15 Home Office Design Ideas You Can D.I.Y

Is there anybody who's been dreaming of the work-from-home life here? It has become such a trend these days and had its hype during the pandemic. But what if I tell you that some of those work-from-home divas still use a dining chair and an ironing board as their workstations today? Are you one of them?

It's time to level up your home office setup, and we're here to help.

Here are 15 practical and easy home office ideas that won't require you to use a hammer. 

1. Install a Wall Hugger Extraordinaire

Always included in our house interior design list - the mighty floating shelf. Did you know that you can turn this shelf into a desk? Just install it at desk height.

Add a comfy chair, and boom! Instant minimalist office layout. You can buy L-brackets from Wally's Hardware and a sturdy wood slab elsewhere.

Sand, stain, and seal it. 

2. The Hideaway Workstation

Do you lack a spare room? Create an office behind a curtain, literally. Hang a floor-to-ceiling curtain across a section of your living room or bedroom. Choose a funky curtain that sparks joy. 

3. Forget The Fixed Desk

Instead, buy a three-tier rolling cart from Lazada or Shoppee. Utility carts are affordable these days. Use it to store your laptop, files, snacks, and other things. Work on the couch, in the bedroom, or on the balcony. An office on mobile sounds fun, right?

You can take things up a notch by spray painting the cart. Match it with your house layout theme. Even a rolling cart deserves a personality, right?

4. Budgetarian-friendly Standing Desk Riser 

Do you want to save your back? Just stack your prettiest hardcovers (or shoeboxes) and use them to elevate your laptop. Or to make it look more presentable, construct a height-adjustable double shelf laptop desk riser like this:

Now, you have a makeshift standing desk. And the best part? It'll cost you nothing. 

This setup might look a bit quirky, but your posture will thank you for this.

5. The Pegboard Wall 

Do you feel that your desk drawer is a black hole? Then it's time to embrace the pegboard.

Organize your chaos, but make it cute. Paint it neon pink, stencil with polka dots, or go complete monochromatic chic. Now, you've created a wall that Marie Kondo and Bob the Builder would both approve of. 

But if this style is not your thing, look up Pinterest for inspiration. 

6. A Little Jungle Never Hurt Anybody

According to Linda Solegato, an interior stylist and green living advocate, plants give oxygen for the lungs and the soul. Nothing says, "I've got my life together," louder than a pothos or peace lily. House them in macramé hangers or recycled tin cans. 

7. Wall Planner

Get your chalkboard paint, painter's tape, and a level of enthusiasm ready. Map out your deadlines, or doodle in moments of existential dread on your wall planner.

8. Under-The-Stairs Hideout

If Harry Potter can live under the stairs, you can work there!

Install a small desk, floating shelves, and cozy lights. Add a curtain or sliding door in your instant office hideout.

9. Mood Lighting: Your Way To Productivity

Lighting is everything. It creates drama, atmosphere, and intrigue in a room.

Add fairy lights, LED strips, or that funky lamp from a thrift store because fluorescents are so 2022. 

10. Laptop Tray Office

Sometimes, all you need is a laptop tray, and that's it! 

Get the cushioned ones. Built-in storage is a plus. For ergonomics, a back pillow, wrist rest, or lap desk can help. 

11. Clear the Bookshelf, Slide A Chair

This is such a plot twist if you have a bookshelf that can double as an office desk. Clear the bookshelf. Slide a chair. You can also add a hidden drawer and throw in an LED strip under the shelf. 

As for the books, just display them on either side of the shelf.

12. Back-of-the-Door Organizer

Do you have that sad, forgotten space behind your door? Then don't make it sad anymore. Give it a glow-up!

Prep your cork boards, magnetic strips, and hanging file folders. Hang them there. This home office idea is perfect for removing clutter from your desk. 

13. Color Blocked Zones

We didn't know color blocking could transform spaces until we tried it ourselves. A half wall of color (just behind your desk) will separate your workspace from your bed.

For a home office, try calming blues, energizing yellows, or even an edgy black for extra drama. Just make sure the color will skyrocket your productivity.

14. Whiteboard Calendar Wall

We've watched one of our favorite home makeover shows on YouTube. In one segment, the interior decorator mounted a whiteboard calendar in a home office—and it's a winning move.

Who needs Google Calendar when you can turn an entire wall into a planner? Just make sure you're using dry-erase markers. If you don't like whiteboard panels, you can use glossy white tiles instead.

15. Mood Board Window Zone

A window view keeps you from turning into a screen zombie. Use the negative space near it to turn it into a vision board zone. Pin up inspirational quotes, magazine cutouts, or fabric swatches. 

Natural light + positive vibes = creative energy for days. 

These home office design ideas are super affordable and DIY-able. All you need is creativity, some elbow grease, and possibly a glue gun.