Now that we’re all spending more time at home, we’re also working more at home. Instead of dealing with that annoying daily commute, a short walk to your home office is all it takes to plug in and get to work.

But because most people were working their 9-5 jobs at an office until a couple of months ago, many people never took the time to prioritize the design and layout of their home office—and the extra space all-too-often becomes a dumping ground for miscellaneous household items that didn’t have anywhere else to live. Sound familiar?

But now that that space has become a daily necessity, use this time to set it up properly and create the functional office space you’ve always wanted. If you’re ready to get started and transform your office into a beautiful and functional room you love, get our top tips to transform the space.

Blend Indoor & Outdoor Space

One of the best parts of working from home is that you aren’t constricted by a cubicle. Use this opportunity to bring together the best of the indoor and outdoor elements your space has to offer. Try placing your desk below a window so you have an inspiring outdoor view. This will also give you the best possible natural light for work time and video calls.

If you’re lucky enough to have existing outdoor space nearby, add a small work area to your patio or deck. That way, when you’re lacking motivation or feeling unproductive, you can get a change of scenery and a burst of fresh air that will leave you feeling invigorated and exhilarated.

Think Vertically

Storage space in offices can be a challenge, especially if you need endless files and paperwork for your day-to-day. A lot of times, offices become a sea of file cabinets and bookshelves overflowing with odds and ends. But instead of limiting yourself to the floorspace, think bigger.

Try incorporating floating shelving around the room to give you extra space and to elevate your eye. This will give more height to the room and make it feel bigger, while also increasing your available square-footage for storage. Add matching storage baskets or purchase functional desk accessories to keep the shelving organized and aesthetically pleasing, so it’s a win-win solution for both form and function.

Choose Your Desk & Chair Wisely

There are endless amounts of beautiful desks and chairs on the market, but there’s one major thing to keep in mind: don’t sacrifice comfort for style. Your desk and your office chair are two places where you’ll be spending a lot of time, so be sure to pick comfortable pieces that serve the purpose you need them to.

Think about how you work everyday. Do you need a lot of desktop space for taking notes or reviewing paperwork? Or do you spend most of your days on-the-go on a laptop? Do you sit all day, or do you prefer a standing desk? All of these factors will influence the type of furniture that makes the most sense for your space, so be sure to think it through before you buy.

Above All, Infuse the Space With Your Style

At the end of the day, the most important aspect of your office is whether or not it reflects your style. Because you’ll spend most of your waking hours during the week inside those four walls, choose elements that you love. From the paint color to your desk accessories to the window treatments, don’t settle for less than the best or “just ok.” This is your opportunity to create a space that’s functional for your daily needs, but also reflective of your personality—so don’t waste it!

If you need help designing your home office, ASR Design Studio is here to help!