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With the option of working from home continuing and the majority of us resigned to working in the corner of a spare room or at the kitchen table it's time to make out office space' happy' and reflect the mood we wish to set will getting down to business.
I decided to reclaim what we used as our store room...or as they are called here in the UAE maids room - as it is designed for live in help with an ensuite. I wanted to create a room that aided my writing and design work, so it had to look great, inspire me as well as serve a function.
Pinterest
With most of us the home office was deemed as a temporary situation at the start of the pandemic but as it continues and the offer of working from home is still there to most employees: why don't we take more care in where we spend the majority of our day? Is it because we are so conditioned to sitting in cubicles or grey boxes, shared offices, bland corporate rooms that we forgot that a home office is something that we should be curating and designing to make us happy in the workplace? We don't need a potted plant and a picture of the kids with a couple of holiday trinkets to decorate the space like we do when in the corporate world. What about a redesign, a zoned area that makes you think, you enjoy going to and the most important factor: inspires productivity!
HKliving pillar table
The Desk:
I have had my desk made - the ultimate goal would have been the HKliving pillar table, alas I don't have that sort of cash! I found a great tutorial from Lust Living and adapted it slightly to be smaller and slot together better rather than the need for brackets. A great option is a table top and separate legs: IKEA always have a great selection or like I did, have legs made or buy them from Pretty Pegs. If you want something that blends in with your existing space, or has the option to be repurposed should you return to the workplace the West Elm mid-century mini range is a fantastic choice.
Muuto Fiber armchair
The Chair:
Comfort is key! You want something that you can sit in for 8 plus hours a day without your bum going numb or pins and needles shooting down your legs! Office chairs are not he prettiest: and you often have to spend big bucks to get that designer look and feel. My chair is from Daals in the UK and I had it sprayed black to fit the room. My next purchase will be a stunner from The Attic, Dubai - all solid wood and rattan goodness. If money was no object then I would opt for the Muuto fibre armchair. One thing I have done is add a sheepskin to the chair so its comfortable while I work, while still looking good!
H&M Home
Storage:
I have seen some great storage solutions from H&M: black wire and ideal for papers, pens ant all those annoying bits that clutter up the desk space or shelves. I invested in some Ferm Living paper pulp mini boxes, they look amazing in my cabinet and serve their purpose of keeping things neat and tidy! If you are looking for some low cost but style efficient options then IKEA has a great range of plywood magazine storage boxes and trays.
Ferm Living
Task Lamp:
Some people are 'chair people' I am very much a 'lamp person'. I actually have a wish list that I tick off as I buy them! A task lamp is an essential for your desk or work space. Not only does it allow you to work under a lamp but it looks lovely! I invested in the Ferm Living beauty that is the 'Meridian'. It is USB chargeable so you can move it about your home without the need for a plug point. Ideal if you have taken over a shelf or small nook to conduct business. If you need something a little more affordable then Homecentre have some great modern pieces while Pottery Barn hits that mid market price point.
Lisa Wirenfelt @ The Poster Club
Artwork:
Art has been proven to reduce stress, improve mental health and promote wellbeing in recent studies. Why would you not hang a couple of pictures that release those happy hormones and help you get through the day. The Poster club have an amazing range of prints from abstract to figurative and everything in between. They are affordable, ship internationally and fit in most IKEA frames OR purchase from The Bowery Company who stock a small selection online in the UAE. If you want something a little bit more expensive and feel like you wish to invest then online galleries such as Print Club London give you the opportunity to buy original or limited runs from artists.
