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Converting a Closet into Office Space
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
Closets can be one of the most underestimated spaces in a home. While they can wonderfully perform their traditional job of housing a sartorial concentration from behind a neatly-closed door, an underused closet can become another room entirely, such as a home office space.
Well, okay, a small home office space. But most of us only need a modest flat surface and vertical space for storage and shelving. In a bedroom, such a closet can provide a distinct separate work area in the privacy of your own chambers. In more public areas of a house, it can give unexpected visual interest to the room. Whether it's closet off by the door at the end of the day or left open permanently, an office closet can not only add another room to your home in a sense--it can also allow another corner of good design.
Well, okay, a small home office space. But most of us only need a modest flat surface and vertical space for storage and shelving. In a bedroom, such a closet can provide a distinct separate work area in the privacy of your own chambers. In more public areas of a house, it can give unexpected visual interest to the room. Whether it's closet off by the door at the end of the day or left open permanently, an office closet can not only add another room to your home in a sense--it can also allow another corner of good design.
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This larger, long closet creates as much work space as in any study, especially with the addition of shelving and added desk storage. When the doors close on the desktop projects at the end of the day, the books to the left still show.
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This consolidated beautiful workspace would translate perfectly into a walk-in closet. Add floor-to-ceiling bookshelves along one wall (or use the built-in shoe shelving, if you're lucky enough...), add a desk and good lighting and voila. Closets like these really can become another room entirely, with full privacy kept by shutting the door.
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Anther consolidated work space that would fit perfectly in a smaller, more shallow closet. The redeeming spacial element is how wide the office is.
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Think newly about the walls and lighting. Painting with chalkboard paint and swapping the lighting for a modest chandelier can revolutionize the space before you even begin to add furniture.
by Susie Harris
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A setup like this works perfectly in such a small space, making use of the flat desk surface, but also creating a unique look using the vertical space also.
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| Another hide-away closet, easy to camouflage when company comes calling to the couch nearby. This kind of setup is perfect for parents who want to get a little work done in the flow of the kid routine. |
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| Here is my own modest work space, converted from the hallway bags-and-shoes-and-whatnot closet just off of my bedroom. This conversion moved me from the large dining room table, and designates visually for my kids that I'm working. From taking the door off to sitting down with a cup of tea took under an hour. |
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Not even a closet, but a similarly carved out space that retains grace when not in use.
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And another space.
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| Use organizational systems that not only provide an easy reach, but hide the material gracefully. In my own converted closet, I use a row of white holders like these to contain items such as magazines, reference materials, and matches for my candle. |
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by Ish and Chi
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| Create an easily-accessible and unique place to accumulate notes and lists. Don't forget to create the right lighting and illuminate the dark. |
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| Yes, add the supplies that help you with your work, and don't leave out the aesthetic details that will make the space intimately and specifically yours. |
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Don't limit your thinking to closets. Sometimes the most unexpected space can provide the greatest use and beauty. This is a favorite photo of mine on houzz, for its innovation and sheer good looks.
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And don't limit yourself if you already have an ideal work space. Closets can be converted into extra mini libraries, open toy areas, and even, as shown here, a classy bar service.
Comments
Global Living Super Ideas!
3 years ago · Like
Debbie Tibbs This inspires me to get to work on my office space. Thanks!
3 years ago · Like
Vintage Renewal Love the office under the stairs
3 years ago · Like
Margaret Everton Maybe it's just my sensitivity to my environment, but I think that rejuvenation a work space actually makes work better--plus it's so fun to do. Vintagerenewal: I love that spot too and wish it was mine!
3 years ago · Like
woodytwoshoes Just converted my own hall closet into an office. Got some great inspiration from this site. It's a great use of space in an apartment! 
2 years ago · Like
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Susan Brennan there are some really inspiring ideas here for my new apartment
23 months ago · Like
http://www.adesignmaison.com/ adesign Mettez-y de la texture... de la couleur... de la lumière... Amusez-vous !! 
18 months ago · Like
Laurie Adams de Sa My son's room is small with a 4 ft wide opening to his closet. What is crazy is that the closet extends on both sides another 2 1/5 ft (5 ft total hidden and almost inaccessible) Really looking for ideas for reclaiming that space for closet, study and tv/gaming. Ideas?
3 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Jan. 17, 2010.
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