WORK FROM HOME

The letters “W,” “F,” “H” have never been more popular as people all over the world work from home (WFH) amid the coronavirus outbreak. But just because you’re taking conference calls in your PJs, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a WFH haven that cultivates productivity and simultaneously satisfies your design style. 

Whether it’s retailers curating cozy clothing edits like Net-A-Porter or interior designers like Chad Dorsey Design introducing home office designs ready to be shipped or news outlets sharing tips for creating a serene at-home office space like this Architectural Digest article, our dwellings are being transformed into workplace environments in real time. So, I thought I’d get in on the conversation and share a few creative home office ideas along with some of my must-have home office supplies. 

While some might try innovative office interpretations like this electric van’s or portable pods (too cute!), the reality is your office has never been more relevant and now’s the time to make it authentically yours. 

I’ve had several clients in recent years want to transform a space into a closet-office hybrid (aka “cloffice”), which doesn’t necessarily require a renovation, though according to this Vox article, now is the time to do it with rate cuts. Check out my recent post featuring some dressing rooms that come with designer duds and desks! One clever conversion would be to incorporate an acrylic accent table in your space, which can double as a desk when you need a workspace! Another functional favorite — a custom pull-out packing table in the dressing room that can serve as a secretary-style writing desk!

There are plenty of ways to modify your home’s unused nooks and crannies during our current quarantine culture. Think about maximizing your home’s full potential and find areas that are quiet, have power outlets, are equipped with quality phone and WiFi reception and feel empowering. This might be your basement, garage, storage closet, kitchen corner or a cutout under your staircase. Wherever you decide to set up shop, be sure to add some creature comforts that make it feel like a creative and productive space. 

Start with a solid foundation -- a desk. Try an unobtrusive acrylic desk or a sleek marble desk that could later be used as a table in a different space. A portable desk is another option if you need to retreat and work from bed! You’ll also want a supportive chair. Opt for one that could work in another room for maximum versatility. You can’t go wrong with ergonomic, classic or minimal styles. 

Lastly, the fun stuff to make your workspace feel inspiring -- a pretty pencil holder, a cheerful candle, a perky plant, a luminous lamp and fancy file folders. And, don’t forget the perfect pair of slippers that can keep you cozy indoors and then be worn outdoors once the quarantine ends.