Whether you are running and empire from home or managing a home empire, the office/study is indeed needed to keep up with the demands of career and household. You may have a small desk tucked in a nook or a designated room. Either way, Dering Hall recently featured home offices styled by top interior designers which got us thinking……instead of an after thought and a “catch all” spot, the home office needs some attention and love. Here is the motivation:
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How to create a HOME OFFICE that works:
1. Make it Clutter Free: Have you ever noticed how bankers have nothing on their desks. I asked why. The response was, “Clutter and money don’t hang out together”. I doubt that’s bank approved wisdom never the less, “Mr. Banker” had a point. It’s difficult to be productive surrounded by clutter. Solution: purchase a desk that fits the space and your organizational needs. You want items at arms length for efficiency. That can mean hidden in drawers of filed in a cabinet tucked away in matching desk accessories. Give yourself a clean space—you deserve it.
2. Leave space for shelves: large or small depending on the need. Shelves hold books, inspirational trinkets, resources and files. Well organized materials give the space legitimacy and work-ability.
3. Light it up: If you are going to toil, you will need light. Position the desk to take advantage of natural light when possible and then purchase a lovely lamp for when you “burn the midnight oil”.
4. A Comfortable Seat: The trick here is to balance beauty and comfort. You need to be able to sit comfortable to manage the bills, return the emails, write that manuscript, or peruse the P & L. Be sure to look at the back of the chair…..it might be the part that is seen most.
5. Finishing Touch: every room needs a little representation of YOU. An inspiring piece of art, a paint color you love, awards that celebrate your achievements, favorite vacation photo…etc
The simple components are a desk, some shelves, a lamp, a chair and you. There are countless variations on this formula depending on your requirements and the space available. Let the office be a refuge where thoughts can flourish. Take a look at what we found in the local stores:
Vintage Vanity finished in a soft white. Beautifully tapered and fluted legs add elegance and charm. Four drawers hide your valuables for an elegant decluttered look.
Leonard Steel Desk: Hand crafted sheet steel base with wire mesh cubbies. Finished in a gunmetal distressed, it is perfect for a modern rustic look.
French Writing Desk: Vintage Matin Blanc with subtle blue cartouche artwork finish on a down lid writing desk with locking hardware.
Gustavian Arm Chair in Antique Grey by Modern History
Alfred Copper Throne Chair: Hand-hammered metal and sculptural shape make this chair a stunner. The chair’s textural surface creates dramatic shadows and its sheer curves alone create a singular statement.
Vintage Armchair in a creamy white finish with floral carvings along its swopping cabriole frame. Upholstered in a crisp and clean subtle grey linen for the perfect touch of softness
Horizontal Abstract Bookcase: Finished in Cream with Gold Accents
Abstract Vertical Bookcase finished in Burl
Gerald Bookcase: The organic shape of this bookshelf finds inspiration in the work of renowned Catalán architect Gaudi. Topped with Beveled glass shovels and curves that mimic the crystallization of sand dune.
The Ackerman Table Lamp breaks the mold with its striking hand-forged form. Metal cubes seem to be stacked on top of one another, forming a daring column that tapers up to an Oatmeal Linen Shade. An Antique Brass finish adds shine to this audacious accent.
The Moonglow Table Lamp is one of exaggerated elegance and architectural inspiration. The opulent base is formed by several graduating sizes of cut Optic Crystal set atop a Nickel plated base. It features a luxurious Cream shade.
Mesmerizing in its depth and allure, the incomparable Blue Mercury finish of the Merseyside Table Lamp’s oversized gourd-shaped body leaves an enduring impression. Topping off the graceful curves is a Bone Linen shade and a simple nickel finial.
Bird lamp with rectangular linen shade. $99
Snow marble lamp with oval shade $569
Florence Lamp on left – $489 Crystal Block – $189 Crystal Sphere – $239
Parson Desk with mirrored front $425, Navy Velvet Parson Arm Chair $495/pair, Burnt Orange Gourd Lamp $78, Featured Artist Rod Wimer- “Orange Crush” $165 & “Island Figure” $195
Faux Stingray Parson Desk $580, Shag Stools $815/each, Navy Embossed Lamps $725/each
Hooker Desk $645, Pair of Asian Lamps $650, Chivari Lucite Chair $160.
Antique pine desk with marble top $2650
Ava writing desk $2225
Ebba gray linen chair with nailhead trim $875
Tilley chair $610
Whitewashed wooden lamp with iron base $595. Shade included.
19th century painted bookcase $8500
Simon Pearce glass lamp $375, linen shade $55
HIGH COTTON HOME
Arteriors, Falls Table
Vanguard Furniture, Burl Wood Desk
The Furniture Connector
Caracole: Artisan Desk
Universal: Traveler’s Chest
Hooker Furniture: South Park Writing Desk
The Boulevard at South End
Vintage desk $225
Typewriter side table $105
Lamp and picture frame $179 and $28
Charlotte map $75
Today is a good day $58
Wake up and be awesome $72
Pallet world map $125
Aqua storage shelf $120
