10 Design Tips: The Home Office and Den

Here are 10 tips for creating a functional home office or den with the same design flair as the rest of your home:

1. When buying furniture for a small room, look to larger pieces that give weight and purpose.

1. Give more weight to what the room is going to be used for most of the time, and balance it with other needs. 

1. Consider the color palette of adjoining rooms when choosing a design direction. A den or office is a good place to be a bit daring.

1. Look for sturdy, non-traditional pieces to work double-duty as storage, for work and play. Visit vintage office and furniture stores for unique pieces with varied interest.

1. Scour the basement and second-hand shops for unique coffee and side tables and lighting. Often inexpensive they take the wear and tear of company surprisingly well.

1. Add a touch of your own personality to vintage furniture with knobs or other details you love.

1. Closed storage is a must if you want an office that stays clutter-free. Every paper, pencil and pen should have a home.

1. Think about art in any room within the context of the entire home. A mix of photography, paintings and other media will ensure visual variety.

1. Make the space inviting with durable and easy-living fabrics and textures.

1. Look for inspiration around you. Any everyday object can be your surprise design muse!