16 Home Office Remodel Tips and Ideas You Will Love

If you want a tailor-fit home office space, remodeling your home is an ideal way to achieve it. You can create a space in the exact look, size, and feel you need to keep you focused, comfortable, and happy while you work. But these aren’t the only reasons to do it.

In this article, I lay out all the benefits of a home office remodel and provide a comprehensive list of remodeling ideas and steps to create your ideal space. I provide options at different costs and complexity to make choosing a solution that works best for your budget easy.  

Benefits of a Home Office Remodel

Remodeling is more work than simply placing a desk in a corner of your home. Still, it offers benefits that make it worth the added investment. Here are some of the biggest reasons to do it.

You Improve Your Home’s Resale Value

When it comes time to sell, your home office space may be another family’s extra bedroom, which means a better selling price for you. A home can increase the value of a US home between 6 and 7% when adding a second or third room to your home or finishing a basement.

It is the Best Design Solution to Meet Your Needs

No other option fits you to a tee, and that’s important. A space you work effectively in boosts your productivity. As I lay out in my article on the best home office setup, nothing is more important than productivity.

Still, other benefits come into play that make a remodel worth the investment. Here are some other benefits you will enjoy.

You Make Your Home More Comfortable for Everyone

Creating a dedicated space provides more privacy for you and your family. You will need a quiet spot to do a Zoom call or concentrate on the tasks at hand, and your family needs a comfortable place to call home. Having a dedicated space for work makes life easier for everyone.

It Can Work as an Extra Room for Most Anything

If you plan to have guests stay at your home or want an exercise space or music room, the same room can help with any of these needs, improving your work/life experience.

You Have a Room You Love Being In

A home office is where you will spend the bulk of your day, so it should be a place you enjoy. A remodel lets you create an environment where you can work comfortably and relax after “business hours.”

Home Office Remodel Ideas

Here are some innovative home office design ideas worth considering. I provide a range of options to suit any budget. You can also go as simple or complex as you like.

1. ADUs

With real estate pricing going through the roof, many cities now incentivize homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties by offering pre-approved designs. These specialized ADUs help with faster city approvals and construction. They are often free-standing structures, but in some cases, they work as attached spaces.

Even without city incentives, an ADU is an effective solution. You gain a quiet and private place to work and make life at home more comfortable for you and your family. It is especially helpful if you have extended family living in your home while they raise money for their new home. As of 2023, More young adults are living at home than at any point since the Great Depression. Your ADU could double as a guest room for a growing family or as a rentable space for additional income for others, paying you back for your initial investment.

An ADU is one of the more costly solutions (prices range from $80,000 to as high as $300,000 depending on the square footage) and requires construction approval and time, but few options give you more privacy. It is one of the best solutions for creating a dedicated home office space. You can use the entire room if you like. Plus, they are approved to house a kitchen and bathroom, which means everything you need while you work is just steps away.

2. Guest Room or Spare Bedroom

You can combine a spare bedroom and office into one. You can leave the bed in or invest in a stylish sofa bed or a wall bed that can be easily stowed away, allowing the room to transition seamlessly from office space to a comfortable guest retreat. I work in a guest room at home, and a sofa bed is an affordable, double-duty solution. You can also maximize the space with built-in furniture, a closet desk, a Murphy bed, Murphy desk designs, and modular furniture. More on these options in a bit.

3. Garage Home Office

Using your garage is one of the best cost-effective ideas for creating a spacious home office. It is also a fast and more affordable remodeling solution because you already have walls, a roof, and a concrete floor you can easily cover. You won’t need to include any supporting walls. Your garage is often designed to accommodate multiple cars, so you may have a large space to work with. Feel free to add as many or as few walls as you like. In many homes, the garage is also close to the kitchen, making trips back and forth for snacks easy. You may even have easy access to the yard to clear your head while you work.

You can transform your garage into a fully functional home office by insulating the space, adding proper lighting, adding a window or two, and installing HVAC – if it doesn’t already have it. This creative conversion can provide a separate and quiet home office space away from the main living areas.

You also don’t have to deal with the noise of your family inside your home, though you may need to factor in the sound of any second car entering and leaving the garage. You may want to include soundproofing your walls with wall panels or thicker-than-average construction. 

The owners of Google and Amazon used their garages as office spaces. Yours may be the perfect place to get your creative juices flowing.

4. Primary Bedroom Home Office

Your primary bedroom (aka “master bedroom”) may be your only realistic option, and if so, there are ways of making it more useful. Create a dedicated corner and minimize the space you need by selecting a desk with ample storage features, a corner desk design, or both. You can block the look of the space with a room divider or plants and further hide your work area after hours with a desk with a closeable top, such as a secretary desk, and other space-saving options like Murphy desks and beds. 

5. Basement Office

A basement is another home office remodel location. A basement is typically quiet, provides privacy when needed, and is often a cooler temperature during the summer for more relaxed working — and lower AC bills. Many also come with brick walls which are excellent for keeping cold air out of the house during the winter.

This area of the home is so effective that I created an entire article devoted to designing a basement office.

6. Attic Office

This can be an intelligent solution for creating a spacious home office. It is one of the overlooked areas of a home, yet it can be updated relatively cost-effectively. Still, you may need to factor in overall comfort. An attic is the highest point of a home. Since heat rises, you may need HVAC or windows to stay comfortable. You may also have an awkward ceiling height. Additionally, you will likely need to upgrade the space because attics are not designed to be lived in. You may need to install a floor and do additional construction to create a comfortable space year-round.

7. Staircase Home Office

This is one of the most creative home office design ideas and maximizes the functionality of your home. Many homes have wasted space underneath stairs. If your home is the same, you can create a home office work area inside the walls or directly under exposed stairs. You’ll have ample options for creating a built-in look to ensure you have everything you need.

8. Kitchen Nook Home Office

Convert a cozy kitchen nook into a charming home office. Install a built-in desk and open shelving for office supplies, and take advantage of the nearby kitchen amenities for convenient breaks.

Note that a kitchen nook may be noisy if you have a family, and life may get a bit crowded, and it is even worse if you use a dining chair and kitchen table as a workspace. Still, selecting your kitchen for your next home office remodel is a cost-effective option if you can use the same counter and some of the kitchen cabinets.

9. Living Room Corner Office

Though this option provides the least privacy, you may gain easy access to the kitchen in your yard whenever you want to take a break. Like in a primary bedroom home office, you can designate a section of the room for working and then section it off with a screen or plants. Remember that this is a central living space and one of the most important rooms in terms of design, so you will benefit from decorating it to complement the rest of the room. Still, it’s an easy solution for maximizing space and enjoying some cozy seating during a work break.

10. Family Room Home Office

If you can create two rooms for watching television, using the family room is an excellent location for a home office. It works almost like a massive workspace. The family can use the other TV room while you work.

11. Game Room Home Office

If you have a game room, it can be an excellent space for a home office. You not only have a spacious area to work, but you have plenty of games and items to enjoy when taking a break or needing to clear your mind.

Game rooms are often popular gathering areas, but you can designate specific hours with the family so everyone can enjoy the room.

Space Saving Home Office Remodel Ideas

It is often said that you can’t have enough storage. This is especially true when it comes to office space. The good news is you can create additional storage no matter which room of your home you work in. Here are effective ways to do it.

12. Built-In Cabinetry

This option works much like a traditional desk and shelving but helps you create the exact types of storage you need while maximizing the functionality of a room. It is especially helpful if you have awkward walls and corners. What was wasted space is now fully usable. You can design the space however you like, making it a fun and fulfilling home office project.

13. A Closet Office Desk

This is one of the best home office ideas for saving space. Transform an underutilized closet into a compact and organized home office space. Install a fold-down desk or add a built-in desk, shelving, file storage, and task lighting to create an efficient workstation. You’ll be surprised how much desk space you can get in such a small footprint. You can even keep the doors attached and close them to fully conceal your office setup at the end of the day or when extended family stays over.

14. A Murphy Desk

You can have a floating desk that folds up and out of the way to keep a room more open when it isn’t needed, such as in a guest room. This concept can be done in many different ways to suit varying needs.

15. Dual Murphy Desk and Murphy Bed

Image: California Closets

You can also purchase and install a dual Murphy bed and desk combination, letting you use either option without taking up too much space in the room.

16. Modular Furniture

This is one of the best home office ideas for maximizing functionality. Today you can find a wide range of multipurpose furniture, such as coffee tables and side tables that do double duty as desks near a couch.

Factors to Consider Before Starting a Home Office Remodel

Now that you have a basic understanding of ways of renovating your home, here are some steps to ensure you get it done right. 

Set a Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your home office project. This will help guide your decisions and ensure that you don’t overspend.

Confirm Your Timeline

Create a realistic timeline for the remodel, including padding the time in case of delays. If you have ever done a remodel before, you know that unforeseen issues can pop up. Timing can also factor into the overall price if you use a contractor. Based on that timeline, you can consider how in-depth or turnkey the remodel should be.

Be Aware of Permit Requirements and Regulations

Check local building codes and regulations to see if you need permits for your remodel. It could be a factor that influences the amount of work you do. Obtaining permits may limit your design options and likely eat into your timeline if your timing is short.

Consider Your Location Carefully

Your home office project is ideally in an area of the home with proximity to electrical, plumbing, AC, and Wi-Fi. A good location also offers natural light and either windows or outdoor access to give you a place to stretch, take a walk, and get fresh air. Note that your ideal location may involve a building permit, in which case you should plan accordingly or choose an easier option if you don’t want to bother with it.

Also, choose an area with ample space that is still quiet for you and others. Privacy is a critical factor in your work performance, especially if you are regularly on Zoom calls.

For more about selecting the perfect space for a home office, see my article on ways to create a professional home office. 

Consider Your Lighting Needs

Good lighting is essential for a productive office space. It prevents eye strain, maximizing your work time and comfort throughout the day. It includes natural and artificial lighting options. Choose an area of the home with ample natural light to make the room more positive and aid you in any Zoom calls. Go further with a desk lamp, floor lamp, and overhead light.

See my article on home office lighting ideas for more about office lighting,

Decide If the Job is DIY or Requires a Contractor

Decide whether you will hire a professional contractor or handle some or all of the tasks yourself. DIY construction can save money, but certain aspects require expertise. A contractor can provide ballpark pricing based on the space size and a broad understanding of the work involved. Combined with other factors like budget and timing, you can gauge how much help you need and how much you are willing to take on yourself. Note that if you work with a contractor, you may need to work within their construction schedule.

Consider What Other Professionals You Need

Like considering a contractor, you may want an interior designer or require an electrician or plumber, each of which can influence your budget and timeline.

If you prefer to keep things more simple, not a problem. Home offices can be as simple or complex as you want. Knowing what you want as an ideal and comparing their services with your budget will help you make the best choice.

Plan the Layout

Design the layout of your home office, taking into account the placement of furniture, equipment, and storage. Ensure that the layout promotes an efficient and comfortable work environment.

When planning your layout, consider factors like natural light and which wall works best as an accent wall. The wall can be any wall of the room, but typically it works best behind you so that it doubles as a decorative aspect for any Zoom calls. For more about home office accent walls, click here.

Choose an Office Design for Your Home Office Remodel

Decide on the overall design aesthetic you want for your home office. Consider factors like color schemes and furniture styles. Make sure the design aligns with your work needs and speaks to you; after all, this is a place you should enjoy being all day long. You will also benefit from a design that reads well with the rest of your home. Your home may sell later, in which case the room will look more like a bedroom for easier use by others.

For design inspiration, reference the section below on home office remodel ideas.

Consider Your Furniture and Equipment

If you have existing furniture that you want to use – such as a desk and swivel office chair – it should fit nicely in the space. If you will buy new office furniture, invest in an adjustable desk and an ergonomic office chair to support your posture and overall well-being. Choose furniture and equipment that fit your style and work requirements.

Consider Your Storage Needs

Effective storage is crucial for maintaining an organized workspace. Incorporate shelves, cabinets, drawers, and organizers wherever you can and budget for them to keep your office clutter-free.

Ensure You Have the Right Technology Setup

Ensure you have the necessary technology and connectivity for your work. This includes a reliable internet connection, power outlets, cable management, and equipment like monitors, printers, or scanners.

Don’t Forget the Flooring

You will be in your workspace most of the day, so you benefit by making it as comfortable as possible. This includes the area under your feet. Consider overall comfort and how your office chair will work on the floor surface. If you plan to move around, natural and faux wood flooring helps you easily slide across the floor in your chair. Carpet is an excellent solution for added warmth and reducing sound, though an area rug can work well too. Invest in a desk chair mat if using carpet.

Consider using the same flooring material as the hallway and neighboring rooms for a free-flowing look.

Plan Your Electrical and Wiring

Plan the placement of power outlets and data ports to accommodate your technology needs. If necessary, consult an electrician to ensure proper wiring and safety.

Consider Your Paint and Finishes

Choose paint colors and finishes that enhance the ambiance of your home office. Opt for colors that promote focus and productivity. Pops of color will help make the space more inviting. You can also use bold wallpaper for the same purpose. Crisp white walls, though great for minimalist homes and the easiest to decorate, can look boring on Zoom calls without a pop of color or attractive shelving, art, or window views.

Plan for HVAC in Your Home Office Remodel

Ensure proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in your home office to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. In today’s increasingly hot world, AC shouldn’t be ignored.

Make the Space Personal

Add personal touches to make the space inspiring and motivating. Hang artwork, photos, or motivational quotes that resonate with you.

Is a Home Office Remodel Worth the Effort?

Absolutely. Doing a remodel not only aids you with work but also improves the value of your home and makes life for everyone at home more comfortable. Each of these remodeling ideas offers a unique way of creating a home office that suits your space, lifestyle, and work needs. Consider your preferences and requirements to create a space that best aligns with your vision and provides a productive and inspiring home office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for a Home Office Remodel

How Do I Determine My Budget for a Home Office Remodel?

Start by assessing the scope of your project, including materials, furniture, and any professional services you might need. Research costs for different components and set a realistic budget that aligns with your financial capabilities.

What Should I Prioritize When Doing a Home Office Remodel?

Prioritize functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. Ensure your design provides adequate workspace, ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and effective storage solutions to enhance your productivity and well-being.

Can I Repurpose Existing Furniture for My Home Office Remodel?

Yes, repurposing existing furniture can be a cost-effective option. Evaluate whether your current furniture fits the new design and consider modifying it if needed.

How Can I Maximize Storage in a Home Office Remodel?

Use vertical space by adding shelves and wall-mounted storage. Opt for furniture with built-in storage, like desks with drawers. Utilize organizers and declutter regularly to keep the space tidy.

Should I Hire a Professional for My Home Office Remodel?

It depends on the complexity of the project and your DIY skills. Hiring professionals like contractors, electricians, or designers can ensure a smoother process and high-quality results, especially for complex tasks.

How do I Create an Ergonomic Home Office Setup?

Choose an adjustable standing desk and an ergonomic chair that supports your posture. Ensure your computer monitor is at eye level and your keyboard and mouse are at a comfortable height. Take breaks and incorporate ergonomic accessories as needed.