

Mirrors are a versatile decorative object and can be used to make a room feel bigger, brighter, and more visually interesting. They can be used to create a focal point, add sparkle and depth to a windowless wall, or make a statement. Here are some ways you can include mirrors when decorating a home office with white walls:

Oversized Vintage-Framed Mirror

If your home office has a refined, French country chic, or glam style, consider adding an oversized mirror in a vintage frame. Place it on the floor or attach it to the wall—it will reflect light and fill your room with it, making it appear larger. Add a crystal chandelier or candelabras to achieve an exquisite feel.

Unique Mirror

For a unique look, consider a mirror with a twist. For example, a mirror covered with spray-painted shells for a girlish space, or a silver-framed mirror with acrylic pieces.

Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall with mirrors of different shapes and sizes. This is a great way to decorate a plain wall and show off your style. You can also attach some ledges and put mirrors, along with other decorative items, on them if you don't want to make holes in the walls.

Functional Mirror

A functional and practical option is to have a cork wall or a chalkboard wall. These can be used to leave memos, attach shelves and notes, or hang pictures and other decorative items. A new trend is attaching a grid, which looks more modern yet serves the same functions as a cork or chalkboard wall.

Statement Piece

Use a mirror as a statement piece to enhance the overall feel of the room. For example, a large fringed half-circle mirror in a sophisticated modern boho-style room will help bounce light around and create perspectives.

These are just a few ways to include mirrors when decorating a home office with white walls. Mirrors can add depth, interest, and light to a room, so feel free to get creative and choose options that reflect your personal style.

Display wall art

Displaying wall art is a great way to decorate a home office with white walls. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Gallery Wall

Create a gallery wall using a mix of different frames and artworks. This can add a creative touch to your space and is a great way to showcase your favourite pieces. If you don't want to put holes in your walls, you can attach ledges and lean the artworks against the wall.

Oversized Art

Consider hanging an oversized artwork to make a bold statement. This can be especially effective in an industrial-style office or to add a touch of glamour to your space.

Motivational and Inspirational Quotes

Hang some motivational or inspirational quotes on your walls to inspire and uplift you while you work. These can be purchased as framed prints or canvases, or you could create your own using materials such as cork or chalkboards.

Mirrors

If your home office is on the smaller side, consider hanging a mirror to create the illusion of more space. A vintage-framed mirror can add a touch of glamour, while a unique mirror, such as one covered in spray-painted shells, can be a conversation starter.

Nature-Inspired Art

Bring the outdoors in with nature-inspired wall art. Floral prints or landscapes can add a touch of colour and create a calming atmosphere in your home office.

Abstract Art

Abstract art can add a modern and contemporary feel to your home office. Look for pieces that feature bold colours or interesting textures to create a focal point in the room.

Remember, when decorating a home office with white walls, wall art can be a great way to add a pop of colour or a personal touch to your space.

Use floating shelves

Floating shelves are a great way to add beauty and function to your home office without breaking the bank. They are versatile, inexpensive, and space-savvy, and can be purchased in endless finishes to suit all interior design styles.

If you're looking to add a touch of glamour to your home office, consider installing marble-and-brass floating shelves. This combination looks lovely in both colourful and neutral interiors and instantly adds a sense of luxury to the space. For a more modern approach, opt for asymmetrical floating shelves of varying lengths. This gives the space an elevated, contemporary appeal.

Floating shelves are also a great way to showcase your favourite pieces and keep everyday essentials within reach. In the home office, they can be used to display books, plants, and fun trinkets. You can also use floating shelves to hold items that inspire creativity, such as books, artworks, and other inspirational pieces.

If you're looking to add storage to your home office, floating shelves are a great alternative to traditional shelves or cabinets. They can be installed in corners or above desks to maximise space, and provide just enough surface area to keep your essentials close at hand. This is especially useful if your home office is in a shared living space or a small room, as they can help prevent clutter from building up on other surfaces.

When installing floating shelves, it's important to consider the height and placement. Hanging them at various heights can draw attention from floor to ceiling and around the room. It's also best to mount them on wall studs to ensure they remain secure.

Frequently asked questions