Once upon a time, the home office was an optional amenity in most residences. Despite being extremely convenient, the need for a personal office was eclipsed by co-working spaces and company headquarters. Then came 2020. Five years out, the home office has seen an arc from optional amenity to crucial to a little bit of both. And while remote work is increasingly a thing of the recent past, for many, the home office retains its prioritized status in the home. The problem with the home office, however, remains the same: How to delineate it from the rest of the house. What says, "I'm at work" about a random corner in a room? Though privacy screens, glass block walls, and even curtains are part of the equation, a little paint can go a long way. Choosing the right hue for your office is a big decision. Youll want to find a shade that can not only spark inspiration during creativity lulls but also one that can soften the atmosphere. It's also important to be able to stare at it all day long. We tapped more than a dozen designers to share their go-to shades for any home office. From serene blues to moody blacks and everything in between, these office paint colors are so striking that youll be tempted to work overtime.1Inkwell by Sherwin-WilliamsCatherine NguyenDark colors in smaller spaces can pack a punch and make a huge impact just through tone and depth of paint. In this case, we created a focal point by using Inkwell, a really dark but neutral paint color. The art and other details make for a contrast that is more noticeable than if they were hung on lighter walls. Zandy Gammons, Miretta InteriorsBuy Now2White Sail by Sherwin-WilliamsEric PiaseckiChoose paint colors that maximize and reflect any natural light you have in your home office space. Natural light energizes your body and mind! Try paint in beautiful whites and soft neutrals that seem to glow throughout the day as the light changes. If you want a bolder pop of color, layer in hints of calm blues and greens that reflect nature and bring the outside indoors! Phillip ThomasBuy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Rosemary by Sherwin-WilliamsRaquel LangworthyI love to use a rich green paint color like Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams to envelop the walls in an office. Green is both literally and aesthetically easy on the eyes and feels natural and harmonious in a workspace. Christina KimBuy Now4Fairview Taupe by Benjamin MooreSarah GraysonBenjamin Moores Fairview Taupe is a rich, deep brown that pairs well with neutrals and blues and provides a cozy vibe without being too boring or expected. Erin GatesBuy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Graphite by Benjamin MooreThomas KuohOur favorite workspaces incorporate bold color and pattern choices. We spend so much time working, why not be inspired by our surroundings? Benjamin Moores Graphite is both strong and contemplative so a natural fit for productivity. Emilie Munroe, Studio MunroeBuy Now6Fort Pierce Green by Benjamin MooreLauren TaylorA blue-green color is always a favorite in an office as it can help with anxiety while working. Thats why I like Benjamin Moores Fort Pierce Green for office walls or even a desk to paint [as shown here] for sprucing up. Linda Hayslett, LH. DesignsBuy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7De Nimes by Farrow & Ball Jacqueline MarqueI love the sort of diluted richness of this color; its more soothing than it is bold. Hattie SparksBuy Now8Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball Nick MeleThis color manages to feel warm, soothing, and grounding all at one time, which creates the optimal atmosphere for working at home. Despite being a green hue, it feels almost neutral to me while still adding interest and depth. Gillian SegalBuy Now9Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore Paul DyerMy home was built in 1915 and had a classic pent room, which I converted to my home office and sanctuary, as I call it. I chose a deep, saturated blue from Benjamin Moore when designing this space. I recently read that the blue spectrum of light activates and awakens our brains, making this a perfect color for an office space. Kendall WilkinsonBuy Now10Dead Salmon by Farrow & BallJohn MerklWe are loving Dead Salmon by Farrow & Ball for home offices. The rich shade provides a warm and cozy vibe for the space you spend many hours in each day. It also provides a beautiful shade as a background for most skin tonesand with all the Zoom meetings, that is important! Kristen Pea, K InteriorsBuy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Repose Gray by Sherwin-WilliamsTraci ConnellSherwin-Williamss Repose Gray is a wonderful, neutral option to offset the pure white molding in an office. It allows the upholstery and furnishings to shine when clients yearn to use pops of color. Traci ConnellBuy Now12Onyx by Benjamin MooreTraci ConnellFor my personal home office, I opted for Benjamin Moores Onyx to bring in the drama. With enough natural light, this dark, moody color made the office feel modern and inspiring. Traci ConnellBuy NowAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Butter Up by Sherwin-WilliamsGrey JoynerWhen I designed my own home office, I wanted a color that would be happy and create warmth to inspire me as a designer, as well as delight my clients when I do Zoom meetings with them. Sherwin-Williamss Butter Up is a great yellow that is bright and cheerful, yet not overwhelming. I find it acts like a neutral, so I can add elements of other colors in the space with window treatments, upholstery on furniture, pillows, and decor elements as it goes with everything. Grey JoynerBuy Now14Delft by Sherwin-WilliamsIndigomaven InteriorFor the ultimate Zoom-ready workspace, we love swathing the entire room in a single saturated hue. In various sheens, Sherwin-Williamss Delft can create a serene and sophisticated office sanctuary. Monica Guarnaschelli, Indigomaven InteriorsBuy NowKelsey MulveyKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.