10 ways to create a work-at-home nook

Finding an area to work at home that gives you some peace and quiet can be a challenge. Often times an office nook is found in odd corners of the house and can be problematic when trying to create a functional design. Here are some ideas to better help you plan out a nook that will give you the feel of space, even if you don’t have much of it.

1. A writable wall using blackboard or dry-erase paint will not only allow fun when brainstorming, but can turn the smallest places into functional work areas. Target has a line of blackboard paints, and Staples has a line of dry-erase paints.

2. In small spaces, light colors will give the illusion of space. Avoid stark white, as it can make a space feel cold. Instead use shades off-white or pastels. Choose colors that are different shades of the same color—whether trim, draperies or decor—giving unity and openness to the space. Remember your ceiling is also part of your “wall” space. Painting or wallpapering it will enhance the area, making it flow as a continuous space.

3. If you choose to use curtains to divide your space from the main house, hang them from the ceiling to give a feeling of height. If total privacy is not your top priority, consider sheer curtains to allow natural light in, making your space feel more open.

4. For a rustic appeal, make a DIY freestanding wood plank wall. Build your wall, put it on wheels, and slide it into place as needed. This is a good solution for a space too cramped for a traditional door, but adds more flare than a pocket door. If you would rather a secured door, add a sliding track. Lowe’s offers a good selection to choose from.

5. Creating a nook with an interior barrier of glass or French doors can give the sense of your own space while still being able to look into the house. For the feel of additional space, consider a glass desk to allow light to flow freely.

6. No windows in your work space? Try putting an old window on the wall for decoration, adding a shanty chic outdoor appeal. For added fun, you can even place pictures in each window panel, creating a DIY picture frame.

7. If you have a small area that is longer than it is wide, consider translucent sliding doors that run the length of the skinny space. The doors will allow light in from the main house, but are frosted enough to give you privacy.

8. If you have a nook with no windows, consider making a photo wall (you can even print them yourself). Space them evenly from side to side and top to bottom, making a simple wood frame around each. Choose pictures of inspiring scenes that you can switch out to refresh the space. Don’t want to nail wood to the wall? That’s okay, try it without the frame and it will resemble DIY wallpaper.

9. If you want a simple, quick and low cost fix to a windowless nook, consider hanging a curtain at ceiling height as an accent wall. It will bring softness, length, and comfort to a space that could otherwise feel boxy.

10. No space inside your house to work? Make your own she-shed! Remodel an old shed or outdoor storage space that has gone forgotten to create a comfortable working space without building permits. You can even establish ground rules for the kids to not enter while you are working.

Tips for decorating your nook

Lighting: Avoid shadows and dark corners by strategically placing lights to give the illusion of space. Project lights upwards making column-like streaks that will draw the eye upwards, creating height and space.

Shelving: Shelves near ceiling height will make a room feel bigger. When decorating with nick-knacks, leave open spaces on purpose to enhance the openness of your nook. For bookshelves, consider floor-to-ceiling. When arranging books, try color coordinating them with the most colorful at the top. Not only with it streamline your space, but the pop of color will attract the eye and give the illusion of height and space.

Furniture: When adding furniture in your nook, choose pieces that have exposed legs for a more spacious appeal. Fabric that hangs to the ground stops the line of sight and closes in your space. To further enhance your space, try angling your furniture or placing it away from walls.

Walls: Mirrors in small spaces help reflect light, making a nook feel bigger. Try a trio of accent mirrors for a subtle enhancement or an oversized mirror to give a wall a continuous feel. When choosing art, opt for dramatic, large art that will automatically make your space feel bigger.

Decor: In small spaces, less is more. For decorative pieces, follow the “cantaloupe rule.” If it’s smaller than a cantaloupe it can make a space look cluttered, larger than a cantaloupe will enhance it. If adding accent rugs or upholstered furniture, choose small or plain prints to make the nook feel bigger. If you have windows in your space, consider matching colors inside the room with the colors outdoors to create a larger, continuous feel.