DESIGN HACKS! 5 Things Every Home Office Needs

Design Hacks! 5 Things Every Home Office Needs
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Whether you have a dedicated office space or simply carved out a workstation in your home, here are the top 5 things you need for a functional, efficient, and stylish work area. Bonus tips on desk placement dos and don’ts and how to source the perfect desk size for your needs!
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Herman Miller Aeron Chair: amzn.to/3LQMfC5 , bit.ly/42gXp8n
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Cable/cord Management Box: amzn.to/3oSO0W8
Cable Management Railway: amzn.to/41WFTXr
Cable Management Raceway Kit: amzn.to/3AKnscu
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Common Design Mistakes: • Common Interior Design...
Don’t make these common design mistakes: • COMMON DESIGN MISTAKES...
How to Create Your Dream Space, a step-by-step beginner’s guide to interior design: • HOW TO CREATE YOUR DRE...
Budget-friendly interior design solutions • DESIGN | Budget-friend...
Feng Shui 101: • FENG SHUI | Guides, Ti...
Ultimate styling guides with shoppable furniture links: • ULTIMATE GUIDES | Furn...
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#homeofficedesign #interiordesigntrends #designhacks

[@bitrudder3792]

I loved hearing you say that we need a beautiful view or a piece of art. I like my view from window and from the French doors, even if it isn’t quite as elegant as the ones in this video. I just couldn’t figure out how to put in art With my wall space limitations!

[@JulieKhuu]

Sometimes art can be placed in front of a window if the view is not desirable, but you like the diffused daylight. I love how backlight can frame a statement art piece!

[@LL-be5fz]

The best purchase for my home office is my massage chair. A stress-free workspace for sure.

[@kh884488]

Thanks for your tips. Counter to your suggestion, I use a stool as a chair, but one with a saddle-style seat that is often presented as a stool for hair stylists. It takes up little space, is very comfortable and has worked fine for over 3 years now. I also use it with a sit to stand desk.

[@rochellet7303]

Great tips. You always pull in such beautiful images, and I appreciate you show where they were sourced.

[@marikasun4498]

Totally agree - changes I made recently makes the space productive and calming - super advice! 🙏🏻 thank you! 🙌🏻👏🏻👍

[@JulieKhuu]

That’s awesome, thank you for watching and sharing feedback Marika 🙏☺️

[@vaderladyl]

I agree with all the points and I use the command position as well. They all make a huge difference in productivity and efficiency.

[@JulieKhuu]

Once you’ve sat this way with much success, you almost forget about the cords 😆

[@vaderladyl]

@@JulieKhuu Yes I felt so accomplished and then I looked to the front of the desk to realize I still had to deal with the cords.

[@susanhernandez9914]

Recently placed my home office in the basement. Now I know why I it felt right when I chose to place my desk in a corner but facing the entry door rather than the side by the stairs where I originally was prior to finishing our basement. Never knew of the correct term- due to command position. Thank you that I watched your video.

[@bitrudder3792]

as someone who carries a purse, I would love to have a dedicated place for my purse to be accessible but out of sight. I usually have things to process from my purse when I’m at my desk, receipts, written notes, notes from my phone, The productivity app on my phone, etc. i’m less likely to lose track of my phone if it is always in my bag. Having enough deep drawer space next to my work surface would be awesome. I do have two different work surfaces in my small office and I was enjoying having my bag on a rolling computer tower cart the other day. It was a great height and I was able to roll it easily between the two surfaces. That doesn’t solve the “Out of sight” part. People don’t always lock the door and we’ve already had cameras stolen out of the house by thieves that just walked in.

[@JulieKhuu]

Yes, great point! I have a small cubby for my purse in the hutch behind my desk. It leaves the workspace clutter-free 👍

[@gabriellamilgromco]

Really wonderful tips on home office needs. I would echo the point on lighting importance missing- especially based on the season. I also never realized that my common practice of floating my desk in my office and interiors is the "command" position. Love learning new terms and skills!

[@JulieKhuu]

I have a section on lighting Gabriella, check the chapters to jump to that part 👍😊

[@HR-re6mr]

My issue is I just accepted that I really HATE sitting at a desk. I much prefer the dining room table. It feels less 'office-y". So know I think instead of a desk, I'll get a table and have it in that space but nothing that looks like an office set up. I seem to mentally do better when it's just more casual and not the formality. I love the design hack series.

[@harmony3395]

I was the same. Eventually I gave up as the hassle of trying to clear the table at meal times overwhelmed me!

[@JulieKhuu]

I learned to work from a laptop on the kitchen peninsula vs. a two-monitor desk setup and I feel more productive as a result! Like I’m not glued to my office, so I definitely feel your comment 🙌

[@debbiezullo7056]

Happy Mother’s Day Julie🌹💕 Much love

[@JulieKhuu]

Happy Mother’s Day Debbie! Thank you for watching 💖🙏

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

I agree with all of your points! The hardest thing for me is finding a comfortable chair. At 5’2” my feet don’t reach the floor with any chair and still be in position for the keyboard.

[@JulieKhuu]

I use a footrest Donna! I have a super basic foam one from Ikea that does the job, but thank you for reminding me that it’s time for an upgrade 👍😊

[@1paradox]

I use a foot rest as well. 20-30$ from amazon

[@harmony3395]

Could it work for you to lower your desk?

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

@@harmony3395 unfortunately my current desk doesn’t have that capability. I remember in 1st grade the school janitor made me a box for under my desk😊. I do need to get a foot rest for sure. The other issue is the depth of the chair. I have the same issue with the seats of cars too. They often hit me in the back of the leg.

[@nadegejuste2638]

I so agree with the last part. As much i wanted to apply feng shui in my home office, the view of the câbles and back of the monitor triggered me so bad. So i end up not flotting the desk and face it to the window for a Nice view. So the Side of tge desk is facing the entry (at least not my back ). I find forcing feng shui can also be tricky

[@JulieKhuu]

Exactly, Feng Shui for modern times is all about give/take. We can’t win them all, just have to prioritize what’s more important in each scenario 👍

[@mobuckey]

Just reorganized my studio bingeing your videos so this is perfect timing

[@JulieKhuu]

I love that! I have a great storage/ organization playlist where I link a ton of my fav tools and products as well! All about that tidy life 🙌

[@kameliat7704]

Since learning about feng shui from you and moving my desk to the command position, oooh, what an incredible relief! Another beautiful video, I love them all, Julie 😚 Can't wait for the update from your own home office😄🙏

[@JulieKhuu]

That’s awesome 🙌 People don’t believe it until they do it sometimes. The results can hold so much power 💖

[@4tun8nanette]

@@JulieKhuu Where can I see your video on the command position for desk?

[@Maggie22002]

I bought a Sealy office Chair over a year ago. We love that chair. Able to raise it also as I’m short.

[@StuWright]

for chair, i like my ikea MILLBERGET Swivel Chair, it took me some time to get used to it, but the way the back panel leans back ,at different angles, I love it.

[@JulieKhuu]

The back lean is gold! 👍

[@teebirds7152]

Love your videos Julie. Thank you

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching 🙏😊

[@bitrudder3792]

🤣 only true love and desensitization can make those cables at your husband's desk look good! But I love the positive attitude about it. ❤️

[@JulieKhuu]

Exactly. That’s his wing, I try not to look 😂

[@ImaDoGToo]

interesting. I naturally use your tips for my home office. Thank you for the validation!

[@JulieKhuu]

Yay, glad I can help break down the essentials! 🙌☺️

[@karilane1416]

Thank you for addressing the cord issue. I hate the "done" photos which so obviously are not a real working space. My husband and I share an office, Currently we have two fairly large desks - I am seriously considering going to one desk; and adjusting the back side to work for one of us. I so wanted to float the desk but I think I'm going with the idea to put the narrow end against the wall. Now we just have to hash out who gets the power seat (facing the door) and who gets the "front" of the desk (back to the door) I'm leaning toward him facing the door as he is hard of hearing and that seems the most helpful for him. I agree about the chair, but...I am currently using a budoir stool that I kept because it is pretty, takes up little visual space and is fairly comfy and I often tip it forward on "two legs" However, I recently had it reupholstered and the foam they used is way too stiff! I am so sad, because it looks great.

[@JulieKhuu]

If you can face one another on identical desks with monitors back to back, flank both desks against the far wall (short side of both desks against the wall) and have complete view of the entry door, that would be the most ideal!

[@CarynConnolly]

I like my gaming chair. I found none of the other chairs were comfortable to sit on all day. 😊

[@1paradox]

I feel like that would work really well for me because I like the bucket style seat, but I haven't seen any adult color schemes. Where did you find yours?

[@bitrudder3792]

I want to know as well. There is a store called relax the back that has a chair that fits all of the ergonomically checklist items but… It always reminds me of bowling shoes. Even when it’s one solid color. I’m an ergonomic chair nerd, Please share!

[@CarynConnolly]

I got it at Staples. It is leather and a black and blue color scheme. It also has adjustable lumbar and neck pillows.

[@CarynConnolly]

It says emerge right above my head. 🤣

[@1paradox]

@@CarynConnolly thanks for the info!

[@margaretjudice8944]

Great ideas in this video! Thank you for sharing!

[@arabella972]

Julie, love your advice, I am in the process of redesigning my sleeping room Into work room.Big challenge

[@KissyRitzy]

I think the only thing missing was the lighting, as depending on your working hours and the seasons where you live, having a good source of both natural and electrical light is crucial. As always great video Julie!

[@harmony3395]

There is a section on lighting in this video, about halfway through

[@JulieKhuu]

It’s under task lighting 😊

[@marjoriejudge5348]

Excellent timing ! Husband is looking for new chair , thank you - oh , some of the deck/table legs from Mockett & company are tubular so that cables can be concealed inside the legs or at least there used to be (not a massive amount if you a running a 3d print shop but enough for basic virtual commuter)

[@JulieKhuu]

Omg I love that! Need to look into Mockett, thank you for sharing Marjorie! 🙌🙏

[@marjoriejudge5348]

@@JulieKhuu Doug Mockett and company - I think the corporate HQ is in Torrence , CA - they have things that just average consumers would never think of 🏵

[@She_Loves_Truth]

Hi Julie, can you do a video with ideas on home office with 2 or 3 desk monitors. Should desk face the wall so yo don't see backs of the computer monitors? Or can you still have desk face the door without the back of computer monitors ruining the aesthetic?

[@dennyawright21]

I totally relate to your husband. Cords everywhere! LOL

[@Jim_Curtis]

Thanks for the helpful videos as always. Do you have any recommendations for adjustable height desks?

[@JulieKhuu]

My husband loves his Stand Steady tech tonic adjustable desk stand. You can find it on Amazon

[@Jim_Curtis]

@@JulieKhuu Thanks Julie!

[@Clauds71]

So helpful, thank you 😀

[@JulieKhuu]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching ☺️🙏🏻

[@annmurphy883]

This was so helpful - thanks!!!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Ann 🙏😊

[@Zibutegerard]

I've put a mirror remedy on the desk when it's facing away from the door.

[@Lena-cl6ye]

Beautiful built in ideas!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Lena 🙏😊

[@ullubuddhu6443]

Can you please make a video about how to use and decorate kids artwork in a stylish way? Thank you in advance 😊

[@JulieKhuu]

I have a video on kids room design mistakes, check it out for more tips 👍😊

[@ruthnarendran8775]

Your ideas are great Julie, but sourcing nice furniture is the biggest headache. Please include more sources for major piece. Keep the videos coming.

[@dottiestaxx]

Thank ya

[@mariannerichard1321]

I'm among the lucky ones who have a room for the home office. However, it's quite the small room, 7' x 8', I think it was thought as a toddler bedroom. Of course, I still have the mammoth desk I bought... 4 appartements ago, an L shaped one of 5'8" each side. xD And since the surface is wide enough for everything I need to work, it makes it even less urgent to shop for a new, better fitted for the room size replacement... But it really makes the an already small room looks extra smaller.... All the other element are good though, so I should kick my own butt and walk the last mile...

[@texasstardust6010]

...Such a good Video, Miss Julie ! I do not work from home but I've always had a desk and I think it's really important because I think that even if you're not 'quote _ unquote" W.F. H. .... If at all possible I think it's important. To have a place to do correspondence, to pay bills to be on your Computer Or your laptop and you have a dedicated space for doing all these things..and things are not scattered ' hither and yon ", lol... What one mayneed will be in one area. ( as you stated, .... Papers /paper to write on; stationary, reference books, your mouse, your laptop /your your desktop whatever it is...) I'm glad that you referenced the Feng Shui element, as not every room might be able to accommodate the ' Command position ",so the alternative placements were helpful. I actually could not use the Command position, because it is in my Wealth corner, and I researched the placement... That having my unpaid bills and all my paperwork and all my things like that, were not going to be conducive to being in that corner. So I had to scrap that idea ,which was a bit disappointing and I don't know what your feelings are on that.... I've actually been meaning to ask you l o l. So, I placed my large desk near the front door area, ( to the side wall of the door, but not facing the wall) and I have a view ,as well as being able to see the front door. These specific Videos are just " gold" and I know I'm not the only one that appreciates the time and detail you put into these ! Thank you again! 🙏🏻🙂😊🩷

[@JulieKhuu]

Why don’t you keep the desk in the command position, but place all the bills/ paperwork in another corner? You may still work on the correspondence on the desk, but as long as the bills don’t live there- I think it might work

[@texasstardust6010]

@Julie Khuu ......Oh my, what a nice surprise, your kind reply ! 😊 Miss Julie, I thank you , I honestly had not considered that " option " , ( and I am a creative gal, lol! I am a Water Sign , and I have been able to come up with creative solutions. Etc ) How much I appreciate your taking time to reply, as I have been watching your recent Videos with " design dilemmas ", by viewers . ... I am going to implement your Suggestion and I will see how that works,.... Again, I can't thank you enough! 😊 ✨️🩷

[@vasunseeker]

Thank you for another great video! My situation is that my home office also double as an art studio and the space is only 11 x 11 and it’s on the corner of the house. So all four walls are broken with the entry door, the closet, and 2 windows. And so floating the desk is not very practical for me. I’m really struggling with the layout and the wall paint color.

[@JulieKhuu]

An L-shaped setup might work for your space. In this case, the return of the work surface can be on the wall and main desk float in space

[@melissahall7009]

Timely for me, thanks!!! 🖊️🤍🤍

[@JulieKhuu]

Awesome, thanks for watching Melissa!

[@chrisb3902]

Great video Julie!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Chris! 🙏😊

[@sammy_sam_leonardo]

I think with a home office, if you don’t receive clients, a command position for the desk becomes less relevant… and other aspects of feng shui should probably be considered (yes entry door, but also windows and other doors to cupboards etc, room shape and features, and walking paths etc). What do you think?

[@Tommy_007]

Hi, Julie. Thanks for a good video. To me it is also extremely important to have chair that is very comfortable. What is the (big) brown leather office chair 7:12? 🙂

[@Tommy_007]

I would like to add that I have always found it difficult to find an office chair that is very comfortable and adjustable enough so that it can be used for work and for relaxation (irrespective of how nice it looks!). Because such a chair is used for many hours a day, the relaxation part must not be underestimated. Also, it is impossible to think creatively when one does not feel comfortable and relaxed.

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Tommy! I show you how to source anything you see in my videos in the Pinterest hacks video. Check it out to see how you can find that office chair 🪑

[@2angelsnet]

Love your videos, always. mahalo nui!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching! 🙏😊

[@1paradox]

Awesome tips!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching 🙏😊

[@Chryslers1]

I have no choice but to have my desk facing the wall, my back to my open wardrobe & the entrance is on the side but my back is not directly facing the door but kind of. If that makes sense. l want good energy.. what should l do? I thought about buying a mirror & a cable box.

[@aliciap5462]

My desk is win a small spare bedroom that is facing the window with my back facing the door. Now I'm trying to figure how to rearrnge my office/bedroom combo

[@JulieKhuu]

Move it next to the shared entry wall

[@bitrudder3792]

i’m in the process of continuing a very dark brown color into my home office. It has successfully coped with my tile color, which cannot change in my home office due to my quirky rolling file cabinets that fit under the desk. Unless I carpet the whole room which is a bad idea for a gardener so close to the front door. Anyway, I am boldly creating a “Brown study“ that will help the large amounts of black technology pieces fadeaway out of view while showcasing the outdoor view and hopefully giving a fresh look to the old-but-loved light maple topped off-white office furniture that is crying for an updated setting. Long off white cotton duck panels from Ikea can provide the privacy and temperature control and extra contrast along with Some off white wall-mounted cabinetry and the molding. It’s a little bit scary to go with such a dark color, Crossing my fingers that it will turn out as well as it looks in my imagination. The other space did so, But I only did a few walls dark. Here it will be all of the walls.Hope on, hope ever.

[@JulieKhuu]

Check out my previous design trends video for 2023/2024. I show a lot of dark wood furniture against dark walls- I love the moody vibe and it sounds exactly like the look you’re going after 😍

[@bitrudder3792]

Thank you, Julie! I will go look at that!

[@learnfilm8470]

If i put my desk behind the headboard of the bed, and move the bed to the middle of the room, do you think that is good for feng shui?

[@JulieKhuu]

No, this is bad Feng Shui because the bed needs to be placed on a solid, supported wall

[@harmony3395]

I’d really love more help on the feng shui aspects. Struggling to see how with a small office you can be facing the door but not having your back to a wall …? I find it really difficult to sit against a wall, facing it.

[@txjchacha1163]

Hi Julie, what would be a good lumens (?) lighting for an office? I'm planning to move my office from under the stairs in a spot on the dining room corner. I just find the current lighting there too bright for work, but works well for the kitchen/dining area. Planning to install separate lights for the office corner.

[@Tommy_007]

I would recommend adjustable lighting. During normal work bright light is good (for me). But when I want to relax or think on a problem, I find it better when it is a little darker.

[@vaderladyl]

For can ceiling lights, I find a minimum of 800 lumens or more each light, is the sweet spot for me and for table lamps, at least 500 lumens or more each, on the range of 2,500-3000 kelvins. That is if you want warmer lightning. Cooler lighting would be at least 3,500 to 5,000 kelvins. But warmer is better for health and long periods of work. All of these with dimmers, of course.

[@JulieKhuu]

Everything on dimmers always for maximum light control. My fav bulb color is 3000K for office work

[@marinathomas7820]

Spot on!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Marina 🙏😊

[@sunnyfawn13]

I appreciate you!!!!

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Fawn! 🙏💖😊

[@annlavine3576]

do you have links for the task lighting

[@JulieKhuu]

Unfortunately I don’t Ann, I’ll add this to my list for the next sourcing video 👍😊

[@carollasso7984]

Hello Julie!! Those dang cords drive me crazy but I try to tick them under the desk in a box. Okay solution for now.

[@JulieKhuu]

I have so many “ok” solutions for cord management. Need to come up with something fabulous!!

[@mauriliotellesmiranda]

Não sei bem inglês, mas gostei 👍

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Maurilio 🙏🏻☺️

[@margiegarcia-hall6455]

Our Home office has two desks with one in the command position.

[@some_one_2_3]

3 minutes in... And I've learned I need to have a chair 😂😂😂

[@JulieKhuu]

Haha at the least 😅

[@CindaMurphyRealEstate]

Where can I find this chair 😍 Minute 9:51 ❤️❤️❤️

[@JulieKhuu]

Take a screenshot and watch my Pinterest Hacks video. I show you how to source anything you see in my videos 👍😊

[@natvtxn1213]

My desk used to be in a floating position that I liked (I used zipties down one leg for cord control), but unfortunately the room is also a guestroom, so had to place it in front of a window. The view is of a brick enclosed dumpster. 🙄

[@JulieKhuu]

Invest in artwork without a pretty view

[@AniBanerjee1]

For folks like me, who are too short, (4/10) the only chair that works is Herman Miller's Aeron Size A.

[@JulieKhuu]

I’m short too, need a foot rest always 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@MichaelCesarz]

Like these ideas but the last segment needs expansion. I get the command position, but it's a whole other vibe with a pair of monitors on the other side of the desk. Would love to send pictures of my office and get ideas. Zero storage is first issue. Want it to look nice but just think most of your examples lack practical advice for a typical office space.

[@Beingrare]

👌🏻

[@mitzibutler6415]

🙏🏻

[@JulieKhuu]

Thank you for watching Mitzi 🙏🏻💕

[@lifetrail_hiking_mentoring]

I have always placed my desk with its back to the wall because wiring, a monitor, and a hard drive box are unattractive. Not one of your example photos had a real computer; they were designed to look pretty.

[@davidwhitehead5134]

Strange that you mentioned Feng Shui and then showed photos of bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms which broke your feng shui rules. So what is it? Use the space you have or do without because of feng shui?

[@KrishanTrotman1]

Another option is to have an electrician help figure out how hide the wires.

[@TheBigBananaaa]

👍✅😜✅👍

[@Lala-o4m]

Pls show the improvements people want to see not you all the time in your video

[@StreetLife89]

Your video put me to sleep............I watch it everytime when I want to sleep...thank you for making such a boring video.....atleast it has some use,.

[@diannhoward9903]

cord. management. Ugh! I use long, fabric like strips from Amazon with Velcro on each long side. When set up it looks like a rusched fabric casing holding all cords. Works & looks great…until you’re talking with tech support and need to remove or replace one of the cords!

[@JulieKhuu]

Perfect solution if you don’t ever fuss with your equipment 👍