5 Libraries, Studies & Offices to Inspire Your Workspace

Rich & Refined

Within this Medina new build by Tays & Co. Design Studios, Wooddale Builders, and JALIN Design, a home office exudes subtle sophistication with its masculine palette and rich textures. A mix of woods, including white oak and dark-stained walnut, adds depth and dimension, while gray-stained cabinet hardware lends a fresh feel. The sleek steel desk and brown leather chair beautifully balance aesthetics and comfort. But according to Laura Tays of Tays & Co., it’s the moody brown walls and ceiling that “make the whole space feel like a hug.”

Where Past Meets Present

Designed by Jim Kuiken Design, this home office in Wayzata blends coziness and charm with sophistication. Soaring 18-foot ceilings are grounded by black paint and a large brass chandelier—creating intimacy within the lofty space. Dark-stained Alderwood millwork, wainscoting, and built-ins further anchor the room, while cloth wallpaper with metal rivets adds a modern twist. But perhaps the most unique feature of the space is a hidden vault, which provides secure storage for the homeowners’ most prized possessions.

A Literary Escape

For this Mendota project, M&M Home Contractors Inc. and Charles R. Stinson Architecture brought a lifelong dream to life for their clients in the form of a two-story home library. At the heart of the space is a custom metal spiral staircase—an architectural showpiece that adds an elevated level of artistry. A cozy gas fireplace with a stone surround serves as the focal point of the main level’s seating area, outfitted with leather chairs and a rustic wood coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a world map, and other intentional details ensure the library remains a book lover’s sanctuary.

Stylish Stillwater Study

In this custom Stillwater home by O’Hara Interiors and Kootenia Homes, one parent’s full-time remote schedule called for a workspace that could do it all. The resulting first-floor office is equal parts productive and personalized, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves showcasing family photos, professional awards, and more. Large windows on either side of the room flood the space with natural light, while dark linen wallpaper and bronze fixtures add warmth and coziness. Complete with a small couch for the kids to hang out nearby, this room is the definition of work-life balance.

Opulent Office Oasis

Crystal Kitchen + Bath transformed this dated 1980s Maple Grove home office into a refined, functional retreat for modern-day productivity. Rich, walnut cabinetry, paired with gold hardware and crown molding, sets the tone of understated luxury, while thoughtful adjustments—like relocating vents and re-staining entry doors—ensure seamless continuity throughout. Layered lighting, including recessed, undercabinet, and wall sconces, enhances both ambience and utility. Now, this once-dated space is an office oasis—perfect for working, reading, and relaxing.