Welcome, kindred aesthetic spirit! If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re someone who appreciates the finer things in life: pastel hues, typewriters, velvet chairs, and a room that looks like it’s been lifted straight out of a Wes Anderson film. Maybe it’s the symmetry, the saturated colours, or the nostalgic oddities that call to your soul. Whatever it is, let’s channel that cinematic magic and bring it into your home office.
So whether you’re redesigning your workspace or starting from scratch, pour yourself a coffee in your favourite vintage mug, pop on some Alexandre Desplat, and let’s explore how to create a Wes Anderson-style home office that’s as productive as it is delightfully peculiar.
1. Colour Palette: Muted Pastels Meet Rich Vintage Tones
When it comes to Wes Anderson’s visual world, colour is everything. Think dusty rose, mustard yellow, mint green, faded teal, ochre, burnt orange, and burgundy. These colours don’t scream; they whisper with eccentric charm.
Tips for Getting the Look:
- Walls: Go for warm, enveloping hues like pistachio green, dusky coral, or faded mustard. A matte finish gives a vintage vibe.
- Accents: Mix in deeper tones like forest green, navy, or rust for contrast—think trims, rugs, or cabinetry.
- Consistency: Choose 3-4 core colours and repeat them across furniture, accessories, and stationery to create that Anderson-esque harmony.
Hot Tip: Avoid glossy finishes. Matte and chalky textures add that sense of lived-in character.
SEE ALSO This year's trending colour schemes for your home office →
2. The Desk: Vintage, Solid, and Filled with Stories
Wes Anderson characters don’t just have desks—they have desks that could tell you what they were doing in 1973.
Desk Ideas:
- A sturdy wooden desk with tapered legs (mid-century modern is your friend).
- Roll-top desks for that storybook professor feel.
- Painted vintage desks with chipped edges and brass knobs.
If you’re more of a DIY-er, try sanding down an old desk and repainting it in a signature Anderson hue. Add mismatched brass handles and voilà!
Don’t Forget: The desk should sit perfectly symmetrical in your office space. That’s rule number one in the world of Mr Anderson.
3. Quirky Accessories: It’s All in the Details
A Wes Anderson workspace is layered, eclectic, and full of unexpected objects that just work. Your office accessories should spark a little joy every time you glance their way.
Must-Have Objects:
- Vintage typewriter: Even if it’s just for show.
- Magnifying glass or brass telescope: For no practical reason except aesthetic delight.
- Globes, maps, and postage stamps: Extra points for old-world charm.
- Taxidermy or faux animal busts: Keep it ethical but embrace the odd.
- Monogrammed stationery: Ideally in heavy card stock with a wax seal set nearby.
Stacked books, polaroids, pocket watches, and random trinkets all contribute to the I just happened to collect this over a lifetime of curious adventures look.
4. Organisational Tools: Whimsical, But Functional
No modern home office is complete without some functional organisation. But in the world of Wes Anderson, it needs to be charming.
Look for:
- Filing cabinets in pastel or muted jewel tones
- Wooden trays or retro in/out boxes
- Typewritten labels on everything
- Metal desk organisers with a nostalgic touch
Use vintage tins or cigar boxes to store paperclips, washi tape, or rubber stamps. Repurpose old library card drawers or spice racks for office supplies.
5. Art and Wall Décor: Gallery Walls with Personality
Blank walls? Not in this universe. A Wes Anderson-inspired home office demands layers of carefully chosen art, framed prints, and odd treasures.
What to Include:
- Framed vintage botanical or anatomical illustrations
- Maps—especially fictional ones or metro maps from the 70s
- Portraits of stern-looking strangers in gilt frames
- Symmetrical arrangements of smaller artworks or found objects
Clocks, barometers, and shadow boxes add to the collected, curated aesthetic. Remember, the arrangement should be neat, intentional, and perfectly balanced.
Pro Tip: Go thrift shopping for unique pieces with character. If it’s a little weird or a little broken, even better.
6. Lighting: The Golden Glow of Nostalgia
Harsh overhead lighting is a no-go. What you want is soft, golden light that gently pools in corners and casts beautiful shadows on your dusty rose walls.
Lighting Essentials:
- Vintage desk lamps with pleated or mushroom-style shades
- Brass or copper floor lamps
- Wall sconces with an antique feel
- Fairy lights or warm filament bulbs for evening charm
Keep the tones warm—no cool white LEDs, thank you very much. The goal is to feel like you’re sitting in a scene lit by candlelight and nostalgia.
7. The Chair: Classic, Comfortable, and a Bit Eccentric
Your office chair should strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. It’s got to support you through long days but also look fabulous doing it.
Wes-Inspired Picks:
- Velvet or boucle armchairs with vintage legs
- A worn leather club chair with character
- Painted wooden chairs with embroidered cushions
Avoid anything too modern or plasticky. If it looks like it belongs in a 1960s library, you’re on the right track.
Add a fringed seat cushion or drape a tartan blanket over the back for that extra layer of comfort and charm.
8. Rugs and Textiles: Layers of Pattern and Texture
A Wes Anderson home office doesn’t believe in bare floors. It believes in tapestries, in Persian rugs, and in mismatched patterns that somehow all come together.
Rug Ideas:
- Persian or Turkish-style rugs in rich reds and blues
- Needlepoint or woven kilims
- Soft, faded vintage rugs with a story to tell
Layer rugs for a relaxed, bohemian feel. Pair with patterned curtains (florals, stripes, or toile) and a fabric-covered pinboard for added softness.
9. Stationery and Supplies: Practical Meets Poetic
Yes, it’s a working office—but that doesn’t mean you should settle for ugly supplies. Make every item on your desk a joy to look at and use.
What to Look For:
- Brass scissors, wooden rulers, and fountain pens
- Hardbound journals, preferably cloth-covered
- Enamel mugs with quotes from obscure authors
- Envelopes in faded greens and yellows
Keep your calendars (ahem—you knew this was coming!) not just functional but design-forward. A vintage-style wall calendar or printed planner with playful typography fits right in.
10. The Finishing Touches: What Makes It You
Wes Anderson’s magic lies in creating worlds that feel both hyper-stylised and deeply personal. Your home office should do the same. Add personal touches that reflect your story, your quirks, and your journey.
Final Flourishes:
- A framed childhood photo or school award
- A pet bed for your dog, cat, or iguana—preferably in a plaid fabric
- A shelf of your favourite books, organised by colour or size
- A handmade mobile or clock
- Fresh flowers or dried arrangements in old apothecary jars
Add in a scent—amber, sandalwood, or something nostalgic—and your sensory world is complete.
Bonus: Playlist Ideas for Your Wes-Inspired Work Vibes
Because no Wes Anderson space is complete without a curated soundtrack.
Here’s a sample playlist to play softly in the background:
- Le Temps de l’Amour – Françoise Hardy
- This Time Tomorrow – The Kinks
- The Way I Feel Inside – The Zombies
- Aline – Christophe
- Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard – Paul Simon
- Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)? – Peter Sarstedt
- Obliviscaris – Alexandre Desplat (from The Grand Budapest Hotel score)
Music brings the entire world to life, so let your soundtrack shift with your mood.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfectly Imperfect Wonderland
There’s something so delightful about turning your workspace into an extension of your imagination. A Wes Anderson-style home office is more than just aesthetic; it’s an atmosphere, a mood, a tiny curated universe where productivity and play co-exist.
Remember: you don’t need to overhaul your entire office overnight. Start with one thing—a vintage lamp, a typewriter, or a splash of mustard paint—and build from there. Symmetry, charm, and a bit of whimsy will guide the way.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to reorganise my pen collection and polish my globe.
P.S. If you’re after printable planners or calendars that would fit right in with your Wes Anderson dream desk, have a peek at our Etsy shop—designed with love and a dash of cinematic charm.