Simple designs for your small office
Simple designs for your office
A workspace is something of a luxury if you live in a small space – once you’ve packed in the essential furniture, there’s rarely much space left over for a desk and chair. But few spaces are so small that they can’t be defeated by ingenuity and clever design. One trick is to think outside the box of conventional desks – a shelf-like arrangement can be constructed to fit into tricky spaces like landings, the under-stair area, or even closets. Glass desks and see-through furniture are an excellent way to fool the eye into thinking there’s no clutter in a workspace, while even a generous antique side table might be big enough to allow for a study space. Customized bookshelves are also a relatively easy project to provide greater storage.
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 to help get the creative juices flowing. Keep the furniture in sync with the existing pieces (here, its black and blush) so it blends seamlessly with the entire look.
- 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 (colour palette, furniture finishes) play well together.
- Primary Palette
Go bold. Think bright. If you want to carve out a space for your child to get homework done, keep the colour scheme cool, invigorating, and fun. Add shelving and functional storage accessories that work with his or her style.
- 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.
- 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 or bookcases are a practical way to maximize your office area.
- 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 colour 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.
- Blue Crush
Dare to add colour? 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 colour.
- 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.
- 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 algebra homework.
- Side by Side
One wall can be easily divided into two productive spaces. A smart design choice would be one long desktop (it should be large enough for two people to comfortably work side by side) and sleek roll up chairs.
Office Solutions
A lack of space needn’t limit you! Use these tips & tricks to make the most of a compact workspace.
- Contemporary Look Utilise horizontal stripes to create the illusion of an elongated space. The image to the left features a bright yellow and white design, which makes the room appear much larger than it really is. Try to keep the décor in the same colour palette as the walls to add a sense of cohesion. The faux deer bust and globe chandelier, both white, add character without piling on visual weight. The black desk adds sophistication and helps to balance the room. With such a statement look, the room’s small size is hardly noticeable.
- Design Integration
Who says your workspace needs to look like a traditional office? The furniture in this space, such as the steam lined tables can be used in a living room, hallway or even a living room, while the textured rug helps to anchor the workspace. Statement lighting and a sleek chair adds personality and seamlessly integrates design into a practical space.
Celebrate your small office space and take note of their advantages—brainstorming and collaboration are far easier when everyone is within earshot.
Tip! Replace desks with long conference tables for a simple design solution that saves on space.
- Embrace the Spaceyou may only have a small amount of room, but it’s your space so make the most of it! Make a statement with a dramatic desk, extra-large chair or quirky accents for a workspace with a difference. The area may be little, but the impact needn’t be. This office uses a metallic table to distract from the size of the room, creating a visual punch nonetheless.Tip! Use masking tape to map out your space with furniture measurements before you purchase to make sure everything will fit and work well in the space.
- Storage
You don’t need metal filing cabinets to keep your office space clutter-free. Use more interesting pieces like decorative storage trunks or rattan baskets to keep files close to hand without comprising on style. Opt for storage in a similar colour palette to keep the look cohesive.
- Movable Pieces For small businesses and start-ups, having an office space that is double duty in function is key. You want furniture that is versatile and light enough to evolve into whatever you need from it. This monochrome console table adds instant sophistication to the space without looking too overbearing—it can be used as a desk, surrounded with chairs for collaboration or pushed to the side to make space for a presentation. Ottomans are great for introducing casual seating that adds a high-style feel without crowing the room.
