Your workspace does more than hold your laptop.
It has the power to shape your mood, your focus, and even your energy. Think about it, have you ever tried working at a cluttered dining table or in a dark corner? You spend half the time fighting distraction, not getting anything meaningful done. But step into a space that feels clear, light, and intentional, and suddenly, work doesn’t feel like such a heavy lift.
So, how do you create a home office that doesn’t just look pretty on Instagram but actually makes you want to sit down and work? Let’s talk about it.
Start with the Basics: Location & Layout
First things first, where you set up matters. If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, fantastic. If not, don’t worry. Even a small corner can work wonders if you design it with intention. Look for natural light; it does wonders for your mood and focus. Position your desk so you’re not staring at a blank wall; sometimes just having a window view, or even facing into the room instead of a wall, shifts how you feel.
And please, don’t ignore ergonomics. A supportive chair and the right desk height aren’t luxuries, they’re investments in your back and your sanity.
Declutter & Organize
Let’s be honest: clutter kills focus. A messy desk whispers, “you’ve got other things to do” even before you open your emails. Keep only what you need on the surface and find clever ways to store the rest. It could be on shelves, baskets, or even a drawer system that hides the chaos. The cleaner your space looks, the clearer your mind feels.
Play with Color & Decor
Color isn’t just about style, it changes how you feel. Soft blues and greens calm the mind, yellow brings energy, and earthy tones ground you. Don’t be afraid to hang a piece of art you love or bring in plants. A touch of greenery has this magical way of making a room feel alive.
And if you don’t have a whole room, just a corner, don’t worry, you can still make it feel intentional. A small rug, a bold wall paint, or even a screen can help define that space as “yours.” Add a plant or a framed photo on your desk, and suddenly that corner transforms from “just a spot” into your mini-office sanctuary. The point isn’t to impress anyone, it’s to create a space that makes you feel good and ready to work.
Comfort Meets Function
If you’re going to spend hours in this spot, make sure it’s comfortable. Get lighting that works for both day and night;natural light by day, warm task lighting by evening. Keep your tech setup smooth: a charging spot, proper extension cables, and no spaghetti mess of wires hanging around. Small adjustments like these make work feel less of a hassle.
Add Personal Inspiration
This is where your personality comes in. A vision board, a favorite quote pinned up, a few photos that remind you why you do what you do, it all matters. These aren’t just decorations; they’re gentle nudges that keep you aligned with your bigger goals.
Boundaries & Rituals
One of the trickiest parts of working from home is separating work from life. That’s where boundaries save you. Even if your “office” is a desk in the living room, treat it as sacred space. When work is done, shut down, tidy up, and step away. Pair that with small rituals—open the curtains when you begin, light a candle, or play a certain playlist. Your brain will start associating these cues with “work mode.”
Create a Home Office that Inspires You
Here’s the truth: your home office doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or Pinterest-worthy. It just needs to be a space where your mind feels free and your energy flows. Start small; declutter today, add a plant tomorrow, shift your desk toward the light. Bit by bit, you’ll create a workspace that inspires you to show up, not because you have to but because you want to.
Lulu Kiritu is a Content Manager & Public Relations Specialist at BuyRentKenya, a real estate firm that connects people to property across Kenya.