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.
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.
Stylish home office ideas: The latest furniture & homewares finds
SOUL of Gerringong owner shares secrets of her success
