ISLES-Study
Woven Rattan Club Chair Somehow white upholstery always says "beachy," despite it's unnatural place next to sandy feet and wet bathing suits. But white slipcovers are good compromise for the high-use pieces and look extra crisp next to blonde rattan.
Styling tip: Take painting your bookcases as an opportunity to pare down your collection of books and objects — aim to keep at least one-third of each shelf empty. When you paint the back of a bookshelf, it is especially important to leave some free space so you can see the color behind the objects. Mix things up by alternating stacks of books with objects, or try leaning a few taller items behind the books to add depth.
When designating a separate room for office work, consider optimizing the room to serve several functions. For this cheery room in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Meadowlark Design+Build created a high-functioning space with work, crafting, sewing and quilting in mind. Custom cabinetry provides storage for all sorts of supplies. There’s extensive countertop space for projects. And a rolling island can serve as a standing workspace that can move to face different views or be closer to other stations.
Because many homeowners are prioritizing health and wellness at home, it makes sense that more home gyms are appearing in the main part of the home. This is a good option for empty nesters who find themselves with an extra bedroom their child no longer uses. This gym by Seaside Custom Builders in Naples, Florida, has sliding glass doors that allow those passing by in the hallway to enjoy the lush view out the gym’s large windows. And for those worried about resale values, note that the overall design of the space is versatile. It would be easy to transform it into a home office or lounge.
“The home office really reflects the way lots of people work today. Often they are mobile and don’t need the typical desk setup anymore,” Ronderos says. This room is more about working on phones, tablets and laptops, and the TV can become the computer screen. Sleek built-ins have plenty of room for printers and other office equipment. The armchairs are all-weather pieces that can be dragged out onto the balcony for a larger meeting by the water. For the light fixtures, the team wanted something that would look dramatic when seen from outside on the water but weren’t too heavy. These are composed of a champagne-colored metal with delicate LED discs that glow. Lights: Moooi; painting: Z Gallerie; armchairs: Tosca, Janus et Cie; sofa: Minotti; coffee table: LexMod; rug: Calvin Klein Home
This dedicated office, in a San Francisco Bay Area house designed by Ruth Livingston Studio, gets down to business. Clean lines, soothing colors and uncluttered surfaces make for a Zen-like space that minimizes distractions. An old L-shaped wooden desk with a new lacquer finish matches the upper cabinetry, which balances closed storage and open display space. Below, a quartz counter covers floating file cabinets faced with a reconstituted walnut veneer. Flexible track lighting and an ergonomic Aeron chair complete the picture.
When planning your home office keep these things in mind: 1. Always be sure to leave a clear space in which to maneuver your desk chair. How you use your space will dictate its circulation path. 2. File cabinets need enough room that you can open their drawers fully. 3. So much equipment is now wireless that you might be able to place the printer across the room or even in a closet that has an electrical outlet. 4. Think ahead to the type of storage you will need so that you have plenty of room for files, books and collections.
I like the layout of the furniture in this room. It remains an open room
Q