The most common mistake people make is opting for the place that’s most out of the way – but no amount of style can make up for a miserable spot for a desk.
Go with what suits your lifestyle. It’s the best way to get work done. Adding a desk to your living room, instantly gives the room a focal point, and surprisingly it’s the best way to get work done in surroundings that are light and bright, practical and attractive. It’s an old trick the British ruling classes have been using for centuries – and you can, too.
TOP TIPS
- There is no point in leaving a city office to re-create the same atmosphere at home. Soften things up.
- Paint your desk to match to suit the scheme of your room. filing cabinet, bookcases, etc. Think black, stone, grey, white, blue-grey, white.
- Team it with a slipper chair – the pretty, armless seat that are generally very comfortable, and look great. Also, great when you’re entertaining as they are versatile.
- Use baskets to store papers: hang hessian noticeboards on the wall and make everything comfortable.
- Opt for a flexible furniture plan; try designing your home office around your desk instead of just facing a wall or door.
- Use decorative table lamps: they are functional pieces but are also good to look at between emails.
- Good planning can make excellent use of even the smallest corner, cupboard or nook for a desk, and gives any space a lived-in look.
- Manage those sockets and cables, and go wireless
Image of designer Thomas Hamel’s former Sydney residence, www.thomashamel.com.au
WHERE TO GO
- Compact and chic designer looks: Living By Design, www.livingbydesign
- Contemporary, cool hits: Sophisticated Kneedler Faucher, such as the one pictured in Thomas Hamel’s former Sydney residence (lead image) www.kneedlerfauchere.com
- Timber trestle tables: Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com.au
- Sleek ergonomic gear: De De Ce, www.dedece.com
- Bijou yet practical: Domo, www.domofurniture.com
- Practical styles for less: Ikea www.ikea.com
- High-design hits: Space, Hub Furniture
