Study
Put the writing on the wall If you’re not facing a window, why face a blank wall when you can turn it into a canvas to jot ideas on? Making use of an empty wall as a blackboard is both inspired and inspiring, especially if your work generates an abundance of thoughts that you need to visualise. Not to mention the way it makes an office look extra scholarly. And if you don’t want to go dark, you can also get clever whiteboard paint that does the same job but, well, in white.
Acrylic chair Like an invisibility cloak for your furniture, anything made of clear acrylic is an excellent choice for small spaces. An acrylic armchair is an especially useful piece to have, since it can tuck in just about anywhere, from the living room to the desk. 10. Poufs Whether you choose Moroccan-style leather, rustic burlap or seagrass, poufs are a must for any small home. Use them as footstools, extra seats or side tables (just top with a tray).
A touch of white and a touch of black Our eyes expect to see a full spectrum of colours, and how we perceive a space can change based on the range of colours represented. This is why I try to always include at least a hint of white and a touch of black in each space. White is often easy, but be mindful of adding black accents. Black picture frames and other elements on white backgrounds will make sure both ends of the spectrum are represented and balanced.
Find a hobby that’s not work We can help to balance our life by taking up a hobby that has nothing to do with work. It could be anything we really enjoy – drawing, pottery, a book club – and that provides a break from work. If we make an appointed time each week for our interest, then we’re likely to keep with it.
Anchor the scheme with a dark patterned floor If your all-white space looks too light and airy, a simple fix is to ground the scheme by installing a patterned floor (or laying down a printed rug) in a high-contrast shade like black or grey. If you wish to create a space that’s more subtle in style, select flooring that’s peppered with pops of white, like the striking black, white and neutral-toned tiles pictured here.
Create a quiet corner If you aren’t able to give your whole home a Zen makeover, have one area of the house where you can get away from it all. Keep this space clear of clutter and electronic distractions and, where possible, invite nature in through light and greenery (even if it’s only a few indoor plants). The recliner is optional, but I think you’ll agree it makes the space extra inviting.
Need more workspace? Use an old dining table as a desk If you have an old dining table you no longer use, consider swapping it with your desk for more room to spread out. Also, be honest about how you use (and how you wished you used) your home. If you hardly ever use your formal dining room but seriously need more space to dedicate to your home business, why not give in and make your dining room the office? On the rare occasion you want to host a dinner party, you can always clear away your work materials.
Old school. Nothing adds more warmth and charm to a room than a relic from the past, and when it’s in natural timber form, the effect is multiplied. Look for industrial-style or antique filing options in second-hand stores, or get the look with a reproduction. This one packs in a lot of filing space, but manages to charm the pants off this otherwise simple home office.
Charging station Perhaps the most vital area to install powerpoints is in the home office. Lamps, computers, printers, iPads and phones all need juice to keep your business running smoothly, so over-order on the sockets for this room. TIP: Most sockets are hidden down low so no-one can see them. However, in the study, this is not necessarily the most useful place for them. If you install them just above desk height, it is much easier to plug and unplug portable devices, like laptops and tablets.
In the home office The use of built-ins really comes into its own in the home office. This one makes great use of storage with all those drawers, but there is also a homely touch with the recessed window seating – perfect for a quick afternoon snooze when it all gets a bit much. Contemporary Dining Room by Ute Günther INNENARCHITEKTUR & DESIGN Ute Günther INNENARCHITEKTUR & DESIGN SaveEmail We’re also seeing a lot more built-in desks and I just love this one. It pulls out from under the kitchen benchtop. It might have been planned as a work area or a desk, but either way it works brilliantly, along with the built-in seating, for a multi-functional space.
Task lighting Task lighting, also known as ‘directional’ lighting, focuses on illuminating a particular area for a specific task that needs to be carried out. You would use task lighting in your study, above the kitchen counter top, in the bathroom, in your wardrobe and anywhere that a task needs to be carried out. This study uses ambient lighting in the recessed halogen and a spot light lamp provides task lighting as it focuses on a particular area.
The writing’s on the wall. Make bold statements in black and white with accents of red. Notice how the timber flooring and desk add a warm touch and save this office from being overtly modern.
Functional finesse. Home offices need to be practical, yes, but that doesn’t mean they need to come from a cubicle farm. This Mid-century home office combines task lighting with a stylish touch.
Bespoke features. Get inventive with your shelving and think outside the box. Take two ladders and timber boards and, boom, bespoke shabby chic shelving. Add feature wallpaper to spice things up a bit as well.
Soft touches. Office chairs and desks don’t need to look like they belong in an accountancy firm – this upholstered modern floral dining room chair is attractive and comfortable. Fresh-cut flowers, a side table and floor rug provide soft accents and a welcoming atmosphere.
The lamps. Adding a few table lamps can really warm up an office area, particularly when burning the midnight oil at your desk. These lamps paired with the soft-furnished chairs and wall art make for an inviting room. Adjust the lightglobe strength according to your light needs.
Make space for a break Even when you’re working at home, you need some downtime away from the desk. Adding comfy seating to the office will give you space to take a break, without removing yourself completely from the working environment. A seat with a window view is ideal, so you can return to work refreshed but not distracted.
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