2020 was the year of working from home so it’s no surprise having an at-home office quickly made it to the top of many renovation wish lists. Whether you’re looking to change up your current at-home office or just now breaking ground, we gathered some inspiration and practical tips from some of the region’s top interior designers. After all, who ever said practical couldn’t be stylish?
Excel Remodeling
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The space is used as a home office and also a sitting/reading room. The room can serve multiple functions, and is an enjoyable place to spend time. The room is bright and inviting, taking advantage of the large windows bringing in natural light. Previously, this office space was dark and cluttered, only used as a work room with the doors usually closed. With its proximity to the foyer, it’s wonderful to keep the doors open, inviting guests to come visit and enjoy the sitting room. Of course, when you need privacy you can still close the doors.
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BUILT-IN BOOKCASE
This built-in bookcase is the perfect height for keeping children’s books organized and neat.
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CABINETRY | WALL MOUNTED LIGHTING | USB OUTLETS
The built-in cabinetry creates ample storage behind doors to avoid clutter, while providing plenty of open shelving to show family photos and fun décor.
Wall mounted reading lights are at just the right height if you want some extra light on the page.
The primary computer for this space is a laptop, but the space could accommodate multiple screens if desired. We included plenty of USB outlets above the desktop for charging electronics.
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WINDOW SEATS | BUILT-IN STORAGE
The built-in window seat gives a great place to hang out and read when looking for a quiet getaway.
Although most file storage needs are digital, we did include a file cabinet for paper file storage tucked inside beautiful built-ins.
David Lyall Home & Design
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This project started with an existing freestanding outbuilding on the client’s property with which David was tasked to transform into a customized and well-appointed office. Upgrades included the addition of windows and French doors to maximize natural light. New LVP flooring (easy clean-up for a dog that occupies the office with him during the workday), custom-made built-ins, new paint, commercial quality rugs, custom furnishings, and updated lighting. In addition to a need for physical comfort and function, I’ve noticed that with Zoom and the explosion of virtual meetings, my clients are asking that the backdrop or surroundings of their new home workspaces (what is seen behind them on the screen) be designed to reflect their personal interests and express who they are. In the home office photographed, the client loves the outdoors and has a passion for visiting national parks throughout the country. He reported that the collection of framed vintage park posters that were selected for his space (and specifically those within view on screen) have sparked many conversations–an effective way to create that all-important personal element of connection during meetings.
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SOUND-DEADENING INSULATION | NEUTRAL TONES
Consider adding sound-deadening insulation to avoid outside interference. A number of manufactures are now offering specialty wallcoverings designed with felted construction to improve acoustics and limit unwanted sound interruptions.
Neutral tones are a perennial favorite for their calming effect while bold, saturated colors can be fun and energetic, but can become over-stimulating if used with abandon. Consider tempering strong color with complimentary neutrals or limiting their use to accents.
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SOFA & OTTOMAN
Consider downtime. Including a sofa or chair allows you to periodically step away and take a break. Soft, upholstered furnishing also helps to absorb sound.
The introduction of a sleek leather or upholstered ottoman provides an opportunity to put your legs up, stretch, and re-charge throughout the day.
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CUSTOM BUILT-INS
Custom built-ins with shelf space for books and personal mementos help keep things neat and organized.
Fit and Finish
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It is easy to think or accept that setting up a home office in the corner of your house is sufficient, but with so much time spent in front of the computer, why not make it visually appealing and functional all at one time. After years in the basement, this family created a new gathering area by turning the unused dining room into the new home office. And, as a result, there’s a little bit for everyone in this new space.
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EXTRA DESK | STORAGE
A smaller desk was added in the corner for the children to do their homework, and a storage ottoman doubles as the chair.
Furniture with an abundance of storage was chosen to keep things neat and tidy.
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WALL ART & COLOR | AREA RUG
A coordinating gray color was chosen as it transitions throughout the entire house.
The iconic LOVE artwork serves as the focal point as a nod to this family’s hometown of Philadelphia.
An area rug conceals the extension cord that provides power to the desk.
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LOUNGE CHAIR | FILE CABINET
A comfy lounge chair adds style and invites all family members to sit and chat.
A two-drawer file cabinet was placed behind the desk and doubles as storage and a printer stand.
Ville and Rue
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The owners were looking to renovate their bleak and lifeless spare room into a home office after COVID forced them to work remotely. While their Lancaster City home had plenty of character and architectural detail throughout, the small office was unfortunately lacking. They wanted to keep the style minimalistic and somewhat masculine (for the main user), but not boring or cold.
We knew the first step needed to be a vibrant paint color, and we provided renderings to show what different paint colors would look like. The client needed plenty of space to write and hold a desktop, so we used a mixed material desk of iron, oak, and brass, with plenty of drawers for storage. To balance the space visually, we added a tall bookcase on the opposite corner of the room, showcasing books and decor to help the space feel full without being crowded.We finished the space by adding texture and warmth with unique lighting, a faux cowhide rug, and decor to add the right amount of personalization without feeling cluttered.
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FURNITURE HEIGHT | AREA RUG
Use different heights of furniture to create multiple sight lines and visual interest.
Always add a rug to anchor the space and provide texture and warmth. In this instance, we added a faux cowhide rug for intrigue and easy maintenance.
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CHAIR RAIL | LIGHTING | DESK PLACEMENT
Add sophistication and depth by adding a chair rail and painting the lower half a different color from above.
Take your office to the next level with intriguing lighting (such as a desk lamp or sconce) to make the room more inviting and provide extra light to ease your eyes.
Face your desk where you feel most comfortable. If you enjoy your beautiful view or need additional light, face the window.
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PERSONALIZATION | WALL COLOR | COMBINING MATERIALS
Personalize your office with items like your favorite artwork, books, and nostalgic pieces to feel at home.
Don’t be afraid to go bold with paint color! The deep saturation can make the room feel more intimate and help with focus.
Combine a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and leather to create harmony throughout and to avoid a monotone feel.
