Go sleek, yet practical. "I had this desk custom built for me and my specific needs," says Amanda Gates of AB Home Interiors. "Traditional desks are often made of low-grade materials, and they tend to be fussy in design. I wanted something that was sleek, easy to clean and easy on the eyes."Office design should represent the type of work and tasks you do, she adds. "I handle a lot of blueprints and needed a desk that would accommodate multiple tasks, like reading blueprints, handling paperwork, samples, paint chips, fabric samples, etc. but still have plenty of space for a computer and keyboard," she says.This desk of steel, high-quality wood and laminate is one of the most asked-about design elements in her office, Gates notes.