Here is an interesting example showing how you can design a bright working space at your home even if all windows in a room are facing north. Orange is the main color here. Walls are painted in soft orange while accents are very bright. Simple white furniture is arranged to use daylight as much as possible. A mobile shelving unit is very spacious and can accomodate many boxes with working materials.
On walls you can see a lot of things that inspire. Besides there is a board for important notes. By the way, this home office isn’t a dedicated room. It’s a part of a large room and a carpet in the center separates the sitting area from the working one.