The home office has seen quite the resurgence these last few years. With more and more companies switching to work from home or hybrid schedules it is only natural that we want to create a space for ourselves to buckle down and get things done while at home. However, office spaces aren’t just for full time employees. We all need a place to pay the bills, go through paperwork, and keep our computers charging. So how do you set up a productive area without losing the charm of the home aesthetic you have worked so hard to achieve? It is all in the details my friends!
For those who work from home on a regular basis and need a dedicated room, I like to start with the bigger items and work my way down to the finishing touches. After tackling the space layout, that means bringing in the best piece in any office – the desk! Ask yourself what you need from your desk, as it should be both practical and beautiful. It may turn out that what you really need is a small table or delicate writing desk (my personal favorite, especially if it happens to have a hidden cubby or two). However, when it comes to the focal point of an office, a majestic desk is hard to beat. Take the time to find one that fits with the scale and function of your space.
Now that you have your desk, the next step is a place to sit down and get to work. Picking out a chair for your office is a big decision! There are so many options beyond a basic computer chair that offer comfort along with style. I like to add a pop of texture with my chair choices, so I tend to gravitate towards finely patterned upholstered styles or even rich classic leather seating. I love the elegance of a wingback chair to balance out a significantly sized desk, but standard sized chairs can create just as much of an impact in the right fabric! When adding guest seating, sometimes keeping your desk chair simple is the best option so it doesn’t overwhelm your room (or your guests!).
Storage and shelving is a must-have in any home office. I collect books and baubles like you wouldn’t believe (and often have a hard time getting rid of old paperwork – yikes!), so having adequate shelving is also at the top of my must-have list. Large case goods that sit up against the wall are a space saver and a wonderful addition to any room, but especially an office. Mixing in your books and accessories is a great way to keep frequently used items on hand, without sacrificing your style. Not having a place to hide my papers is also a great motivation to 9attempt) keeping my office space clean and tidy!
No room for a full office in your home? Try out a “cloffice”! I have seen these closet-turned-office hybrids popping up all over the place. Better Homes and Gardens recently did a wonderful how-to on converting your small storage space into a functional work area. What I love is that despite the lack of square footage, there is still plenty of room to show style and personality!
Desks, shelves and tables are all on sale right now at the shop until March 15th. so now is the perfect time to save 20% and get the office (or cloffice) of your dreams! Until next time – happy decorating!