Mark Scott/Ideal Home/IPC+ Syndication
If you're under the impression that you need a spare room or a huge master bedroom to set up a workspace in your home, you're wrong (although both sound quite nice). Brilliant work-friendly spaces can emerge from a spare corner, a few inches of a wall, or other areas you never thought to explore. Sounds too good to be true? Take a peek.
Room With a View
There’s no reason a little sunlight should cramp your decorating style. Set a desk and chair in front of a window and fill an empty corner with a tall bookcase. Keep the furniture in sync with the existing pieces (here, it's white lacquer) so it blends seamlessly with the entire look.
Advertisement
Double-Duty Decorating
Despite what you may think, working at a traditional desk will not make you more productive. Not only does a charming armoire act as a hefty storage cabinet for stashing china, stemware, and silverware, but it also works overtime as a desk.
Studying the Blues
A few key pieces (desk, chair, floating shelves) can transform a quiet sleeping space into an efficient work area. If space permits, try and keep the zones distinct from one another by setting the work area away from the bed. The trick is making sure all of the decorative elements (color palette, furniture finishes) play well together.
Advertisement
Primary Palette
Go bold. Think bright. If you want to carve out a space for your child to get homework done, keep the color scheme cool, invigorating, and fun. Add shelving and functional storage accessories that work with his or her style.
Advertisement
Corner Confidential
Got a corner? Work it. Even a formal living room can accommodate a work zone. Sneak in a table, chair, and a few office accessories (task lamp, storage bins) so you have a spot to retreat to for working on an assignment, writing a letter, or reading the paper.
Advertisement
Flower Power
There's no sense in overlooking a space—and, yes, that includes a hallway. If you're graced with an area that is long and not-so-narrow, then capitalize on this free territory by propping a desk and slim seat (like a stool) against a punchy printed floral wallpaper.
Advertisement
Style Revival
Desperately seeking eligible nook for a few office pieces? Any inch of a living room, dining room, or den can make an adequate space for a desk and seat. If your room is neutral (wheat colored walls, exposed wood floors), then introduce a splash of color with these pieces. Here, a shot of robin's egg blue adds an upbeat touch.
Advertisement
Color Story
Color is a useful tool for differentiating a space. If you're working side by side, stay consistent (one style of furniture) but invite in different colors to give the space some personality.
Advertisement
Formal Affair
If you're searching for a way to keep your work area from cramping your decorating style, focus on blending in. For example, a shiny black lacquer desk would feel out of place against a floral wallpaper. This weathered desk and chair suits the vintage style with true intention.
Advertisement
The Great Wall
When you’re short on space, a bare wall can be a valuable asset. Consider building up (rather than always extending wide). Simple, easy-to-install floating shelves are a practical way of breaking up a wall painted a bright hue.
Advertisement
Split Personalities
Kitchen on one side; office on the other. A simple architectural detail can divide a space without making it feel out of place. Keeping the color palette consistent and neutral will allow you to bring in all sorts of utilitarian pieces like file cabinets, storage containers, and shelves for organizing items.
Advertisement
Blue Crush
Dare to add color? Just do it. If your space is on the darker side (navy walls, metal cabinet, wooden accent pieces), then rely on your chair and table lamp for the sharp bursts of color.
Advertisement
Secret Project
A nook is really all you need to make a spot work for you. In fact, a spare surface can easily transform into the most productive place in a home or apartment. Installing extra shelving reinvents this living room into a working and/or studying space. Hanging a decorative curtain can give you a little extra privacy for those late nights when you need to step away.
Advertisement
Divide and Conquer
The space that was once called your office is now filled with toddler toys, a crib, and possibly even princess décor. Think that means you must wave good-bye to your workspace? Think again. Be creative about your set-up and no one will ever notice that your (pink!) desk is part of your daughter’s room. Count on this workspace growing with your child and eventually turning into her area for reading, writing, and tackling alegbra homework.
Advertisement
Bedtime Routine
Long gone are the days when the bedroom was solely used for sleeping. Welcome a desk and comfy chair to join the bedroom ensemble. Smart decorative choices (rich textures, soothing color palette) will have your work zone feeling like a natural extension of your sleeping space.
Advertisement
Office Space
If you're not into sharing a desk (who is?), then carve out personal zones by transforming a spare corner. Stick to one finish for the major pieces (desks and chairs) and then let accessories show your decorative spirit.
Advertisement
