In the era of hybrid and work-from-home, one of the most important rooms has become the home office. No one knows this better than interior designer Bobby Berk. In her first book, Right at Home, the Queer Eye star writes about designing happy, functional spaces that make you feel good. She's full of great photos, tips, and ideas that don't just sit on your coffee table. A great guide for anyone looking to decorate in today's stressful world.
One of the rooms in which we experience the most stress is our home office. But that doesn't mean these spaces can't strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Here's what you need to know about how Berk designs home offices.
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Separate as much as possible
We live in a world where many people work from home, but lines tend to blur, and that can wreak havoc on mental health, says Burke. . “If you're working in another room, you can physically close the door or simply close your laptop (ideally hidden in a drawer out of sight). Prepare to spend the night. Once you have that, you can add room dividers or install curtains to completely separate your work area.”
remove distractions
If you want to be more productive (something Berk knows all too well), it's important to eliminate distractions. “By decluttering your workspace, placing all the items you need at arm's length, and keeping distracting items out of sight, it's much easier to stay focused and get on with your work. If there are no obstacles, you can have a home office that actually helps you work.”
Comfort is key
With the prevalence of multiple monitors, simultaneous use of multiple devices, and other accessories, it's important that your workspace isn't cramped. “First and foremost, you need a work surface with enough space to spread out and room for desktop items like pens, paper, and folders.” So don't be afraid to buy that bigger desk.
Chairs are also one of the most important elements of a space. “Thinking about ergonomics is also very important,” says the designer. “You need a comfortable desk chair that provides good back support, armrests, and adjusts your line of sight to your computer screen.”
Burke's personal choice is the Steelcase Karman chair. There are several in his office.
storage is essential
The room should be set up in a way that makes it easy to organize. Berk's office has a lot of built-in storage. “One wall is made up of shelves and cabinets, so I can store all kinds of files, books, cords, and anything else I’ve accumulated in perfect organization.”
If you can't create a built-in one, consider getting a bookshelf or file cabinet to make sure everything has a place.
don't forget the color
Just because it's an office doesn't mean it has to be drab. The right colors can help increase productivity. “When it comes to color, adding warm tones can add vitality, energy, and a sense of coziness.”
In addition to adding plants, Burke also recommends bringing in artwork or objects that are inspirational or have special meaning. Anything that helps me stay focused. “Avoid things that are visually overwhelming or that make you feel cold or sterile. You may love a chair or a painting, but if they make you feel sick or have trouble concentrating, try to avoid them. It’s not appropriate.”