Redesigning My Office Space

So, while relaxing at the beach this summer, I started thinking about my "back to school" plan.  I find if I don't do this during the calm of the second half of summer, the back to school transition completely rocks my world.  Then, I'll wake up sometime mid October and think, "What happened to September?"  So, I like to get a mental plan!  If I can visualize some order to our weeks, then it will be so.  One task on my "Fall Bucket List" is more organization of my work space.

Many of you will be surprised to hear this, but I don't have a dedicated office space for my business.  That is about to change!!  The busier I get, the more I find I'm craving this kind of space.  So, I'm thinking about where my office needs to be in our home including a proper desk.   And I thought a little inspiration was in order!

Just look at this stunning dedicated office by Traci Roads Interiors.  

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I'm totally drawn to this one too - I think it's the Bengal fabric and that cowhide rug that's speaking to me.

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Location, Location, Location

When working from home, office space needs to be in a place you enjoy being - since you are not punching a clock, it needs to draw you in - call to you!  If the space feels depressing, you will NEVER spend any time there.  You will end up at the kitchen island (which has been my spot of choice for far too long!).  I think for office space to really work, it needs to be in a convenient, pleasant place in your home.

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If you need peace and quiet in your office or you are a messy worker (smile!), consider a guest bedroom or your own bedroom for your office.

On the other hand, if you are a multi-tasker and like to have lots going on while you work, then a main living space office may be the perfect spot for you.  Do you see that stunning office space behind the sofa?

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Here's a closer look - it's actually two separate stations!

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Also, consider those transition spots in your home that may have some "dead space."  These are the perfect place to tuck a small office which will be very conveniently located.

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Function is Foremost
Once you've decided on the perfect spot in your home,  you need to evaluate your office needs.  What type of computer do you have (is there a large hard drive attached or is it simply a laptop), do you have a printer, what type of filing/storage do you anticipate needing, does your desk double as a charging station/catch all for keys and mail?  All these items need to be considered when selecting the perfect desk.

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Also if you are a messy multi-tasker (smile here!) with an office area in your main living space - you may want to think about a desk that can work with your tendencies while still looking stylish in your space.  With an armoire style desk, you can simply close the doors on all that productivity at the end of the day.

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I love this more modern version of an armoire by Habitat Desk which can totally make a space.

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Just look how amazing this desk could be in a space.

Traditional Home Office by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Brian Dittmar Design, Inc.

Materials To Consider

I adore the look of wooden desks because wood always adds warmth to a space.  Also, you need to think about the style of the desk and making sure it compliments the other pieces in your home.  I am totally in love with the idea of adding a hint of modern style to an otherwise traditional space, like this writing desk.

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To get this kind of look when paired with the more traditional desk chair and accessories.

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Like all organization, it only works if you use it.  I often tell clients that every day items need a home that is easily accessible.  You are more likely to put it away if it has a home, and the home is convenient.  My plan is to get my own office space established before school starts.  And of course, I'll share pictures of it with you when I'm done! M.



Disclaimer: I have received compensation in return for publishing this article.

Rock My Boat - Office {part 2}

OK, I really think this office is in a league of it's very own.  Thus, I thought I would devote this post to it.  I was first introduced to House of Honey by Hallie at the fabulous blog spot The Glam Lamb.

This is truly one of my favorite office spaces, EVER.  I love all the modern elements of the room and the clever use of furnishings for an office.

Look at the fabric wall!  It softens the space and adds a pop of color while providing a nice storage area.  Love this idea. 

Notice the credenza that is not a traditional office type piece.  Add to this that screen in the corner for fabric samples - genius. 

She has repeated the fabric from her partition as a roman shade on the small window.  This, in conjunction with the gray/blue color for the trim and moldings - again genius.   The texture of those slipper chairs, the lumbar pillows.  People, I could go on and on!

What say you? M.

Rock My Boat - Offices

Here are a few office pictures I've been collecting for a while now.   I think they are all interesting in different ways.

I love how the books and accessories in this office really show up against all the white furniture.  Then the contrast you get with the one black chair and pops of pink.

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Another example with white furniture but what draws me to this one is the wonderful wall color - sort of a smokey/blue gray.  I also like the very vintage traditional desk and simple chair paired with the more modern open bookshelves with the chrome brackets - nice combo.

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This one feels glamorous to me.  I think it's the curvy table legs (yes those are two tables rather than a desk which is clever), the pops of pink and that beautiful landscape painting hung oh so low on the wall.

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OK, I realize this one is really more of a work space rather than a single office, but I love it.  I think a space like this can actually make you more creative!  Is it just me?  I think a great office/work space encourages you to get your work done!  Draws you into the space somehow and makes you want to get busy.    

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Wow, there are some many things to talk about in this example.  First, the wall color is almost a blushy pink and notice the curved ceiling and the fantastic lantern.  But it doesn't stop there, see the two additional pendant lanterns that are hanging near the wrapping station (notice they are not centered on that wall).   I say wrapping station b/c of that large roll of what appears to be paper.   The painted floors are fantastic (if you want to read more about painted floors, you need to jump over to my friend Shart Hart's blog Design Indulgence where she bravely painted all her hardwood floors white for an amazing freshen up).   Sorry, I disgress.  Lastly, notice the large circle of pink with floral accents on the wall above the wrapping station.  So interesting.

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This office space is much more masculine.  I adore the beam work, the painted brick columns, and the wall of windows/french door.  It's all working for me.  Although I love the look of all the photographs, I'm not sure I could work in this space everyday.  It might be sensory overload for me.

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Here is a close up of a well appointed desk top.  All the things you need for work do not have to be mundane or utilitarian - like rubber bands, paper clips etc.   You can make them look pretty.  For me, when I'm organized, I'm more productive.

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The wall art, the lamps, the colors in this space.  My mouth is watering.

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Usually, too much wood in a space makes me crazy.  I think you can totally over do it with casement pieces.  But in this case, the white walls and painted ceiling give your eye some relief from all the wood and contrast it nicely.  I also like the groupings of artwork and open white shelving.

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This photograph is the first one I saved on offices.  It is ringing all the bells and blowing all the whistles for me!
Soak it in.

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I love the idea of a lounge spot in the office.  Also, the fact that the walls and the desk area are painted a single yummy color, makes the space look larger.

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This office space feels like a little get-a-way to me.  Almost as though working is a bit of an escape.

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Another pink office!  I see a theme here and I really didn't think I was a fan of pink.  I guess I am secretly yearning for my very own office space.

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This office is a nice balance between feminine/masculine, traditional/contemporary, light/dark colors.  I also love those low alcoves in the shelving unit.  Wonderful.

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Just a little visual escape today!  Enjoy the rest of you day.  M.

PS: I have been saving these photographs for awhile so I'm not certain I have all my sources correctly linked.  If you see one that does not have proper credit, please email me!  They are all fantastic, and I want to ensure the proper person gets credit for these spaces! Thanks. M.