What You Need For a Home Office Refresh

Ashley
Ashley
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Home office life has its perks: the 30-second commute, the joy of working in sweatpants, and the ability to decorate your workspace in your own style. Sorry, sterile cubicles — you just can't compete with the home office on that front. If you WFH, it might be time to refresh the look of your home office by adding a few accessories, swapping your lighting, or embracing color.

Ahead, we've found nine ways to give your office a little more energy. Who knows? A prettier space might even inspire you to finally tackle that Excel doc you've been avoiding.

Stylish Storage
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Stylish Storage

A messy home office makes it hard to focus, so look for ways to tuck things away when they're not being used. Sleek and modern in a matte black finish, this Songmics Metal Storage Cabinet ($169) provides tons of space while looking much nicer than a clunky file cabinet. Mesh doors provide a peek at your items, while adjustable shelves provide tons of versatility. Pick up two or three to create a full-wall moment as pictured — for far less than the cost of built-in shelving.

A File Folder Upgrade
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A File Folder Upgrade

Even in the digital age, work life involves lots of paperwork — so why not put it on display? Clear glass panels and a gold metal frame give this Mercana File Folder ($48) an elegant vintage vibe. Use it to store folders, tidy up loose notes, or display magazines on a desk or shelf.

Faux Plants
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Faux Plants

Winter is coming, and while it might not look lush outside, you can add color inside with houseplants. What's that you say? Can't keep them alive? No problem. If you don't have a green thumb, go for an artificial plant ($35) in a faux marble pot. No watering required!

A Colorful Desk Pad
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A Colorful Desk Pad

Don't need a new desk but want to add more color to your space? This Blush Portable Desk Pad ($22), available in three colors, does the trick.

Floating Shelves
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Floating Shelves

Looking for a storage solution that doubles as decor? This set of three Large Conceal Floating Shelves ($43) makes it easy to display books, plants, candles, and more in a creative fashion. The powder-coated steel is sturdy enough to hold up to 20 pounds per shelf, making these a smart space-saving buy for the home office.

A Leather Notebook
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A Leather Notebook

One way to make work a little more fun is to choose beautiful office accessories. Covered in Saffiano leather, this pocket-sized Hadley Journal ($39) makes everyday note-taking a more glamorous task.

A Stately Floor Lamp
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A Stately Floor Lamp

Another nice thing about a home office is that you don't have to deal with unpleasant overhead fluorescent office lighting. Instead, you can choose lighting for its beauty as well as its function. This tripod Safavieh Enrica Floor Lamp ($160) sports a crisp, clean white shade over gold-tone legs. It's the perfect way to level up your workplace's sophistication or simply fill an empty corner.

A Compact Desk
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A Compact Desk

If you don't have a separate home office, carve out a corner for a compact desk. Ideal for small spaces, this Mode Desk ($995) can be customized with your choice of colors — including this deep blue and terracotta combo. Pair it with a stool that can slide beneath the desktop to save space when you log off for the day.

An Easy-Care Rug
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An Easy-Care Rug

The fastest way to transform the look of your home office is with a rug. This Nicole Curtis washable rug ($200) brings beautiful blues and rich reds to a room, and it's machine-washable — so you won't have to be too precious with it.