I and A Mag Sep19

Your Home Office
MAKE IT WORK
HARDER FOR YOU
Make working from home less of a chore with our top tips for designing a room that’s
both functional and attractive.
Remove as much as possible from the surface of your desk, and
make the most of the height of your room, by introducing wallmounted
storage. Pin boards, peg board, magnetic boards and
hanging racks are all useful and good-looking. You might even
consider wiring one or two adjustable lamps into the wall above
your desk – another way to save a bit of work space.
BE COLOUR CONFIDENT
Neutral offices are the norm, but at home you’re not at risk of
offending anyone else, so why not paint the room in a bold
colour that makes you happy? Alternatively, there’s nothing to
stop you covering a feature wall, or even the whole room, with
patterned wallpaper.
ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY?
A comfortable chair is an essential for any working area, and if
you are likely to spend hours in it then an adjustable office chair
on castors is the best choice. If yours is boring or ugly, it might
be possible to re-cover and/or paint it; at worst, you could hang
a length of fabric over the back and add an attractive cushion.
SEE THE LIGHT
Image: Batik desk by Cattelan Italia, £1,902, Chaplins: 020 8421 1779;
chaplins.co.uk.
SORT OUT YOUR STORAGE
The old adage that you can never have too much storage is
especially true in an office, where efficient organisation is key.
While a combination of shelving, files and boxes works well for
most people, why not seek out unique pieces to introduce a
sense of character? Although chain stores and specialist shops
sell office furniture at a range of prices, consider hunting around
junk shops, second-hand furniture stores and salvage yards for
interesting alternatives, such as old school lockers, distressed
wall cupboards, huge wicker baskets or old factory trolleys.
Bear in mind that some stored items will need to be within easy
reach, while those that are used less frequently can be stored
on high shelves or in deep cupboards, and not necessarily in the
same room. If your office is an awkward shape, a converted loft
or under the stairs, for example, consider built-in storage in
order to maximise the space.
THE BEST DESK
Size does matter when it comes to choosing a desk.
Even in a small room, desk area will probably be
more useful than floor space, so choose the biggest
one possible – you will never regret having plenty of
room on which to spread out. A desk with drawers
or cubby holes is doubly practical, though lovers of
a minimal look may wish to consider a glass desk: perfect
if you can keep it clear and tidy most of the time. If you are
running out of room, you could consider adding a small worktop
to one side of your existing desk, as an L-shaped workspace is
particularly ergonomic.
ON THE WALLS
Good lighting is vital to avoid eye strain when working at home.
Lots of natural light is ideal, but glare from direct sunshine is not
– experiment with the position of your desk and, if necessary,
use a blind for shading. For working on dim days and in the
evenings, fit overhead lighting that doesn’t cast any shadows
over your working area – track lighting, inset ceiling spots
and wall lamps are all options. Desk lamps should, ideally, be
adjustable.
DETAILS MATTER
Do you have enough plug sockets in the right places? If
necessary, ask an electrician to add to what’s there in order to
minimise messy and inconvenient cabling. About three inches
above the work surface is good, plus some hidden lower down
and out of sight. Sort the rest of the cables out with ties and
clips (running them up table legs is a good idea, where possible)
and, while you’re at it, consider labelling plugs so you know
exactly which is which.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET PERSONAL
There’s no need to be bland. It’s your office, so
make it personal. Add a pretty rug, a cushion,
interesting desk accessories, a selection of
plants, some colourful prints on the wall or
a selection of framed photographs. Scent
is important, as well – make the whole
room fragrant with a vase of flowers,
scented candle or reed diffuser, and
this will be a room where you’ll enjoy
spending time.
by Kathrine Sorrell
Image: Olly adjustable table
lamp, £67.20, Där Lighting:
01295 672 200; darlighting.co.uk
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