I recently heard that only 3 years ago, 4% of all Canadians were working remotely. Now, that number has risen to 35%. I am pretty sure the same situation is happening in your part of the world, wherever you are, as companies are now understanding that the productivity, health, and happiness of employees usually increases when they trade the cubicle for a home office.
But we don’t all have the luxury of a separate space at home to get some work done. For many of us, the living room, a guest room or a corner of the dining table turn into a multitasking space.
Sometimes, we have to get creative – We’ve learned from Insiders that a closet or armoire can double as a mini home office and that a few kitchen drawers can be turned into filing cabinets.
That surely doesn’t mean that we have to sacrifice style and comfort. Even in small spaces, nooks, and crannies, it is possible to create a lovely, stimulating, dedicated area for when productivity calls.
I am preparing a list of my favorite picks of multi-purpose desks, beautiful chairs, and accessories to create a lovely little occasional workstation that doesn’t scream ‘office’.
But first, here’s a roundup of 32 ideas to inspire you to create one that fits into your home and actually looks good.
Modular storage systems like String Furniture’s (shown above) with a desk option are so versatile. Just add a stool and a cute task lamp, and you are ready to go. Photo: String Furniture
This is another example of a wall-mounted bookcase with a modular design that can be used for a desk. The shelves height can be adjusted, and all you need is a pretty stool with a sculptural shape to create a beautiful working space. Photo: C2B
A ladder desk like this one looks beautiful in a living room or spare bedroom. Photo: Our Food Stories
Shown here: Menu’s Rail wall-mounted desk Photo: Menu
Furniture with interesting shapes makes for a beautiful occasional working station that doesn’t scream ‘office’. Photo: Hovey Design
Such secretary desks with a drop-down or roll-down panel allow you to quickly hide away office items when not in use. Photo: Emily Hendersen
Architect Vincent Van Duysen positioned a trestle table behind the sofa in his Antwerp home. The same look can be created with a narrower console table if space is limited. Photo: Frederik Vercruysse
Make the most of unused space with a slim, floating shelf by a window. I suggest a minimum depth of 14″ for an occasional working station. Just add a chair, et voilà! Photo: Corinne Mathern Studio
Adding a simple wood board to a deep window sill creates a small, but dedicated working spot inside this guest bedroom. Photo: Alvhem
Another example of clever use of an odd -and otherwise lost- space. Photo: Lowe home
In a bedroom, a minimal makeup vanity can double as a stylish occasional desk. Photo: Kristofer Johnsson
A slender console table is a space-saving solution and is ideal for hallways, small nooks or other unused corners of the house. Photo: The Poster Club
Another example of a little desk that is functional AND looks good in any space. Photo: West Elm
Just what you need to get a few hours of work done at home. Photo: Martin Kaufmann
Just like Klara from Iceland suggested inside the member community, a desk can be hidden away behind doors in a spare closet – Clever! Photo: Erin McGinn
Inexpensive wall-mounted shelving in a closet can be turned into a small desk area. Photo: Alvhem
A neat little office nook concealed in a kitchen cupboard, with space-saving pocket doors. Photo: Alexander James for De Rosee Sa
Remodeling your kitchen, bedroom or hallway with new cabinets? Integrate joinery! Photo: Zephyr & StoneMove your free-standing cabinets to each side of the room and add some shelves in between for a custom, built-in look. BTW this is a nice room makeover – see it here. Photo: Collective Gen
You only need a little imagination and some unused space for your occasional study. Photo: Dylan Lark
Install open shelves instead of an additional tall cabinet in a bedroom. You’ll have a small desk, but also a place to personalize the space with decorative accessories. Photo: Romain Ricard
Have a corner with odd angles? All you need is a few shelves for creating an instant workspace and making the most of your home. Photo: Emily Laye
Yet again an odd corner turned into a lovely little study. Photo: Alvhem
Same idea as above, different look – A custom cut and reinforced wood board tucked in a narrow space created a useful and stylish working corner. Photo: Martina Gemmolafor House & Garden
A minimal desk ready for when you need to be productive and inspired. Photo: Liljencrantz Design
You can carve out a small home office in a roomy stairway landing. Photo: Nickolas Gurtler
Claim the space under the stairs as your own and turn it into a functional and decorative corner. Photo: Zephyr & Stone
Easy Ikea hack: Ivar cabinets provide ample storage and a makeshift (standing) desk. Photo: Paper & Stitch
