10 Cozy Home Office Ideas That’ll Inspire You to Work This Winter

What’s the quickest, easiest way to refresh your workspace for the chilly season? Bring in cozy textiles to add warmth and comfort to the space. From layering faux-fur fabric over your desk chair to storing an array of plush blankets at the ready (as Samantha Pynn and Sebastian Clovis show with blankets on a stylish ladder in this Save My Reno workspace), textiles are key to being comfy enough to get to work.

Whether you find yourself taking a lot of Zoom calls in your home office or you just want to add some fun to your workspace, make like DIY Danie and try this impactful home office design idea: create a delightfully ornate feature wall behind your desk.

Choosing the right view – and positioning your desk so that you’re not staring at a wall – is one of design expert (and Backyard Builds co-host) Brian McCourt’s top tips for taking your home office to the next level. Making the most of your work-from-home view and natural light is especially important during the winter months, when a dark home office setup will be less than inspiring. If your office doesn’t have a window, position your desk so that your back will be facing the wall. Or, you can get creative – as the home office in this eco-conscious Montreal abode shows by placing the desk against glass dividers to let in the light.

It’s hard to stay motivated to work when you’re squinting in the dark. When the days get shorter and light is harder to come by, maximize your office’s lighting potential with multiple sources. Here, the desk is positioned to be in a prime spot for natural light via the windows, while a desk lamp and a string of festive lights bring extra glow.

Plants are a go-to home office design idea for a reason: they bring colour, character and a touch of nature to the place where you work. In this artist’s work-live space, an array of hanging plants totally transform a classic office into an absolutely inspiring room.

If you can’t tap into inspiration when you sit down at your desk, chances are you’ll spend less and less time being productive. Sound like you this season? If so, curating a mix of special items, favourite books and other sentimental touches can go a long way to making your office a place you want to be. If desk space is an issue, opt for a few shelves (as beautifully demonstrated with the organized office space in this Montreal designer’s home).

We love a window in a home office – but the way you treat it can go a long way towards keeping you warm and cozy in the winter. Window treatments help the room retain heat, especially if you close the curtains when the sun goes down. If you want an element of heat retention while also letting in lots of light (and adding plenty of style) during the day, opt for a neutral or sheer window treatment – like the white curtains in this creative-chic Toronto home office.

Love the elegant feel of a dark and moody colour palette, but worry about it being too dour in the wintertime? The black walls in this home office are sophisticated, but we love how a white-framed gallery wall of kids’ art brings plenty of mood-boosting colour and charm into the space.

Related: Surprise! You Can Use Dark Colours in a Small Space – Here’s How

There’s something to be said for a clean and clutter-free workspace, but modern home office ideas don’t have to be sparse or uncomfortable. Take this professional organizer’s sleek home office: a simple rug frames the desk space while bringing comfort and warmth underfoot on chilly days.

Looking for small home office ideas that will keep your workspace feeling cozy – and not cramped? Consider your colour palette. Here, a super-subtle shade of pink gently defines the office-in-a-closet in this charming Toronto rental – the sheer blush tone keeps the compact space feeling open and light, while offering a touch more warmth than pure white. Want more ways to refresh your petite office this season?