Remember when you were commuting to the office? Working all day under strip lighting, chatting with colleagues in the kitchen, or getting grumpy when someone used your special office mug? Have you ever been? Last year, many of us switched to remote work, turning our homes into offices. Whether you have a dedicated room or occupy a corner of your bedroom/living room/kitchen, you want your work space to feel calm, uncluttered, and stylish.
For Maddie Potts, an interior design influencer and author of the blog This 1870 House, her bedroom doubles as a workspace. “I put everything away at the end of the day. I put my laptop away or put it in a drawer, so it's never there overnight. But when it comes to creating a work-from-home space, The most important thing is to do what works for you.'' With that in mind, Maddy and two other interior gurus share their ideas for a stylish home office. Masu.
Please choose your favorite color
“Choose a color that makes you truly happy. Some people may find yellow uplifting, while others may find it unpleasant. You may prefer the calming quality of gray, while others may not. My workspace at home is a mix of forest green and white. I wanted something bold with artwork and white IKEA furniture. This combination could be used for all seasons. “It's uplifting in the summer, but cozy on a dark winter afternoon,'' says interiors blogger Carole King.
Choose your desk and chair wisely
“A good chair makes a big difference. Remember, you need to be able to sit comfortably all day long. It doesn't necessarily have to be a high-backed, plush, ergonomic office chair. I use upholstered armchairs,” Maddie says. When it comes to desks, Scarlett Blakey, creative director at Ophelia Blake Interior Design, advises: “We want to make sure it's practical and high quality so it lasts. Make sure the size suits your space and that you can move around and get in and out of the chair comfortably. Warm wood There are a variety of styles, including an industrial style with brass and metal elements, and a more crisp-looking desk finished in neutral colors with brass and marble elements.
Accessories are the key
“Almost all of my work is paperless, and even my notebooks get dusty because of the note-taking apps, so I keep my desk pretty clean,” Maddie says. “I have a coffee mug that I only use when I'm at work. I don't know why it's useful, but I feel like it pays homage to the office coffee mug. The candle diffuser also looks nice.” Carol adds: “There's nothing better than sheepskin to warm up a hard office chair. And a rug underfoot. I think an anglepoise lamp is also a must. I turn it on even when it's not dark. I like the light above my desk. I love the pool.”
Invest in Zoom-friendly leaves
“I love having as much greenery around me as possible. Houseplants make a great Zoom background, and they're also great for watering, pruning, or playing around with. It's a great excuse to stretch your legs and get up. My 'office' has Monstera deliciosa (Swiss cheese tree), fiddle leaf fig tree, devil's ivy, asparagus fern, and a string of hearts.” says Maddie. “I'm especially fond of dried flowers right now because I worry about the sustainability of buying fresh flowers in the winter. I recently discovered that you can easily dust them off by using the lowest, lowest setting on your hair dryer. Did.”
Organize your storage
“I'm a very organized person, so I like cabinets for storage. That way I can hide everything out of sight. I have a few shelves for books and files that I use every day, and other shelves for decoration. And I create files as I go along,” says Carol. “I've had a little trolley on wheels for years now, and it's a bit of a multitasker. I have a printer on the bottom shelf that I can move out of the way when I'm not using it. And when I need it Use the top as an additional workbench depending on your needs. I would recommend anyone to buy one,” says Carol.
give some love to the walls
“Floating shelves are very popular in home office environments at the moment. They can add personality to plain walls. Try displaying them with 3D objects, artwork or plants to add some style,” says Scarlett . “Or opt for an artwork wall.” Use a mix of prints, paintings, and 3D items, and try quirky frames to add extra interest. Or, if it suits your space better, invest in some big statement artwork. ”
make small adjustments
“If you're on a budget, invest in some quality paint and functional handles to upcycle your existing furniture. It's simple, but great for giving your home office a fresh look. It’s effective,” says Scarlett. “On the other hand, you can also introduce fabric voiles on windows to soften the natural light that enters the room. Use fabrics that let in light into the room, but not enough to floor the space. Choose voile with delicate patterns and textures to add accent to your room.
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