BRIGHT COLOURS, HARD-WORKING BUILT-INS AND HIGH-ON-STYLE FURNITURE MAKE FOR PRODUCTIVE (AND PRETTY) WORK-FROM-HOME SPACES
On the couch
The must-have piece for a home office these days is a sofa – aplace to ‘sit soft’ while on calls or in contemplative mode. Remember also that creative juices flow when bright colours are used. ‘Our client requested a colour that reminded them of a warm orchid, and we found just the one,’ says Mary Patton, founder, Mary Patton Design. By taking it up over the ceiling, and contrasting with jewel tones, this office means business.
GET THE LOOK
Joinery, walls and ceiling in Brinjal by Farrow & Ball. Window treatment by Pierre Frey
FEATURE ADITI SHARMA MAHESHWARI
Umbrella effect
‘When designing this home office, we knew we wanted it to be a colourful, creative space without feeling too themed or trendy,’ says Annie DeSantis of W Design Collective. We wanted to incorporate a pattern in this space without it feeling too busy – as we searched, we fell in love with this leafy, mural-esque wallpaper, which perfectly complemented the walls.’
GET THE LOOK
Walls and joinery inlivingetc.com Light Blue by Farrow 121 & Ball. Raphael Blue wallpaper by Sandberg
Bare essentials
Size isn’t everything, and sometimes simple can truly be better. That was the theory behind this desk nook, designed by architect Grant Straghan of DEDRAFT for his own home. Realising that all he needed for an uncluttered mind was a stool and light, this unobtrusive set up is ideal for open-plan life.
GET THE LOOK
Office designed by DEDRAFT. Stool, Ikea
Room of requirement
No matter the size of your home, there’s always wiggle room. For starters, look under the stairs. This area can offer enough space for a snug office. To make the most of every inch, consider a customised desk made to fit perfectly within the dimensions. Bring in a design-led chair and you are ready for work.
GET THE LOOK
Office designed by Space Factory. PS 2012 chair by Marcus Arvonen from Ikea
Natural light is key to any home office – including being shaded from it
Window seat
Designer Katharine Howard was able to turn this narrow corridor in a ground floor extension into a perfect and purposeful desk space. Natural light pours in from the window-wall and skylight, but the deep blue walls and leafy planting beyond help to tame the glare.
GET THE LOOK
Design by Katharine Howard. Tulip armless chair by Eero livingetc.com Saarinen from123 Heal’
