Outfit a home office

PROBLEM: I want a work space that is cheerful and inspiring but doesn’t look like an office.

SOLUTION: Start by selecting simple, unobtrusive furniture, then pep up the room with colorful accessories. The white finish of the desk recedes into the white walls, as does the floating shelf, while fabric-covered bulletin boards and storage boxes are eye-catching accents. Instead of an office chair, pull up a dining chair with an upholstered seat.

• Decorating on the cheap: Country Living Linen Wood Accent Chair (23 63/100" W X 24 3/4" D X 38 3/4" H), $100; Kmart.com

• Learn how to create a clean workstation!