Home offices with style and function

Home offices with style and function

Home offices have been a hot topic this year, and we think that will continue into 2021.  Dedicated work spaces at home became essential, and several of our clients were ahead of the curve.  For some, they requested a versatile workspace for the occasional snow day or weekend tasks.  Others needed a full remote work setup well before everyone else.  By working with our clients to design around their specific needs, we’re able to create the perfect home office for each of them!

Designing a fabulous home office

Home offices are unique in that they’re a combination of function and style.  There is a purpose to a home office – productivity, quiet, organization – but that purpose is blended with aesthetics to make the space welcoming and comfortable.

For instance, a Center City client had a home office space that felt dark and dated.  She would sometimes go into her main office on the weekend, which was counterproductive.  Instead, we created a beautiful new space with custom built ins (including a roomy, L-shaped desk) and comfortable furniture for reading.  Feminine wallpaper softens the room and makes it feel bright, fresh, and inviting.  Our client loves using it now!

Storage is a must for any office, and particularly a home office.  Having designated places for documents, mail, supplies, and even things like batteries for your wireless mouse boosts efficiency and keeps work separated from home.  The custom furniture-style cabinet that we designed for our Graduate Hospital home office remains one of our favorite ways to stay organized.

Organization at your fingertips is key.  A shallow drawer keeps pens, paper clips, and post it notes exactly where you need them most!

Seating plays another important role; we always select desk chairs with support and comfort in mind.  We also like to add other seating options to allow a place for conversation.  Even if you just chat with your spouse about what’s for dinner or your kids about a funny thing that they saw that day, it’s nice to have relaxed face time.  A pair of side chairs or small settee also offer a change of scenery, so to speak.  Sometimes sitting in a different spot helps with a much-needed brain break.  Enjoy a comfortable seat in the sunlight when you take a breather!

Speaking of lighting: a well-designed home office has multiple kinds.  A desk or workspace should have direct lighting, usually a combination of overhead and task lighting.  We always want to enhance natural light (which helps productivity).  Thoughtful planning ensures adequate lighting no matter the weather or the season.  Also, a pretty desk lamp adds great style!  In a larger space, we add floor or table lamps to create ambiance.

As you can see, home offices are as unique as the clients we design them for.  Have you been dreaming of a fabulous home office with the perfect Zoom background?  If so, get in touch with us!

All photography by Rebecca McAlpin for Glenna Stone Interior Design

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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. By utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!