I've been obsessed with office design ever since my first cubicle job made me realize how much our surroundings affect our mood and productivity. That's why I fell in love with HORNE's Office Accessories collection – it's not just about organizing your stuff, it's about creating a space that actually feels good to work in.
Trust me, I've gone down the rabbit hole of office design, and what stands out about HORNE is how they've brought together pieces from brands that really get it – Ferm Living with their clean Scandinavian vibe, Audo Copenhagen's minimalist magic, and those Korbo baskets that somehow make even paper clip storage look intentional.
You know what's cool? Those Korbo baskets weren't always fancy office accessories. They were originally made for Swedish fishermen and farmers who needed something sturdy that wouldn't fall apart after a season of hard use. Now they're organizing expense reports instead of fish, but that same durability remains. I love pieces with a backstory like that.
Ferm Living partners with up-and-coming designers who bring fresh perspectives to everyday objects. Their stuff manages to be practical without being boring – no small feat when we're talking about pencil holders and desk organizers!
Look, we've all had that ugly-but-functional stapler that we hide whenever someone important comes by. The whole point of HORNE's collection is that you don't have to choose between "works well" and "looks good."
Take the Match Pewter pieces – they're handcrafted in Italy using techniques that go back centuries, but they don't feel stuffy or old-fashioned. They just add this subtle elegance to your desk that makes you feel like you've got your life together (even if your inbox says otherwise).
And that Form + Refine Lightweight Bench? It's basically furniture that multitasks as hard as you do – extra seating when colleagues drop by, a spot to display your design books when they don't.
I'm pretty skeptical about "sustainable" products these days – seems like everyone slaps that label on everything. But these brands actually walk the talk. The Korbo baskets are literally designed to last for generations, not seasons. They're handwoven and can be repaired rather than replaced.
Many of the brands HORNE features use responsibly sourced materials and production methods that don't trash the planet. It's nice knowing your beautiful workspace isn't coming at the environment's expense.
Maybe you've seen these pieces in those impossibly perfect office setups on design blogs or in architectural magazines. I certainly had. What surprised me was how they actually work in real life, not just in perfectly staged photos. These accessories have found their way into everything from startup offices to home studios to corporate headquarters across the globe.
If you're wondering where to start, here are a few pieces I can't stop recommending to friends:
Want to know my hard-earned tips for keeping your desk functional AND good-looking? Here goes:
Start with a clean-lined desk – nothing too fussy. It'll give you a blank canvas to work with. And please, for the sake of your back, get a decent Herman Miller desk chair! It doesn't have to be ugly to be ergonomic anymore.
I've found that sticking to a limited color palette makes even budget setups look intentional. Maybe choose whites and woods with just one accent color that makes you happy.
Here's my secret: less is definitely more. I used to have all these "cute" accessories cluttering my workspace until I realized they were just stress-inducing visual noise. Now I stick to a few quality pieces that earn their keep.
Don't forget lighting! Nothing kills productivity like bad light. And for heaven's sake, tame those cables – nothing screams "mess" like a tangle of cords.
Speaking of chairs – if you're looking at Herman Miller (worth every penny, by the way), here's how to figure out which one's right for you:
First, be honest about how you actually sit. Are you a fidgeter? An all-day sitter? Do you contort yourself into weird positions when you're deep in thought? (No judgment, we all have our quirks!)
If possible, actually sit in the chairs before buying. I drove two hours to a showroom and it was 100% worth it. The Aeron, Embody, and Sayl all feel completely different.
Your body type matters too – some models come in different sizes. And if you've got specific back issues, maybe chat with your doctor about what features would help most.
I learned this one the hard way during the pandemic – working from the couch is only cute for about a week. Here's what I've learned about creating a workspace at home:
Even if you're tight on space, try to find a dedicated spot with decent natural light. I converted a closet once when I was desperate, and it actually worked great!
Figure out your absolute essentials and be ruthless about the rest. My list was: a surface big enough for my laptop and notepad, a supportive chair, good lighting, and a way to keep papers organized.
Go vertical when floor space is limited! Wall shelves saved my sanity. And don't overlook great Storage + Organization solutions – they're game-changers in small spaces.
Look for furniture that pulls double-duty – desks with storage, ottomans that hide supplies, etc. Ladders + Step Stools can be surprisingly versatile in a home office – I use mine as both a bookshelf and a way to reach high cabinets.
Light colors and mirrors can make even a tiny office nook feel less claustrophobic. Consider Wallpaper to define your workspace with personality. And plants – never underestimate how much a little greenery improves a workspace.
Don't forget sound management. A good pair of headphones might be your most important investment if you're sharing space with family or roommates. For additional comfort, Throw Blankets and Pillows can make a long workday more comfortable, while Fans and Heaters or Humidifiers and Diffusers help create the perfect work environment year-round.
Once you've got your essentials sorted, consider how Art + Objects can inspire your daily work. A well-placed piece of art can spark creativity when you're feeling stuck.
For a touch of warmth, Fireplace Accessories can transform a home office with a fireplace into a cozy retreat during colder months. If you have outdoor space, don't forget about Outdoor Accessories for those days when you need a change of scenery.
A beautiful Rug can anchor your workspace and absorb sound, while Organizational Decor pieces serve double-duty as both functional and aesthetically pleasing. And for those needed breaks, keep Games + Recreation items nearby to refresh your mind.
Check out the In Stock Accessories for items you can get right away to start transforming your workspace immediately. Ready to create a space where you'll actually want to work? Because isn't that the whole point?