Bringing Work Home
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 »
Whether due to the nonstop and urgent accessibility through cell phones that once only medical professionals experienced, or the work culture shifting to greater portability, more and more professionals are bringing their work home. In "Making Life Work," from February's issue of body + soul, Terri Trespicio wisely warns against burnout from denying ourselves the natural work/home/leisure cycle.
Designating a visual station, rather than floating around the house with papers and a laptop, mentally segments work from family life and leisure.
These distinctions are important, and can still be achieved in the face of the reality of working from home. Though a private work area is most often necessary, incorporating a work space in the flow of activity can allow work to be accomplished without completely shutting out the real world. I, for instance, would never get any work done while my two young kids slip into their world of pretend if my work space wasn't tucked into a closet feet away from their play.
Just as the 80's concept of work as a disjointed entity has moved towards greater fluidity, these rooms exhibit stylishly how to incorporate work into the home.
Designating a visual station, rather than floating around the house with papers and a laptop, mentally segments work from family life and leisure.
These distinctions are important, and can still be achieved in the face of the reality of working from home. Though a private work area is most often necessary, incorporating a work space in the flow of activity can allow work to be accomplished without completely shutting out the real world. I, for instance, would never get any work done while my two young kids slip into their world of pretend if my work space wasn't tucked into a closet feet away from their play.
Just as the 80's concept of work as a disjointed entity has moved towards greater fluidity, these rooms exhibit stylishly how to incorporate work into the home.
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| Another example of creating multiple stations within one room. Readers can cozy up in the upholstered chairs while work gets done at the table. |
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| This room also exhibits segmentation, and is nothing short of elegant fun. Nearby baskets, drawers, and an armoire would allow for work to be brought out at a moment's notice; but the side piece could also be swapped for an elegant table that could double as a large work surface. |
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With the couch facing away and creating another gathering spot, this kitchen table can easily convert into a work surface. If space doesn't allow for a personal desk, let a table like this take its place by adding a sidebar to accommodate serving platters and a liquor bar on top, files and office supplies within.
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A bar can also be a nice place to set up shop if work materials are similarly kept on hand and ready to use. Complete portability can be disheveled and just plain annoying, but a hidden station nearby can work great. this setup is conveniently located in the heart of the house--and near coffee.
If your laptop or a notepad and cell phone is your only tool, stylish light-weight end tables like this can work great. Pull it up to a chair or chaise like this for work, and replace it for the normal living room flow. And you can't ask for a better corner-office view than this.
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| This photo is a favorite on houzz, and for good reason. The space is simultaneously filled and open. A setting like this allows for easy flow between two rooms--great for going between work and the more domestic needs. |
Rethink the generic use of a space. This would have easily worked as open shelving, but the secretary-desk-inspired folding work area allows for a concentrated space that can also be tucked away at the end of the day.
See?
Another angle of this versatile and unique work space.
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Recently one of the top ten most popular home office photos on houzz, a simple work area like this could be carved out of the end of a living room.
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| Or make a beautiful office within a smaller dwelling--distinct without consuming too much space. |
Ideabook updated on Nov. 9, 2012.
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I agree- you can't ask for a better corner-office view than this!