FUNctional Home Offices

More and more of us are working from home offices, at least part of the week. And while this may seem a strange time of year to write a post about home offices (isn't everyone focused on the holidays?), year-end is a great time to spend a little time and energy getting ready for the new one. And having an office that works for you - and that you also love - is a great goal.

Country Living

As any good designer knows, you have to start with function. Otherwise the pretty part doesn't matter. And in a home office that means a work space large enough to accommodate your work, a comfortable chair, effective storage systems, and good lighting. But as long as all of these function as you need them to, bring on the pretty!

Make it your "style". Prefer a shabby chic look, surrounded by things that inspire you? Do it! Prefer a more industrial look? Make it yours!  Prefer something more traditional? Who says you can't have it!

William Sonoma

Just a few added suggestions. If you aren't fortunate enough to have a beautiful window view, make sure what you see every time
you look up is something that makes you smile, inspires you, or motivates. Beautiful artwork, photos of loves ones, your favorite cartoon - you choose.

Piant it a color that works for you and your work. If you are high energy and need to slow down a bit when you're in your office, a soothing blue/gray might be the color for you. Need more energy when you're in your office so you don't go for that afternoon nap? What about a hot pink? Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. This is your space, your working environment, and it should reflect you. And make going to work every day a whole lot more fun.

Use Those Rooms!

I've been reading some interesting articles about the changing wants of the home-buying public. It seems it's not just baby boomers who are moving  into less space, but 20- and 30-somethings are also interested in using more of their space. While this doesn't necessarily mean the end of the McMansion, it just might mean reconfiguring current rooms so they are actually used.

Dwell Magazine

Dining rooms are often at the top of the list. Unless people entertain weekly, this is very often a little used room. They of course can make a great office space - and sometimes without making them less effective than a dining room.Bookshelves can add interest to a dining area. And it may not be necessary to have a separate desk. With the mobility of office equipment, using the dining table as a desk may work just fine, provided there is storage for everything when it's  not in use.

HGTV

And what about guest rooms? Like dining rooms, they are often used sporadically. Of course they can make good offices as well, but what about other creative uses for a little-used space? They can make good dens, television rooms, or playrooms. To keep them functional as a guest room, use a sofa sleeper for sitting. Have furniture that easily moves (like this coffee table on wheels) and have a piece that has a duel purpose as a table and dresser.A mirror may also be a good idea.

The bottom line.......creative use of space is here to stay.And I for one I'm delighted! What creative ways to you have for your little-used rooms?

What Makes a Desk?

Since reading Jennifer Hofmann's blog post from a few days ago about using tables as desks I've become mildly obsessed. I've also heard from a number of you that you also use a table in place of a desk. It makes sense for those of us who need a little more space. But I've really decided I love them just for their looks.

Courtesy HGTV

As an example, this one wouldn't work for me because of the size. But what a perfect desk for home use! If you do need a bit more space, a larger table like this would work just fine. With wonderful wireless technology, you can place it in the middle of the room so it really makes a statement.

Courtesy HGTV

I also love the idea of using a dining table as a desk. Keep it in the dining room so it has can still host holiday dinners. But use it the rest of the time as your desk. Or if you're lucky enough to have a great office space, a dining table still works very well. This is a great look - complete with dining chairs!

And finally, I'm a huge fan of sawhorse desks. I love the lines of the legs and the overabundance of space on top. I love that they are a contemporary look but can be used in a more traditional setting, like this one from William Sonoma. I love that the tops can be wood, or formica, or glass, or whatever flat surface that you choose. I love that you can even make one yourself if your so inclined.

Bottom line: think creatively yet practically  when it comes to your desk space. Tables of all shapes and sizes work very well in place of traditional desks. Just make sure you have the storage space you need elsewhere, then have fun!

Like these desk ideas? Check out my latest Pinterest board Unusual Desks for more great ideas.