Freelance interiors journalist who is passionate about all things inside
There’s no rule that says your home office has to be a fun-free, functional space kitted out with a standard desk and run-of-the-mill swivel chair, and that’s your lot. In fact, how thoroughly rewarding would it be to head to work and step into a color-packed, glamorous room bursting with personality and pizzazz? There would still be a place for your computer, printer and files, natch, but the room itself could be just as much a part of the decorating jigsaw as the rest of your interior. Who knows? Your daily 9-to-5 might suddenly look very inviting…
1. Squeeze it in. I love how this modest home office has been tucked into this beautiful Moroccan-style living room. The white woodwork creates the perfect backdrop for the silver fretwork lanterns and bright Moorish patterns, and allows the desk and computer to fit in without any fuss, while the orange chair chimes perfectly with the textiles.
See more of this house
2. Create something futuristic. If you don’t have room inside for a home office, why not exploit outside space with a bespoke pod? I love the curvaceous sweep of wood in contrast to the very bare planting, and the glazed panels and skylights mean this space is flooded with uplifting daylight.
How to layer patterns right
3. Max out on color. Color lovers, breathe a sigh of relief, because your office doesn’t have to be a lineup of neutrals. This mix of sunflower-yellow and Barbie-pink paintwork with a splash of patterned wallpaper is bright and cheerful to say the least, and will certainly keep you on your toes during the midafternoon slump.
4. Pep up with prints. A modest desk and stool are all that’s needed for this gloriously flamboyant decor. Red is a really energizing color and, if you lose your creative thread, the prints and patterns will keep you mesmerized for hours.
How to layer patterns right
5. Make it light and airy. This spacious converted loft will help calm even the busiest of schedules within seconds. The pared-back furniture; pale, largely unadorned walls; and, of course, mind-freeing views of the sky can’t help but make going to work a pleasure.
No window? See how to add a skylight or light tube
6. Take your work outdoors. Semiscreened by the trees and foliage, what might look at first glance like a humble shed is actually an office space fully equipped with power and an Internet connection.
See more of this office in a London garden
7. Go custom. Forget a standard desk and filing cabinet and go for something unique, like this undulating wooden sculpture. The bespoke birch plywood ribs create cocooning curves with an almost sci-fi edge and conceal everything except the monitors.
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furniture maker
8. Try a relaxed look. More like a beautiful living room than a place for toilng, this eclectic and inviting office is what a home workspace should be all about: one-off pieces of furniture and treasured knickknacks creating the most inspirational of spaces.
9. Go all-out on glamour. Give your important paperwork a glamorous edge by attending to it perched on plush velvet seating at a slick, lacquered desk. Attention to detail is key here, so complete the look with decorative wallpaper, heavy silk curtains and statement lighting.
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