Robert Downey Jr.'s home office is the ultimate cozy living space – it would make me want to work from home every day

Designers are using ever more inventive ways to conjure up beautiful-looking workspaces. Bland is rarely a source of inspiration for anyone. So believes interior designer Tom Fox, owner of Fox-Nahem Design, who recently redesigned Robert Downey Jr.'s sustainable Malibu home. 

Part living room, part home office, this imaginative space can be described as futurism meets modern comfort. The aim was to craft a space that inspired innovation, individuality, and better design, and the end result is a celebration of craft and creativity.

Over the past few years, those of us lucky enough to have a dedicated room in which to shut ourselves away have gratefully recognized the peaceful retreat they provide. However, as working from home is now the norm for many of us, we are thinking about the aesthetics of these spaces. But how to add beauty to what is, after all, a functional space? It can be done. 

When contemplating a home office setup, function – such as home office storage – must be central to your design, but does not have to be visually dominant. Choosing a focus, such as a statement chair, an antique home office desk, or even a work of art, will distract from the room’s purpose and make it feel as considered as a living area. 

‘Your design approach to a home office is not unlike any other room in the house,’ says interior designer Athena Calderone. ‘It should speak your visual language. Remember it is a delicate dance between aesthetics and utility, designed to motivate you each day but also be grounded in practicality.'

Soothing colors, such as greens and blues, will offer tranquillity and that all-important link to the outside. However, while these gentle, calming shades suit bedrooms and bathrooms, it pays to be bold in a home office. 

Color plays a significant role in our mood and productivity, so choosing the right home office paint color scheme is essential. ‘There are no golden rules about what color to decorate a home office. If you mostly work at a computer and have a lamp on your desk, then don’t be afraid of darker colors. Rich reds and greens, even dark blues, are very traditional and can look smart, but I would avoid any strong patterns or really bright colors as they will be distracting,’ explains designer Susan Deliss. 

If you rely on daylight for your work or naturally gravitate towards lighter hues, then let your surroundings inspire your home office scheme. With plenty of natural light flowing through the fluid-shaped window, which also brought green tints from the garden into the room, a predominantly black and white scheme, punctuated with vibrant hints of orange provides the perfect burst of energy for this study. It is both aesthetically pleasing and boosts creativity. 

Whether you need to create a multifunctional work space or make your study stir up inspiration, your home office should be peaceful and a pleasure in which to spend time.