How to Declutter Your Home Office and Create a Chic, Elegant Workspace
A well-designed workspace is more than just a place to work—it’s a sanctuary of focus, creativity, and refined elegance. An organised home office, free of clutter yet rich in style, enhances productivity while reflecting your personal aesthetic. I was born with that tidy gene—I absolutely hate clutter—I am sure there is a term for this! Here’s how to curate a workspace that is both functional and effortlessly chic—that you then can add your personal style. Be inspired when you work by creating an elegant office at home—or anywhere.
A CLEAN SLATE
Begin At The Beginning
Start with a clean slate. Before introducing new elements, declutter effectively. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or align with your vision of an elegant workspace. Be selective with what stays—only essentials and curated decorative pieces should make the cut.
Clean and sparkle: I always clean my work space in the morning and when I finish for the evening. It gives the feeling each time that you are starting your day anew. I also never eat where I work. Sort and categorise: Keep only what you use daily within reach; store or discard the rest. Go paperless: Scan documents and store them digitally to eliminate excess paper. Shred and recycle: We know the world cannot aways be paperless—keep a small paper shredder for those moments when shredding is needed. Tidy cords and cables: Use sleek cable organisers or hide them behind furniture for a cleaner look. There is nothing worse than unsightly cords that can be tripped over or snagged.
THE COLOUR PALETTE
Curate A Refined Colour Palette
A chic office begins with a cohesive colour scheme. Stick to a palette of neutrals—white, beige, soft greys; deep jewel tones, or sophisticated monochromes for a polished, elegant look. Creating a cohesive color palette for decorating a space can really pull everything together and make the room feel harmonious and balanced.
Nature provides endless color combinations that naturally work together. Look outside—greens, browns, blues, and even sunset hues can inspire a natural, soothing palette.
A neutral base: Begin with neutral tones—whites, grays, beiges, or blacks as your base colour for walls, flooring, or larger furniture pieces. Neutrals provide a calming backdrop and allow accent shades to shine. The monochromatics: Variations of one colour in different shades, tints, and tones. This creates a serene, cohesive look. Analogous: Colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel—such as blue, blue-green, and green. These colours create a harmonious flow. Complementary: Colours opposite each other on the colour wheel—for example, blue and orange, red and green. Use sparingly for a richcontrast. Triadic: Three colours evenly spaced around the colour wheel—for example, red, yellow, and blue. This is perfect for a balanced, colorful palette.
THE COLOUR FOCUS
The focal colour: Choose a colour to serve as the room’s focal point, whether it’s for an accent wall, a statement piece of furniture, or accessories like throw pillows or rugs. This will anchor the room’s design. Limit the colour slections: To avoid overwhelming the space, limit your primary colours to three or four. You can play with different shades, tints, and tones of these colours, but keeping to a manageable number ensures a unified look. Test before you commit: Always test colours in your space before making permanent decisions. Paint large swatches on the wall or use fabric samples to see how shades interact with each other and the room’s light.
ON THE SHELF
Invest in Elegant Storage Solutions
Clutter is the enemy of sophistication, but storage doesn’t have to be boring. Look for stylish storage solutions that blend seamlessly into your décor. I prefer all storage behind closed doors—each section in selective storage vessels. But you may prefer open shelving depending on the overall decor of your home office.
Luxe storage boxes: Keep loose items neatly tucked away in rattan creations as they bring a touch of Breton, and the weaving pattern adds an artisanal charm while ensuring durability and longevity. You may also prefer fabric-covered or leather storage boxes. Designed with thought shelving: Display books and decorative objects without taking up desk space. You can choose from floating shelving, something more classical looking. Built-in cabinets: Choose sleek, handleless designs in neutral hues that blend with your décor. You can also have these behind a closet style door to give the impression that it is a closet—once again it becomes part of the room décor.
Where to Shop: French Knot—to be inspired by their beautifully curated collections for all aspects of your home. I love their rattan collections. Discover French Knot.
THE TACTILE MOMENTS
Elevate with Quality Materials
Incorporate high-quality, tactile materials to create a workspace that feels as luxurious as it looks.
Different textures and patterns—such as in textiles, furniture, or wallpaper can add visual interest without needing extra colors. A mix of matte, glossy, smooth, and rough textures can make a simple color palette feel dynamic.
The Desk: A lacquered, wood, or glass desk with clean lines adds instant refinement. Or look for an old piece and give it some love to shine again. I always lean to one with a centre draw to place those stationary items that you may need but not want on display. The Chair: Look for a plush, ergonomic chair in velvet, linen, or leather for both comfort and style. Or if you are like myself, I look to a timeless chair design that gives the impression it would also work in a dining room but is just as comfortable in an office. The Details: A wicker or beautiful wooded or brass tray for stationery, a crystal vase with fresh flowers, and a silk or wool throw over your chair exude effortless luxury.
Where To Shop: Before investing in a brand-new desk visit some second-hand or vintage stores. You will be surprised how you can transform an old table into something that is beautiful and functional to use as a desk simply by giving it a few coats of white paint. I love the country inspired kitchen tables with inlay draws—either in a sharp white or natural look.
A MINDFUL CURATION
Your Desk Minimal but Thoughtful
A clutter-free desk encourages focus. Try to limit what’s on your desk to carefully curated essentials:
A sleek, high-quality notebook and pen.
A minimalist desk lamp with warm lighting.
A small tray for pens, paper clips, or jewellery.
A single statement piece, like a treasured sculpture or scented candle.
Where To Shop: Peperwhites— the inspiration of designer Tara Dennis. Tara mixes the old with the new, high end and affordable as well as the unique and unexpected pieces to delight. Discover Pepperwhites.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Incorporate Soft, Ambient Lighting
Harsh lighting can ruin all the work that has been done on creating an elegant style. Layer your lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. And if you are not quite sure how to approach this task—then seek advice from your local lightening store.
The Lamp: A designer table lamp with a soft glow for an elevated feel. Consider Sconces: Wall sconces or pendant lights add understated glamour. The Beauty of Candles: Candlelight or dimmable LED lights enhance the ambiance during evening work sessions.
Where To Shop: AERIN— a handpicked selection of classics with a contemporary twist, Aerin’s collection perfectly captures her signature classic and timeless style and is inspired by her travels and her Hamptons home. Discover AERIN.
A beautiful work environment can be achieved with a little planning and taking the time to create something that reflects your personality and blends seamlessly with your other home décor. And why stop at your home office—you can take these elements and bring them into a business space to complement a more traditional workspace.
Enjoy and be work inspired as you curate your elegant home office.
More To Discover
The French manicure: effortlessly polished, eternally chic, and paradoxically, not quite French at all. But where did it originate, and how has it evolved from a beauty classic to a cultural phenomenon? It is after all these years still timelessly elegant. Discover The Story.
