Category: Home Office

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Bedrooms Home Office Interiors Addict RENO ADDICT The Block

The Block 2022 sheds: home offices and second living areas

This week’s reveals took us inside the couples’ sheds with most couples turning these into either a second living or work from home space. Or both! Guest judges this week, standing in for Shaynna and Neale, were former Block contestants and winners, fan favourites Alisa and Lysandra.

If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that homes need a space to get away from the living areas to concentrate on work if needed or just escape for quiet reflection. And this week’s working from home spaces, – plus one with a twist – showed that lesson has been well learned. From functional offices to separate work precincts and a wine lounge with a view to die for, the Blockheads made the most of the ample space they had to deliver just what their high-end homes needed, with the judges stunned by the variety of solutions they saw.

Tom and Sarah Jane (first place) 26 points

Built around a walk-in Vintec wine cellar, house one’s television room built into the Stratco garage space is the perfect getaway, the judges agreed, ideal for teenagers or anyone wanting a break from the rest of the home. The twins weren’t sure they liked the black wine fridge sticking out like sort of a sore thumb, and Darren didn’t feel it was defined as a wine-drinking area. But they had a lot of good things to say about the finishes.

Past the powder room and upstairs however was where their addition really shone. The only home with a second level thanks to early engineering planning, this is a complete office that could easily be converted to a guest apartment, with eight eye-level Velux skylights, two separate work stations and kitchenette. A potential office? Definitely, the judges agreed, a nanny (or granny) flat? Why not! Either way, all agreed it’s a definite value add to the home. I have to agree it was pretty damn gorgeous!

Alisa said it was like they’d created a whole new apartment in a shed in a week and hats off to them for thinking outside the square. Darren said the view from the skylights was insane. And Alisa went one further saying the space was enough for them to win The Block. Darren agreed it could tip them over the edge.

Shop the look: Frank armchair in boucle | Artie oval marble coffee table | Palamas wool rug

Rachel and Ryan (second place) 24.5 points

If a home has a winery, Rachel and Ryan thought, why not add a wine room to enjoy the end results? Down the landing steps into a cosy space featuring a full-wall Grafico mural and spectacular view over the vines to Mount Macedon beyond, this is a separate entertaining space perfect for showcasing the micro-winery the house boasts. With a benchtop area for preparing the drinks, huge couch in front of a wide television and a woodfired stove to give country ambiance, this space is less about work and more for play, the judges agreed… but is that enough? A work space would have added value, the judges agreed and adding a desk in here may not work.

Lysandra said it had wow factor and was very welcoming. Darren noted it looked nice but it didn’t have a sink in the bench top. Lysandra didn’t love the “harsh” fire hearth either. And while she would normally hate the pendant she loved it in the context of the room. Darren really liked the timber. “design wise and styling wise and selling a dream it does everything it’s intended to do,” Darren said.

Alisa thought the room was good at selling the dream of a country lifestyle as a place to drink with friends. They all agreed it was well designed and well executed.

Shop the look: Cradle display wine rack | Delano framed cavas print

Omar and Oz (third place) 24 points

A textbook example of a room that was just too much for this mammoth Block challenge, Omar and Oz’s huge home office space was nowhere near ready, the victim of build problems way out of the boys’ hands. What was theirs however, still left the judges underwhelmed, with artwork choices too big for the space, a desk way too big for just one person but too small for two and a nautical feel that’s out of place in a country setting. Once it’s finished, the judges hoped, the room could be a showcase for living and working out of the city, with more than enough scope to do both.

Darren made sure to tell the twins it wasn’t the boys’ fault. Though the twins pointed out the questionable artwork was not The Block’s fault!

Shop the look: Pedie slat coffee table | Victorian Blackwood resin river desk | TH Brown Danish stool

Dylan and Jenny (fourth place) 22.5 points

In a year when home cinemas had been downplayed, Dylan and Jenny’s 98-inch monster television took the judges’ breath away and helped give the new space a double use – as an office or screening room. The lack of fireplace lost points from Alisa and Lysandra, as did the “dead space” in the room’s centre, something that could be remedied with the addition of a dining table perhaps, or a larger version of the bar area. Once again the Caesarstone desktop felt cold to the judges, but a few styling touches – and a repair to a cracked ceiling – could have pushed them higher up the scores.

Alisa liked that they combined the living area and home office together but it wasn’t really making her feel anything and was nice but a little undercooked. Darren said the bar area didn’t really make sense and they could have made more of it. Darren said the TV wasn’t enough to sell it. The twins agreed a lot of finishes were great despite the ceiling crack!

Darren said it was good but probably wouldn’t be shown on the marketing brochure. Alisa said it was a big effort for one week.

After watching the judging, even Jenny agreed the room was undercooked!

Shop the look: Tully coffee table | Siggy canvas print

Ankur and Sharon (last) 19.5 points

As a work from home space, Darren said when he took in House 3’s shed addition, “this is a killer”. But the layout left him wondering. With a television in a corner as opposed to on one of the two available walls, a huge Caesarstone desk (which they first thought was a kitchen!) dominating and a cocktails area to one side, the orientation seemed confused, they felt, and didn’t make the best use of the fireplace at the other end.

Alisa said the concrete Caesarstone was too cold a surface and very unusual for a desktop. Darren wasn’t a fan either. And there were no powerpoints to be seen near the mammoth desk either! “An epic fail.”

Lysandra thought the fireplace was stunning but in the wrong spot. It made the room really inflexible too and it should have been in the other corner.

Shop the look: Stanley framed print | Rondella wood heater | Azrou hammered iron pendant light

Shop the looks at The Block Shop

Win Embracing Change by Lizzie Alsop

Each week we’re giving away our favourite art from the reveals thanks to The Block Shop and Artist Lane. Enter here.

The Block 2022 re-do rooms and guest bedroom 4 reveals

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Design Designers Home Office Interiors Addict Living Room

A designer living room inspired by Fantales lollies

Woodgrain textures and bold colour combine in this stunning living room collaboration inspired by the classic Allen’s lollies. Laminex teamed up with YSG Studio on this project, which follows on from their Fantales-inspired kitchen last year.

The living space offers a reinterpretation of the traditional living room, creating a multifunctional space that is the ultimate inspiration for the modern home.

“Larger homes might have separate rooms that can be dedicated purely for office work,” says Yasmine Ghoniem, principal of YSG Studio. “But where space is at a premium, the challenge is how can we use each space in multiple ways? Everything you put in has to be really well considered.”

Laminex woodgrain joinery in Danish Walnut and Milkwood is teamed with a contrasting wave of soft Porcelain Blush. “You walk from this quite cocoon-like experience of the kitchen into a living space which is a lot brighter and just feels lighter,” explains Yasmine. Synonymous with YSG’s signature bold style, the living space also features bursts of daring Laminex Pillarbox red, found within the drawers, cupboards, handles, and even the coffee table.

One aspect of YSG’s design vital to the multifunctional performance of the space is the study nook. A highly practical area with ample desk space, drawer storage and shelving, the nook embodies ultimate flexibility. Featuring an operable screen system made from Laminex Danish Walnut laminate, the nook can be easily accessed through the sliding screen, which can be closed at the end of the day to conceal any office mess, and even more importantly, visually separate the work day from recreational time.

The study nook also features open shelving in Pillarbox, allowing the study nook to double as a display area for books and personal objects. Even when the screen is closed, its partial transparency creates a sense of visual interest and depth. This functional versatility allows for optimal personalisation.

Perhaps the most explicitly decorative element in the interior of the Fantales Living Space is the front surface of the tower cabinetry. Two units sit side by side, their doors featuring a captivating inlaid laminate design. Along the bottom edge, Milkwood is paired with Danish Walnut in alternating stripes of light and dark, almost like a piano keyboard. Above, sheets of Danish Walnut have been laid at angles to each other, creating a subtle geometrical pattern from the woodgrain texture.

From the woodgrain cabinetry to French-washed walls, texture is abundant. With each structural element harnessing the design flexibility of Laminex laminate, a harmonious relationship between curved and linear shapes is introduced in every corner. The screen and shelving elements are fabricated with a bullnose profile, highlighting a shapely consistency throughout the space.

“The Fantales Living Space marks a distinct change in the way we use our homes,” says Sacha Leagh-Murray, general manager sales & marketing at Laminex. “Expertly designed to be just fit for work as it is for rest and leisure, the living space is perfectly curated to suit modern living.

“Marrying Yasmine’s unique design perspective with the design flexibility of Laminex laminate, the Fantales Living Space encapsulates the notion of finding joy in the small things, emphasising vibrant details and textured finishes.”

For more on the Laminex x YSG collaboration

Fantales the unlikely inspiration for YSG Studio’s latest kitchen

“I wanted to capture the essence of ‘afternoon delight,’ that warm, cosy time of day when the sun filters into the home and there’s nowhere else that you’d rather be…
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Design Home Office Shopping

2022 planners: The best looking diaries for next year

While I don’t know where I’d be without my digital calendar, there is something so nice about putting the tech down and planning out the weeks ahead in old-school paper form. And just like last year, we’ve scoured the shelves to bring you the most stylish planners for next year.

Typo A5 Daily Buffalo Diary: This cute retro inspired print, and on-trend colour palette, is what drew us to this planner. The compact design features an expandable inner pocket, ribbon page marker and elastic fastener. $19.99.

Typo diary

Emma Kate Co signature weekly planner in honey: Understated but luxe, this planner features all the usual suspects as well as grid pages for sketching or note taking, inspirational quotes on every page, three ribbon dividers, an expandable pocket and two champagne gold foiled sticker sheets in the back pocket. Packaged in a box, it would make a great gift. $59.

Somewhere Co. 2022 hardcover agendas: These agendas feature fun cover designs as well as yearly, monthly and weekly spreads, feature quote pages, yearly and monthly budget trackers, yearly and monthly goal setting pages and staple pages for important dates, notes and contacts. The elastic book band closure is a handy feature. $49.95.

Bespoke Press 2022 Petite Linen Bound Planner: Jen’s choice two years in a row, the A5 week-to-view planner features a linen bound cover, gold foil on the cover and bookplate, gold gilded edges, decorative internal illustrated spreads by Hoglet & Co, and three satin ribbon markers. Also available in terracotta in this version, and other colours and sizes. $42.95.

kikki.K 2022 B5 Spiral Weekly Wellbeing Diary Sunshine: Planning is all well and good but sometimes it’s also nice to be reminded to slow down. This diary includes reflection trackers, tips for overall health and wellbeing, inspiring quotes, self–care tips, hydration prompts and a sleep tracker. $39.99.

Kikki K wellness diary

Fox & Fallow 2022 Garden planner: Featuring an elastic closure and pen loop, strong document holder at the back, gold foil edges and reinforced waterproof coating on the cover, this planner is pretty and practical. $39.95.

Fox and Fallow diary

Amelia Lane A5 2022 compact weekly planner: Light and portable, this petite diary promises to organise your life with sections for everything including a weekly goal and to-do list, monthly budget and habit tracker, monthly meal and exercise planner plus a vision board for the year. $49.95.

Rifle Paper Co. 2022 Month Monthly Planner – Dovecote: Decorated in the brand’s signature floral style, this diary could steal our hearts on looks alone. The monthly page layout ensures you won’t miss a beat. $34.95.

Rifle Paper Co

Tiny Me personalised family diary 2022: This personalised diary allows you to add up to six family members so you can track everyone’s schedules. So handy! From $30.

Tiny Me diary
Tiny Me diary

2022 Wattyl colour forecast: the new normal

Wattyl’s colour forecast for 2022, proudly presents ‘the new normal’ a colour offering that is comprised of more than 56% brand new colours. The collection includes 16 natural and feel-good…
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Home Office Shopping The Block

The Block 2021 garage (and more) reveals and some harsh words!

Garages with full-wall murals and fancy doors, storage, home offices and wine storage! There was so much revealed last night on The Block, it’s no wonder even the most diligent contestants couldn’t finish it all perfectly! There were some amazing reveals and some very harsh words from the judges for those who just didn’t get it together (I’m looking at you, Josh and Luke!)! “There’s two words for this and one of them is cluster,” may just go down in history as my favourite judge’s comment ever (thanks Darren!).

Onto the judging….

Ronnie & Georgia

Score: 27/30: first

Another week of praise for Ronnie and Georgia, who came first, and deservedly so.

Accessed by the Colourbond tilt door and past the Grafico mural of the Le Mans where Ford beat Ferrari, to a well-stocked and stacked storage area, Ronnie and Georgia’s garage combined style and functionality.

From there, the judges went through the stylish and perfectly placed mudroom with storage for shoes, coats and schoolbags, to a powder room (to be judged next week) and a study/guest room/home office overlooking the pool. “Trust Ronnie and Georgia to bring supreme elegance to a mudroom,” said Neale.

Inside however it was the sculptural curved staircase that caused the biggest wow, leading down to a beautifully fitted out wine room complete with seating around a butcher’s block table and another powder room. “Simply perfect!” Shaynna said. “Damn! Look at that!” said Darren. “That’s such a tight space and it’s so architecturally beautiful,” said Shaynna. “It feels exactly like the perfect staircase for this house. I love it!” Darren added.

The judges said the bedroom-slash-office was absolutely wonderful and what a beautiful place to sit and work. Darren said a fourth bedroom was huge for the real estate brochure as it was essentially a bonus room.

Down the spiral staircase, Darren was pleased to see the acoustic issues in the cinema room had been fixed. Shaynna loved the herringbone brick floor. “I’m in Provence!” Darren was wowed by the appliances and Shaynna loved the extra power room.

The judges said it wasn’t perfect but time was against them and they were sure any issues would be rectified later. Neale said: “They set the bar very high every week. The other contestants must hate them!”

Mark & Mitch

Score: 23/30: third

With its custom pink mural and yellow car, Mitch and Mark’s garage was colourful but, as Neale said, take those two things away and there’s not much left.

But it leads to one of The Block’s biggest surprises, a hidden study/office fitted into “stolen space” above, the perfect work-from-home space with ample space for two, plus storage, a big selling point in post-Covid times.

Darren said it set their house apart from Ronnie and Georgia’s. Neale said it had proper storage and was a proper work from home space. Although there were finishing issues, Darren said he understood why.

Into the basement the judges were surprised again, this time to see the space next to the existing day spa steam-room had been transformed into a combined TV room and wine cellar with its own kitchenette.

Neale said he felt like he was in a very cramped bedsit. Shaynna said the wine storage felt like it was shoved into corner. Darren said the best thing was the kitchen joinery. Shaynna felt the layout was odd. Neale said it was a panic room where they’d try to cram everything into the last space. “Mitch and Mark are going to be bitterley disappointed with our comments but we have to be honest,” Neale added.

Tanya & Vito

Score: 19.5/30: fourth

From the teal green horizontal garage door with portholes matching the heritage façade to the polished concrete floor and huge storage area, this is a room where functionality is clearly king. Coming at the cost of a fourth bedroom, the judges did wonder if the storage might be a mistake. Darren said they had damaged the value of their real estate.

Downstairs they found the games room outside the home cinema, complete with a wine fridge, classic arcade amusements and a statue welcoming visitors in. “It’s fun, it’s quirky and it’s in keeping with the house,” Darren said.

He really like the wine bar joinery and the integrated wine storage. “It shines a light on how much better this solution is to what Mitch and Mark showed us.”

Shaynna noticed the stairs and the rooms were very loud and echoey and a rug would help soften it. Neale said it could easily be remodelled by the buyer into a sophisticated adult space. He wasn’t sure if it added to the value as a games room and the way it was presented was very polarising.

Josh & Luke

Score: 8/30: last

The polished floor, mural featuring race tracks of the world and a door-within-a-door all combined to welcome the judges into Josh and Luke’s garage, a single car space with a storage space, complete with a plumbing stack from the master bedroom that was moved!

Inside, there was less to see, with the build still underway and the only visible change a plaster render the judges were all horrified by! The rooms were a complete tip and the judges were not impressed one bit.

“This is saying to me we don’t give a flying **** for what you guys have to say,” said an angry Neale. “This is inexcusable, it’s a pigsty,” added Darren.

The study/bedroom didn’t thrill them either, and they said it felt cramped, and the basement despite its great wine storage and kitchenette, was unfinished again and full of problems.

“What is this space, what is it for?” Darren asked. “A doctor’s waiting room?” asked Shaynna. The terribly planned en suite was an absolute disaster. “There’s two words for this and one of them is cluster,” said Darren. “That bathroom needs to go. It’s a waste of real estate. It’s a planning disaster.”

Shaynna asked why you’d have carpet in a wine area. And why there wasn’t a fridge? “Nothing functions, it’s kind of useless,” said Neale. Darren said it felt like defeat. “I sort of feel like we’re in this festering pit of negativity in here,” ended Shaynna.

Kirsty & Jesse

Score: 26.5/30: second

Thank goodness things were looking up at Kirsty and Jesse’s, starting with that gorgeous Hamptons style garage door! The large uncluttered garage with a storage area and fridge impressed the judges.

They found a lot to like in Kirsty and Jesse’s final spaces, especially when they moved upstairs to the study. A functional home office with well-planned lighting and great cabinetry. Darren said it suited the house.

It was the basement, however that won them over, from the bank of Gaggenau wine fridges to the recessed guitar display niches and kitchenette with seating outside the home cinema. “It’s a knockout!” Darren summed up. “A balance between opulence and value.” He said they’d spent only where they needed to.

Neale said there was no sign of them throwing in the towel. Shyanna said they had four bedrooms and an actual study. “It ticks a really important box from a real estate point of view.” Neale said he loved the basement vibe and it felt like a recoding studio.

SHOP THE LOOK: Grafico murals | 4dDoors garage doors

See all the rooms and more at The Block Shop

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Decorating with clashing prints and colour: home given fresh look

Study
Study

Located in the seaside Perth suburb of Swanbourne, this early 1900s period home had a partial renovation recently in the form of a master bedroom, sitting room and study revamp. “The design brief wasn’t very detailed, aside from the owners wanting me to strike a balance between traditional and contemporary design,” says interior designer Angela Lyon of Grey Peg Interiors. The result is a mix of fun fabrics, clashing pattern, bespoke furniture, bold colour choices and other luxe details.

Sitting room
Kelly Wearstler lamps, from Montauk Lighting Co. sit proud in the sitting room

The renovation commenced just before the onset of the pandemic which presented many challenges including product delays, access issues, restrictions on site and a general sense of fear. However, one silver lining for local manufacturers was that the home features lots of Australian made product. “There were big delays in supply, so we ended up using more locally sourced furniture,” says Angela who designed many bespoke items for the project.

As for her favourite part, Angela cites the sitting room, mainly due to the high-end fabrics, wallpaper and general warm and cosy vibe. “I like the pattern clash and tones. The wallpaper is quite a bold choice in real life, but it works so well in the room,” says Angela. The emerald green Thibaut ‘Channels’ design makes quite the statement when coupled with a pair of Kelly Wearstler lamps, sourced from Montauk Lighting Co. “The armchairs, ottomans and cushions were designed by me from scratch too.”

Sitting room
Sitting room

A lofty and tranquil space, the master bedroom features plenty of bespoke, locally made items also, including an upholstered bedhead, bed end and armchair. The bedside lamps were custom made and sourced through Asbury Park Agency.

Master bedroom
Master bedroom. The pendant light was sourced from Montauk Lighting Co.
Master bedroom
Master bedroom

The most statement-making part of the renovation is the home office which features a bold teal tone (Taubmans Azalea Leaf), grey textured wallpaper (Colefax & Fowler’s ‘Carine Blue’) and pops of burnt orange including a custom pair of orange lamps. A James Said credenza, Coco Republic mirror and artwork by Min Woo Bing round out the mix.

Study
Study. The statement artwork is by Min Woo Bing.

One of the more interesting items in the room, the desk is an upcycled antique found on Gumtree, that used to belong to the WA mining magnate Lang Hangcock. “I’m not a fan of cookie cutter design so like to find unique things. We repurposed the desk by having it professionally spray painted before replacing the top with leather and adding new brass handles. I can’t imagine how many cheques were written on that desk!” says Angela.

Carrara marble mosaic tiles were a chic choice for the fireplace landing
Carrara marble mosaic tiles were a chic choice for the fireplace landing

And with so many bold choices, just how willing was the owner to take some design chances? “There was reluctance around a lot of the things but ultimately my client took risks and put some trust in me, and it paid off. She is really happy with the end result.”

Photography: Gathering Light

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Decorating 101 Design Expert Tips Home Office Styling

Paint: the cheaper, easier way to refresh your home office

With most of us spending more time working from home than ever before, there has never been a better time to show your workspace some love. “Your study should be a space of calm and concentration, but most importantly somewhere you actually enjoy spending time,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager.

“We all need different things from our study/home office, depending on the type of work we do – you may want it be a serene spot where you won’t get distracted, or an energising and uplifting one that inspires creativity,” Andrea explains. “This is where colour comes in; if your study is drab and lifeless, a lick of paint is the fastest, cheapest and most effective way to switch up the mood and make it a space you’ll love.”

To show you just how easily it’s done, stylist Julia Green has used colours from the Dulux Colour Forecast 2021 to style three different study areas.

“Who amongst us hasn’t worried about their workspace not being camera-ready when it’s time for that video conference call?” Julia asks. “Fortunately, you don’t need a big budget or lots of time to add style to this space.”

Andrea adds: “Colour can be used in clever ways too. For example, if you don’t have room for a separate study and want to delineate a study nook within an open-plan room, simply choose tones for your nook that are different to, however harmonise with, the palette in the adjoining living/dining areas. You can then use folding screens to tuck your workspace away when it’s time to switch off.” 

Whilst the three looks Julia created are all very different, she kept certain elements consistent throughout. “With each look, we fully committed to the colour palette, carrying it through from the walls and artwork to décor items, in order to give it a curated and intentional feel,” she explains.

“Natural light is important for wellbeing, so we used soft sheers on the window that let in filtered light. We added a statement artwork to each look – this anchored the desk set-ups and gave the user something beautiful to look at. Touches of greenery help clean the air and provide that all-important connection to nature.”

Design 1: Inspiration station

Colours: Dulux Aura and Natural White | Art: Charlotte Taylor via Greenhouse Interiors

For the first look (above), Julia took her cues from the Reset palette and painted the walls a soft grey-mauve, and the ceiling a warm white. These were combined with pink clay and punches of terracotta in artwork and accessories. “These colours will brighten your outlook without being a distraction – the perfect tones to surround yourself with if you’re in the business of ideas,” says Julia. 

Design 2: Serene study spot

Colours: Dulux Five Fingers Peninsula and Whisper White | Art: Georgie Wilson via Greenhouse Interiors

When it came to the second scheme, Julia looked to the calming colours in the Retreat palette. She made a feature of the back wall by painting it a rich, oceanic blue, paired with a warm white on the ceiling. “Bold colour contrasts generally energise a room, but there’s a lovely muddiness to this blue that makes it feel tranquil and relaxed. It’s a classic scheme that would work beautifully in a traditional or contemporary home,” she says.

Design 3: Cosy workspace

Colours: Dulux Morrocco Tan and White Exchange Half | Artwork: Leah Bartholomew via Greenhouse Interiors

For the third scheme, Julia layered earthy neutrals from the Nourish palette for a look that speaks of warmth and comfort. The earthy hue of the wall combine with tonal shades of tan and clay in the artwork, rug, and furniture. Woven detailing in the rattan screen and desk chair add texture.

“We all respond so differently to colour – the key is finding the hues that speak to you and then having the courage to pick up that paint brush,” Andrea explains. “Like anything, it can feel daunting the first time, but chances are once you start your colour journey, you’ll never look back.”

Julia’s study styling tips

Consider mood: Choose colours to suit the mood you want to create. Warm tones will create a cosy, nurturing feel, while brighter hues are energising and inspiring – ideal for creative thinking. 

Personalise: Family photographs and mementos from your travels can add character to your study and make it feel more welcoming.

Buy quality: A comfortable and supportive office chair and an adjustable desk lamp that allows you to see what you’re typing or writing are must-haves for a home office. 

Greenery: Add plants or fresh flowers to purify the air and provide a connection to nature. 

For more information.

Photography: Armelle Habib | Styling: Julia Green

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Decorating 101 Design Designers Expert Tips Home Office Styling

Design inspirations: Turia Pitt’s unique, Zoom ready home office

Bestselling author, athlete, and mindset coach, Turia Pitt, was inspired to reinvigorate her home office after a stay at the much-Instagrammed SOUL of Gerringong holiday accommodation. The trip left her feeling “like Michelle Obama on holidays,” so she worked with its creator Simone Mathews (who has since sold it) to bring that magical holiday energy into her own office.

“Before, Turia’s home office space was quite dull and characterless; not a very inspiring or motivating space to spend time and work,” says Simone, of SOUL Home.

Turia and Simone

With the shift to online meetings off the back of COVID-19, Turia wanted to create an office backdrop that reflected her casual and fun personality. The calm, neutral wall colours and creative furniture choices allow Turia to host online interviews and online meetings without worrying about her backdrop.

“Before, I used to be embarrassed if people came over, but now I want them to come in and sit in my office,” Turia comments. “Actually, it’s probably the most relaxing space in the whole house!”

Simone always employs a 70/20/10 ratio in her styling, blending three styles into a personalised but cohesive space. For Turia’s office space, the driving theme was contemporary design, as seen with the furniture choices. Organic materials were incorporated through the use of timber and linen, and the leather chair added a unique retro twist.

If your office feels stifling in comparison, Simone has shared her top tips to revamp your own office space:

Say “so long!” to traditional office furniture

“When it comes to picking furniture for your office, I tend to steer away from the traditional office style furniture. There are so many great, stylish furniture pieces that can double for your office and cater to both form and function,” Simone says.

She suggests swapping out that drab filing cabinet for a sleek sideboard or console, so you can store your documents in style. Turia’s office reimagined her tired corner desk as this dynamic table and chair set.

Incorporate nostalgic touches

With many of us working longer hours, a comfortable and relaxing office space can stave off burn out. Find what transports you to your dream destination – it might be palm trees, or a particular exotic scent – and make that a focal element.

“I like to make styling easy, so you just want to pick pieces and things that really connect with you on a sensory level,” Simone adds.

Focus lighting on your working areas

“Task lights and wall lights are great in an office, versus your general overhead ceiling lighting. They add to the mood and provide vital focus lighting on the areas where you most need,” Simone explains. “In Turia’s office, I’m using a brass statement wall light that is highly functional yet looks super cool. Personally, I think wall lights are so underutilised when it comes to styling.”

Incorporate artwork that ignites your creativity

“Sometimes you just need a mood board to inspire, keep you on track or get over a block in your day. Choosing the right artwork can act as your mood board; a moment for your eyes to readjust away from the screen and take a moment to drift, reset, and then revert back to the task,” says Simone.

A former mining engineer, Turia’s love of rocks and stones is her creative driver. This was reflected in the specially commissioned Ozlem Savelle artwork, as well as the brass wall lights and stone greys of the office lounge seating.

Think about window treatments

“Window treatments are the final layer for any space, and I’m always a fan of doubling sheer curtains with a black out blind,” Simone suggests. “This combinations ensures you have a space you feel comfortable at any time of day.”

Follow Turia Pitt on social media @turiapitt. For more information on Soul Home.

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Design Furniture Home Office Homewares Shopping

Stylish home office ideas: The latest furniture & homewares finds

Reddie
Image by Jacqui Turk

The COVID-19 effect continues to be felt in Australia with working from home remaining one of the key lifestyle changes to have arisen from the pandemic. With many people doing so on a regular basis, we’ve had to become very adaptable in the ways that we use our homes. From a multi-purpose desk to a portable designer desk light and a stylish office chair (in on-trend boucle), these new furniture and homewares finds should keep your productivity up.

REDDIE workstations: “Since the lockdown last year, we noticed many clients upgrading their homes especially searching for home office solutions that would complement the rest of their space,” says REDDIE co-founder and designer Caroline Olah, of the inspiration behind her new collection. Fully customisable, these workstations are complemented by a coffee table, dining table, occasional chair and side table should you wish to purchase the whole suite. Minimalist lines aside, we love the workstation’s gorgeous rattan divider. From $990.

Reddie

&Tradition portable Flowerpot lamp: Designed by Vernon Panton in 1968, this cult lamp became synonymous with the ‘flower power’ movement of the late 1960s. Its latest incarnation is portable and charged via USB making it an ideal mobile desk lamp. $375.

Flowerpot lamp

Life Interiors Avalon boucle office chair: Upholstered in on-trend off-white boucle fabric, and paired with a luxe brushed gold metal base, this is one of the most stylish office chairs that we’ve seen. It’s available with a matte black base too. $395.

Desk chair

Palmgrens by Great Dane: Designed by the iconic Swedish leather and luxury goods brand Palmgrens, this handmade home office collection is made from smooth calf leather and features stylish leather trays and a chic waste paper basket. From $185.

Great Dane
Great Dane bin

Harto Gaston wall secretary desk in oak 60cm: This minimal and versatile French design hangs on the wall and can be used as a shelf, console or desk depending on your needs. $1,150.

Harto wall desk
Harto desk

Yamakazi Tosca organiser (large): The perfect spot to store all of your workday paraphernalia, this multi-purpose Japanese design combines a steel tote with wood handle. It’s the perfect portable desk organiser. $66.

Desk organiser

Mustard Made ‘The Skinny’ locker in sage: While this range isn’t new, this gorgeous sage colourway is. With four adjustable shelves, two handy hooks, a cable hole and wall attachment points, this lockable cupboard is the perfect spot to store all of your home office needs. $349.

Mustard Made locker

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Steve Cordony shares his home office must haves

Renowned interior stylist Steve Cordony says Australians had to pivot very quickly this year to create a workspace at home but one that may not have been their ideal setup. But he explains that with simple changes, the ultimate home office can be created to help set you up for success in the New Year.  

“Making a conducive and productive environment is the result of a combination of styling, careful arrangement of your office materials and enhanced convenience,” he says. 

  1. Space planning

Turn your guest room into the perfect home office by utilising sofa beds and furniture items that double as office and bedroom storage.

  1. Break out and recharge 

Simply put, don’t eat at your desk. Take a break from your home office and recharge your batteries by enjoying a quick walk around the block or even having your morning coffee on your balcony or in your garden. Similar to going to the kitchen or break-out room in your office, you need to schedule those short breaks away from your desk. Create a calming coffee nook for a double espresso cappuccino moment to inspire you to take a quick break throughout your day. 

  1. Sensory stimulation and personal touches 

Intangible elements are just as important to the overall feel and mood of a home office space. Not only does playing soft background music or lighting a scented candle create a calming space, it also stimulates focus in the home office. Styling your workspace with personal objects, plants and photographs promotes productivity within the workplace. That way you can even transform the plainest room into an inspiring environment. 

  1. Office with a view

Bring the outdoors in by situating your desk and ergonomic office chair close to a natural light source or window with a view. Natural light is best for working during the day, and task lighting or warm tone overhead lighting for the evening. 

  1. Make it work for you 

Now that we are spending more time at home, we need to be conscious of those things that will make life easier and help us achieve better work-life balance. Adding services into our home routines such as subscription programs can allow for a hassle-free, more convenient day. 

Steve is an ambassador for Nespresso, whose Coffee Subscription can be tailored to your coffee drinking habits as well as being cost efficient for the whole household, whether it’s just one coffee or up to four coffees per day. It features free delivery for every order of 50 capsules or more, 10% extra credit added to your Nespresso account, as well as the ability to cancel any time, to make working from home that little bit simpler.