How to Transform That Awkward Nook Into a Useful Home Office

Many homes have a large enough space under the stairs to fit a small desk and chair. We’re crushin’ on this hybrid desk meets piano, complete with exposed brick and awesome lighting.

Most homes usually have some sort of small nook or alcove usually reserved for a closet, entranceway table or bench. Move out the coats and make a stylish small home office.

Speaking of coats, if your home has a mudroom, that’s often a great place to set up a desk and chair. There’s typically plenty of a storage in mudrooms, which will be great for your office.

Closets are another great area to set up a useful home office. Whether it’s a large walk-in or a tiny space to hang your coat, it can easily be transformed into your ideal work-from-home spot.

Do you have a foyer or entranceway? Most foyers have artwork, a coat rack and a table to throw your mail and keys. This space integrates both the foyer and home office essentials into one.

One of the easiest areas to set up a home office is in your hallway, as you likely don’t have to move around furniture or belongings. Just make sure there’s space to walk down the hall still.

A popular trend in minimalist home office design is the hidden desk, which is a table that usually folds down from the wall or existing cabinets. Just pull up a chair and get to work! It’s that easy.

Is there an area in your basement where you can set up shop? If your basement is a little too dark to foster a creative and innovative work space, here are some colour palettes to brighten it up.

See more photos of this chilled-out California-inspired shared home in Toronto.

Although it’s not usually recommended to have an office in your bedroom, if it’s separate from the sleeping area, it can be an excellent option. Just make sure the space has good feng shui.

The kitchen is often a great space for a small home office, as there is plenty of excellent storage and counter space already in the room. This is perfect if you cook a lot too: hello, multitasking!

Another room with a ton of storage and counter space? Your laundry room. Pull up a chair to where you’d normally fold your clothes and get to work! And you can multitask in this room too.

See more photos of Sarah Richardson’s off-the-grid family home.

What about your living room? Even if there isn’t a nook or corner in your living room that screams “home office,” you could opt for one of those lift-top coffee tables that turns into a desk.

To see more of the bright and happy home above, check out these photos.

It might not be glamorous (or perhaps it’s a reason to renovate!), but maybe there’s a little corner in your garage where you can get away from the household madness and get some work done.

See more photos from this chic garage conversion.

One thing every home office needs is a smart layout. And, if you have a guest room, you can likely set up a work station next to the spare bed or pullout couch. We adore this vintage desk!

Another useful little nook to put an office (for your kiddos!) is in their bedroom. If you’re tight on space, a loft bed with room for a desk or play area underneath is ideal.

This adorable room is in this Toronto loft in a 100-year-old ex-factory.