Tag: home office

The Block 2022 sheds: home offices and second living areas

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 24, 2022
No Comments on 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

A chance to fix the room they like least, plus the final guest bedroom to complete their house interior? Welcome…

Tags home office, the block, the block 2022, the block tree change

Design Home Office Shopping

2022 planners: The best looking diaries for next year

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date November 30, 2021
No Comments on 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Tags 2022 agenda, 2022 diary, 2022 planner, agendas, home office, planners, stationery

Home Office Shopping The Block

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

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date October 25, 2021
2 Comments on 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

Tags garage, garage door, home office, THE BLOCK 2021, wall murals, work from home

Design Furniture Home Office Homewares Shopping

Stylish home office ideas: The latest furniture & homewares finds

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date February 16, 2021
No Comments on Stylish home office ideas: The latest furniture & homewares finds

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.

&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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Steve Cordony shares his home office must haves

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Expert Tips

Home office ideas: tips for a stylish and productive space

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date November 26, 2020
No Comments on Home office ideas: tips for a stylish and productive space

Office nook designs: 8 great space-saving examples

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 24, 2020
No Comments on Office nook designs: 8 great space-saving examples

While lockdown got us all talking about working from home, home office and study nooks had already been an increasingly sought-after feature for some time. With many of us living in smaller spaces these days, creating a home office that doesn’t take over an entire room, is a great option. Here, we round up some great examples.

Interior designer Kate Maguire designed this space (above) to be a part of the joinery in the family room of her own Sydney home, as they don’t have a separate office space. “It is tiny but mighty and functions very well, though it doesn’t usually look this tidy! I use it every day, as I work and study from home.”

Previously Kate, of Kate Maguire Interiors, had a hutch desk in the same room, but admits it didn’t look or function half as well! The joinery was part of a larger renovation, making the home a lot more functional in general.

Kate’s expert tips for creating your own office nook:

Think about how you plan to use the space and make sure you consider everything. Not pictured is my big ugly A3 printer, which is essential for my work, so I had to make sure that the desk area would be big enough for me to work comfortably and still have space for the printer to live.
Consider the placement of powerpoints and IT equipment. This will help to keep the space tidy and clutter-free.
Shelving with baskets, as well as drawers, helps to give everything a place, which again makes it much easier to keep the space tidy.
Task lighting will help to make the space more comfortable to work in.

Apartment dwelling forced interior decorator Briar Stanley, of Sunday Collector, to get creative with storage in a previous home, where she created this office nook:

When renovating the kitchen, she had the extra cupboards added for all her work samples. They sat alongside a handy desk nook with pocket doors that hid away the clutter when she didn’t want to be thinking about work.

Fellow apartment dweller Ellie Jeffery, says her husband thought she was slightly mad when she suggested this office nook when they renovated their laundry!

“I’ve been watching a lot tiny house tours on YouTube and I love the concept of having multiple uses for a room or piece of furniture. It makes perfect sense, particularly when you live in Sydney and real estate is so expensive! So when we decided to redo the laundry, I thought it would be good to make it as versatile as possible. A study nook just made sense.”

Ellie lives on Sydney’s Upper North Shore in a two-bed apartment with her husband, young daughter and another baby on the way. The office nook was completed just as lockdown began. “It was great timing. I will definitely be using it going forward. I usually work a day a week or so from home.”

The financial controller has also set up her dining room to do double duty as a playroom, making their home work for their growing family. “Having watched all the amazing things you can do with a tiny house, I definitely don’t think it’s necessary to dedicate a whole room to one use. One of the working from home tips I see frequently is to pack away at the end of the day. It’s so easy to do that with my study nook and it does help me switch off.”

Belinda Rosenbaum painted the mural in the study nook for her girls, below, which was created by cabinetmakers J and K Badewitz:

“Our little house in Merimbula (a holiday shack in its previous life) is pretty tight on space so this was like adding a whole new room!”

Shelley Boyd’s home office (below) is tucked under the stairs. “It’s a great use of dead space which has been turned into a room of its own. My advice for utilising spaces like this is to introduce storage options so that paperwork and mess can be moved out of eyesight. Lighting is also important for both practicality and atmosphere. My space has lots of natural lighting as well as a statement desk lamp.”

The Boyd Blue owner says: “I am inspired by bold colour, texture, tone and hand crafted finishes and my office is filled with samples, inspiring images and an array of knick-knacks I have collected from various travels across the world. My fur babies Hugo and Daisy are never far away and I love the company they bring.”

The last three examples below, are by Brisbane interior design duo Anju Designs, who are experts at getting the most out of smaller homes.

Incorporated into the custom joinery with floating shelves, this study area works beautifully adjoining the kitchen and dining area, and provides a generous workspace in a two-bedroom apartment:

The architecture of this bedroom allows for the perfect little study nook. A small space with lots of natural light, and great use of an area that otherwise would have had no purpose:

This study nook utilises a walk-through space adjacent to the kitchen which leads through to the laundry. The built-in shelving provides ample storage space but by keeping it open, the area still feels light and spacious:

So, if you thought you didn’t have space for a home office, it may be time to think again!

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Tags apartment living, built in cabinetry, custom joinery, home office, home office nook, office nook, small space living, study nook, working from home

Designers DIY Expert Tips

Upcycled desk ideas: from drab to fab for under $100

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date April 20, 2020
3 Comments on Upcycled desk ideas: from drab to fab for under $100

By Naomi Findlay

We’ve probably never looked more closely at our desks and home offices than we are now.

Have you previously worked on the lounge, at the coffee table or maybe even the kitchen bench? Now you may find yourself in the position where you’re having to work from home on a more regular basis and suddenly your desk and storage has become a focus, as has how you feel when you are working.

At the same time, not everyone is in a position to go and splash out on a beautiful big new desk, so I have a challenge for you. I want you to look around you for a fixer-upper. It might be the desk you already have, maybe one on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, a roadside find or from an op shop like Vinnie’s. See if you can find a desk that is the perfect project for you.

BEFORE: This op shop find was pretty bland

Here’s my how-to so when you find that desk, you know exactly what to do and what you need. The desk pictured is one I recently did up for a client. I got it from a local Lifeline store for around $50 and took it from bland to sensational!

What you need

1 litre of Porter’s Chalk Emulsion in French Slate
Small roller tray or roller pot
Small roller
Medium paintbrush
Sanding pad/sponge (flexible is good for the curved shapes)
A sharp edge
Baby wipes
Dry clean cloth
Screwdriver
New handles
Wax
Wax brush

How to do it

Remove the drawers

Remove the hardware

Clean any obvious dirt and high grease areas.

Use the sharp edge and baby wipes to get the old wax, grease and years of dirt out of the finer detail on the desk, this will allow for the new paint to sit right into the details rather than on top of the old gunk, making for a sharper and more refined final product.

Use the sanding sponge to give the whole desk a sand, making sure that you get right into the corners and the routed details. The flexible sanding sponge also makes sanding the round legs easier.

Use a clean dry paint brush to then dust all of the sanding dust out of the detailed areas and also the ornate rose area and drawers. You can also vacuum out the drawers if you have one handy.

Then wipe down with a clean and dry cloth to make sure you are ready for your first coat.

Apply the Porter’s Chalk Emulsion using a paintbrush for the detailed areas and then a roller over the top. This allows for a flawless finish.

Once the first coat has dried (approx 2 hours) do a very light sand and then apply a second coat.

Once the final coat is fully dry, get a fine grade sanding pad and very minimally distress the edges and the details on the desk.

Always stand back and reassess this as you go. Start super light!

Once you are happy with the level of distressing, use a tiny amount of antique black wax on the rose motif to give it some depth and definition. Finish it all off with a clear wax covering over the whole piece.

Finally, attach your new handles.

This was such a simple but amazing makeover. The desk was not an antique which meant that the drawers slid with a lot of clearance and hence I was able to paint the drawer side and also inside the drawers. This always looks better if it doesn’t affect the function of the drawers.

This really is simple and achievable for all levels of experience. All you need is some time (it is something you can do with the kids), some know-how (now you have it!) and the want to surround yourself in beauty, starting with your desk.

See more of Naomi’s projects

Tags chalk paint, desk, home office, naomi findlay, op shop, upcycled, upcycled desk ideas, upcycling, working from home

DIY Expert Tips Shopping Styling

Three Birds Renovations’ dirty blush office makeover

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 16, 2020
No Comments on Three Birds Renovations’ dirty blush office makeover

Pop Up Desks are a fast, easy & affordable solution

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date April 15, 2020
1 Comment on Pop Up Desks are a fast, easy & affordable solution

I’ve been so inspired, as I’m sure you have too, by the stories of local businesses pivoting to save themselves and their employees at this challenging time. And even better when that pivot offers a solution to new challenges the rest of us are facing, and for many that’s working and schooling from home. These clever new Pop Up Desks are the perfect example, and they look good too!

They’re the brainchild of DisplayWise, a market leader in the events and exhibitions space. “For almost 20 years we have built displays for some of Australia’s most well known brands, however recent events have obviously shattered our entire industry and led to most of our business opportunities evaporating overnight,” said group marketing director Lisa Cachia.

“As a team, we watched as doors around us continued to close. We put our heads together and thought what can we do, what can we make that is going to be useful and add value during these challenging times?

“Noting that many offshore supplies were limited, and with more and more people either working or studying from home, we realised that a range of high quality, locally manufactured desks would provide many Australians with a solution to their new home office needs.”

With skills in industrial design, a full manufacturing facility and a team of people ready and willing to work, they quickly set about turning the concept into a reality. In the space of a few days, they had designed, tested, produced and taken to market a range of desks. “We also created a new brand, Pop Up Desks, along with a suite of marketing materials including brochures and a new website.”

The Scandi-inspired desks not only look great, they are highly functional. Purposefully designed to be easy to assemble (from just six pieces), they can ‘pop up’ in a matter of minutes and require no screws. Knowing that many people lack space or a permanent office set-up, the desks can also ‘pop down’ and be stored flat when not required, even for the weekend!

From $179 and shipping Australia wide, they’re made of high quality MDF with a choice of laminate finishes and come in adult and junior size or a standing version. The range is growing every week as the brand responds to requests for different sizes and configurations.

“Most importantly, all of our products are designed and made in Australia, supporting local jobs in these unprecedented times,” Lisa says.

“As a business, great design is key to everything we do. Whether we are building a two-story exhibition stand, or a piece of home office furniture, we apply the same design principals and attention to detail in our work. This innovative, unique design is testament to our drive to make products that not only look amazing but are of a high quality and are extremely functional.”

They’ve been thrilled with the response from customers and the media. “Businesses need to diversify and adapt to survive,” Lisa says. “Whether you are an alcohol manufacturer that has pivoted to produce much needed hand sanitiser, or a fine dining restaurant that now offers takeaway, those that are able to think outside the square will stand a much greater chance of succeeding.

“There have been so many examples of these businesses in the media in recent weeks, I think it’s testament to the Aussie spirit and our determination to stick together and get through this crisis.”

Browse and order Pop Up Desks online

Tags business pivot, covid19, desk, display wise, home office, pandemic, pop up desk, study nook, work from home, working from home

Expert Tips Styling

Working from home? Interiors experts share tips

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date March 30, 2020
1 Comment on Working from home? Interiors experts share tips

By Lexi Kentmann

As many of us make the shift to work from home, potentially from a busy household bustling with both kids and adults, we’re looking for ways to increase productivity, positivity and flex some style skills while we’re at it.

Since myself making the switch to work remotely just six weeks ago, while not a tenured pro – I still like to think I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve. Mainly: whatever you do, get out of your pyjamas. It’s a mind trick (almost Jedi-like) that switches me into that work mindframe. And get some sunlight every single day.

While we’re focused on social distancing and coming to terms with what that means, we asked six interiors experts how they’re making the transition. While some of them have worked remotely for some time and have already nailed the art, others are meeting isolation in a creative way (hello snacks cupboard!) – but each has their own approach on what works for them.

STAY FOCUSED (and stay away from the snacks): Heather Nette King, stylist + author

I work from home in my colourful little office, but with the obvious isolation measures in place now, what is usually a quite solitary pursuit has grown to include my daughters, whose university classes have now gone online, and my husband’s agency had a trial ‘work from home’ day yesterday. So, it was a very different scene here in our little apartment. I am actually finding it very, very hard to keep my focus and avoid distractions – so I’ll have to work on that. So far, the only creatures that seem to be thrilled with the new arrangements are our pets, who now have more choice of whose feet to sit at.

One thing I have been thinking about is doing a quick dash to my storage cage to collect the rest of my books. I only bought a selection here when we downsized from our previous home, but I’ve a hunch I will have loads more time to read them. It’s weird that this fantasy of getting more time to read and to slow down has materialised, but I think we will all be way too anxious to really enjoy it.

And I guess that propping for shoots will largely be done online, as so many stores and showrooms are sensibly implementing ‘appointment only’ visits. I will have to become extremely organised to work that way, as I usually just head out and see where the shops take me.

On what is (I hope) the more lighthearted downside, my capacity to be a fridge-bother has increased exponentially. We usually shop for food day to day, but I’ve found that having a cupboard full of biscuits and chips and stuff I would not usually think of buying, to be another massive distraction. I’m going to have to buy a lock because those chocolate teddy bear biscuits are playing games with my mind!

Stay safe people.

BE DILIGENT: Rachel Castle, Castle + Things

My son is in HSC, so I’m VERY much looking forward to the new social distancing rules, especially coming into the weekends before exams! Teenagers would rather eat dirt than wash their hands, so this novel new activity is proving difficult to enforce but I am being diligent, I think it’s key to keeping healthy. New rules are my old rules: Armaforce, sleep, good food and rest. And being nice and kind to one another.

MAXIMISE SPACE: Shelley Mason, Project 82

Our busy family includes a teenager, a four year old, a cat and a dog – so we’ll definitely be wanting to make the most of each and every corner of our home!

We’re lucky enough to have an extra room which isn’t currently being utilised to its best, so I’m converting this space into a designated work/study area for Luella (my teen) and myself to work from.

I’ve got a dedicated desk coupled with two of our Suzie chairs, which are comfortable enough to sit on all day if need be. This combined with a sofa in the corner to take a break and catch up on news, Instagram, Tiktok etc, will have us set up for work/life balance and harmony for however long we’re isolated.

SLOW DOWN + CONNECT: Samantha Seljak, Seljak Brand

As the social climate is increasingly uncertain, it’s an opportunity, and our responsibility, to slow down, stay home, stay safe and get cosy.

Whether you live alone or with others, make a space you can use to reset. I’ve got the watercolour paints out and made a space in the living room for art. I’ve downloaded a bunch of Classic Flow podcasts (yoga classes set to live classical music – so uplifting) and am embracing other online communities. Transform your living room, bedroom or outdoor space into your studio; for art, for dancing, for chilling and for connecting (digitally) with others.

If you’re working at home, find a way to create variation in your daily routine. Mornings in the kitchen with a coffee; afternoons in a sunny nook somewhere else in your home. Separate the working and relaxing phases of your day with candles, incense or by smudging to reset the vibe. Bring the outside in with plants so you have something to nurture. And, of course, keep cosy and comfortable with blankets.

Keeping healthy – inside and out – and enabling yourself to feel positive and balanced is so important at a time like this.

LET THERE BE LIGHT (and fresh air): Anna Williams, Your Beautiful Home

Working from home permanently means making a few key changes. The most important thing is to ensure your desk and chair are set up at the right heights to ensure comfort and good posture when you’re spending more hours in the home office. Eight hours on the cheap plastic chair you have had since flatting days is far from ideal! Investing in a quality chair is well worth considering – as is a desk that can be altered from sitting to standing height.

Your space needs to be somewhere you can easily focus. For some people, this means a very clear desk with minimal distraction – time to pack away the kids’ colouring books and textas. Other more creative types may need to create a pinboard of inspiration and reference to make the space their own. Think about what motivates you and set up your space to be inviting. Pinned magazine pictures, family photos and a scented candle? Neatly organised trays of stationery and a clear to-do list?

Good lighting is often overlooked when working from home. Making sure you have adequate overhead lighting or task lighting (for example a good desk lamp) is crucial to productive days in the home office.

Consider what access you have to fresh air. Often a study is tucked away in a corner of the house – if you’re going to be there every day can you relocate to a spot where you have an outlook onto the garden, or at least a fresh breeze? This will do wonders for clear thinking.

DECLUTTER: Jono Fleming, interiors stylist + co-host of House of Style Podcast

As a designer who already works from home, I’ve been used to self isolation for a while. The key for me was to have a designated work zone, not the couch or the bed, a zone that was just for work time. The other was to keep a tidy house. When you spend all your time in one space, make sure it’s looking the best it can. Visual mess makes for a mental clutter.

Got tips on how to make the most of your work from home station? Share your ideas in comments!

—Lexi Kentmann is an experienced PR and marketing professional, specialising in working with brands in interiors and lifestyle.

Tags coronavirus, home office, self isolation, working from home

Interiors Addict

Working from home tips for a healthy mind & body

Post author By Guest Poster
Post date March 18, 2020
1 Comment on Working from home tips for a healthy mind & body

Formerly an unused space, Jessica created an office area at the entry to the home — Image: Eclectic Creative

Dr Zoe Wainer

As the nation grapples with the spread of COVID-19, many Australians are being instructed to work from home by their employers or are having to do so of their own accord in order to look after children who are home from school.

While these practices are being recommended to limit the spread of germs via social interactions, enforced working from home presents its own health issues for individuals and families who don’t have proper home office set-ups. This is because prolonged working on inappropriate furniture can cause strain on muscles.

In addition, the physical activity associated with daily commutes or walking around a workplace to meet with colleagues is significantly diminished which presents other health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

To keep yourself healthy in your new work setting, there are a few simple adjustments you can make to enjoy a productive work day.

Ergonomics are important: Invest in an appropriate desk and chair set up for your home office which promotes good posture and is appropriate for your height. When setting up a computer make sure the monitor is at the correct height with the top of the screen at eye level.

Virtualise your meetings: Social interactions are important for maintaining a positive mood and reducing stress, depression and anxiety caused by social isolation. By using a webcam for work meetings, you can see familiar faces and engage with colleagues on a more meaningful level.

Enforce break time from work: Sitting for hours on end working from home can place you at risk of developing stiff muscles, gaining weight and negatively affect your mood. Taking regular breaks to stretch and exercise muscles, spending time outside (where appropriate) or even working standing up for short periods can help reduce these risks. For some, installing a treadmill in the home office to utilise when making calls is a great way to keep active in a sedentary setting.

Unplug and unwind: Where possible, avoid working while hunched over a couch or sitting on a bed which not only encourages bad posture but also interrupts essential downtime which is essential for your mental health. In addition, spending bedtime glued to smartphones and other devices can interrupt your sleep and increase stress levels. Enforcing ‘no-work’ times and zones can help you maintain a healthy balance between work, rest and play.

Look for signs of strain: If you notice yourself squinting or in any distress, consult your local GP for advice on managing these issues. Something as simple as a new optical prescription or a physiotherapist referral to improve posture can make a big difference to your work habits and overall quality of life.

While it may not be convenient to work from home, you can set yourself up for success in a challenging situation.

–Dr Wainer is Head of Public Health at Bupa.

Tags coronavirus, covid19, home office, home working, pandemic, self isolation, working from home

Expert Tips Furniture

Add wood to your home office and up your feel good!

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date June 14, 2018
1 Comment on Add wood to your home office and up your feel good!

Sponsored by Planet Ark’s Make It Wood

I absolutely love my solid timber desk in my home office but little did I know it could be contributing to my productivity as well as looking (and feeling!) good!

A new Australian report, Workplaces: Wellness + Wood = Productivity, says productivity can be increased by 8% and rates of well-being by 13% when we are exposed to natural elements, such as wood, in our offices. And with younger generations increasingly starting their own entrepreneurial ventures and working from home, they can choose to surround themselves with such things on a daily basis. Not to mention aesthetics! Take a look at some of our favourite timber home office picks. Nature always gets it right, right?!

The Watson Open Bookcase in new teak from GlobeWest

Ethnicraft Oak Wave bookcase from Curious Grace made from sustainable European oak

My own Ascot desk in natural ash from Contents ID

Recycled Stringybark sideboard from Ingrain Designs

Pollinate undertook a large-scale study investigating the relationship between exposure to wood in the workplace and workers’ reported wellbeing. The following findings are based on the results of an online survey of 1,000 ‘typical’ Australians working in indoor environments:

–Workers in workplaces with more wood have higher levels of satisfaction

–Biophilic design elements e.g. plants, natural light are also correlated with increased workplace satisfaction

–Workers in work environments with exposed wood feel more connected to nature and have more positive associations with their workplace

–Those in wooden working environments have higher levels of wellbeing and take less leave

–Wood is correlated with higher levels of concentration, improved mood and personal productivity.

Over the years I have definitely come to appreciate the feel good factor, beauty and longevity of wood in my home. In my thirties, I’ve upgraded from MDF flatpack, and I prefer to wait until I can afford the solid timber version; even better if it’s sustainably sourced too (read more about choosing the right wood). In my last apartment reno I used recycled timber vanities crafted by Melbourne’s Ingrain Designs and my latest furniture purchase for this house is an extendable ash dining table by Ethnicraft, who are committed to making solid wood furniture which lasts for generation and transcends trends.

My last bathroom reno featured stunning recycled timber vanities which I still miss!

It makes absolute sense to me that being surrounded by wood, be it at home, in the office or home office, would contribute to your feeling of wellbeing and connection to nature. As someone who gets to work from home and dictate my home office surroundings, I absolutely love having a beautiful solid timber desk as the hero of the room. Its timeless design means I’ll have it for many years.

The report goes on to say: “The link between job satisfaction and productivity has been well established in several academic papers. The happier the worker the more effective they will be in their role. Therefore, it is crucial for organisations to focus on worker satisfaction in order to maximise productivity. According to the results of this survey only 66% of workers are satisfied with their working life and only 59% with their workplace’s physical environment. This leaves a significant proportion who may not be maximising their potential while at work.”

An area in which workers were least satisfied was their connection with nature while at work. Given the established link between nature and wellbeing it makes sense that we should all trying adding some timber and plants (which also happen to be seriously on trend!) to our offices (where we have the choice) and home offices!

Why wood’s good (from a design perspective)

It’s a neutral
Natural materials add warmth and interest
It’s solid and hardwearing and can be sanded back and given a new lease on life should it get damaged or you fancy a change
It basically goes with everything!

Some ideas for adding wood to your home office

The obvious one: a desk
Timber wall shelving or bookcases
Investing in solid timber flooring when renovating rather than cheaper alternatives
Look for vintage timber furniture pieces to add character and minimise the corporate vibe.

Download the report

Tags benefits of wood, biophilic, entrepreneur, forestry, home office, make it wood, nature in the workplace, planet ark, pollinate, productivity, sustainable. timber, timber, trees, wellbeing, wood, working from hoe, workplaces wellness + wood = productivity

Bedrooms Expert Tips Kitchens

‘Decluttering’ is trending on Pinterest – check out fave inspo

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date January 18, 2018
1 Comment on ‘Decluttering’ is trending on Pinterest – check out fave inspo

While Spring wasn’t that long ago, there’s something about January that makes me want to immerse myself in home organisation in preparation for the year ahead. And, according to Pinterest, it seems I’m not alone. Compared to last year, the number of ‘decluttering’ ideas saved has increased by 225 per cent and ‘DIY organising’ ideas have seen 415 per cent growth.

The sort of pantry that dreams are made of. Image source: Pinterest/Renee

Kitchen
Possibly my favourite area of home organisation (I know, I’m tragic!) is the pantry. Not only does an organised pantry make cooking easier, but it’s something that gives me great joy every time I use it. Family life is hectic and it’s my little bit of control amidst the chaos. Aside from some uniform containers and baskets, a label maker is a must.

This pantry is small but perfectly formed. Image source: Pinterest/Patricia Soto

Study
A clutter-free desk ensures a clutter-free mind – at least in my experience. And whether you’re working from home or simply paying bills, a clean, minimalist desk is just the ticket for productivity. Pinterest provides much inspiration on this front.

This home office is a minimalist’s dream. Image source: Pinterest/Alexis Brown

Laundry
Long time readers will know all about my obsession with folding fitted sheets, but the linen cupboard is an area of my home that I am constantly waging war with. Given it is a bit small for my family of five, organisation is key – from matching baskets to precision folding and a neutral palette (obviously not always possible) the example below is pretty fabulous.

Store your matching sheets inside their pillow cases. Image source: Pinterest/Emma Hillhouse

Bedroom
From shoe and earring storage to whipping your clothes rack into shape, Pinterest is full of fabulous bedroom organisation ideas.

This is someones’ ACTUAL wardrobe. Image source: Pinterest/Charlize Watches

The bedside table is a bit of a serial offender, such is the clutter that can accumulate on top – especially if you don’t have drawers.

The trolley bedside is a novel idea that allows you to locate items swiftly. Image source: Pinterest/Nicola Duck

For more decluttering ideas

Tags bedroom, decluttering, diy, diy hacks, home office, home organisation, kitchen, pinterest, study

House Tours Jen's reno

Jen’s home office reveal

Photography: Jacqui Turk

I’m excited to reveal my new home office; once a very dull and boxy little room, otherwise known as ‘bedroom 4’ on the floorplan! It did have a few great things going for it though: the best light in the house and a window and glass doors looking out onto the garden. Our house is very long and the office is right at the back, away from any noise and distraction.

It needed help though. And as this is a long term home, I really wanted to make an effort with this workspace and make it somewhere I really wanted to hang out and felt inspired and happy to work in. There’s nothing that transforms a small and featureless room more, in my opinion, than wallpaper. I’d wanted to use one of Anna Spiro’s designs for Porters Paints for years. Damian wasn’t sure about the pink so I compromised on the blue version. But when I found they were out of stock, I somehow managed to persuade him it was a good idea to revert to pink. At the end of the day, I’m the one who works from home so it’s really my domain. That and the fact the garage has been earmarked as his man cave and I’ll happily have nothing to do with what goes on in there!

Before the wallpaper, I’d already had a plantation shutter put on the window. Since these photos were taken I’ve also had sheer curtains put on the sliding door. They filter the light really well because the sun can sometimes be a bit too much and soften the room nicely.

I don’t need much furniture, being someone whose work is largely online and stored in the cloud. Laptop, printer, paper diary and a few notebooks and pens aside, I don’t need much physical stuff. Which keeps things tidy! I already had the two grey home office storage units from Pottery Barn. I love them because they’re grey and don’t look too corporate or officey. The one with the doors neatly hides the printer (never a good look!) and even if you don’t need storage, you’ve got to have somewhere to display pretty things, right?!

Speaking of pretty things, it was love at first sight for that cut glass lamp. Amazing. I’m still on the lookout for a more interesting shade to swap out for the white one it came with, just to mix things up a little. The rattan lampshade on the pendant light is the same one we’ve used in all the bedrooms. It’s a nice textured neutral.

The magazine rack is actually a bathroom ladder. I think I saw it used this way in a magazine and stole the idea, but I can’t remember which, sorry!

I’m having a major floral moment and these two prints by Kimmy Hogan (right) and Lamai Anne (left) seem to work well together and with the wallpaper.

It took a long time to work out where the desk should go (the doors make this room a tricky one to work with) but Damian finally cracked it and as soon as I realised the chair should be looking towards the door, that was it! I also have a thing about having my back to the door and not knowing who might creep up behind me, so this this works well! I imported that chair from Jonathan Adler years ago and while it is made of resin and thus super heavy and not ergonomically sound at all, I just love it so there. The desk itself is solid timber. I love its generous size, simplicity and the fact it has a small drawer where I store pens (not a fan of pen pots!).

The round blush pink rug helps balance the room a little as most of the action is happening at the far end.

This room is definitely polarising but I’m unapologetic! This is my space where I get work done and earn money so it’s important too. It doesn’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea! That said, I find most women love it and men just shudder and say the wallpaper would give them a headache! Each to their own!

It’s actually really fun and refreshing to have a room which can be so self indulgent (when you’re in a couple you do have to be at least a little conscious of your other half’s tastes!). And the fact that this room feels so good and is a pleasure to work in makes me happy every day. All in all, I’m glad I had the guts to go bold in this room.

The floors in here will be replaced with an oak laminate next month, and the sliding doors will eventually be replaced with French double doors.

What do you think?

Where’s it from?

Wallpaper: Rosey Posey Trellis by Anna Spiro for Porter’s Paints

Installation by AKRA Wallpapering

Grey storage units: Windsor range from Pottery Barn

Table lamp: Zoya table lamp from Lighting Lighting Lighting

Pendant light: Shore pendant in tan rattan from Beacon Lighting

Desk: Altar desk in natural ash from Contents International Design

Chair: Jonathan Adler Chippendale Armchair, available in Australia through Coco Republic

Plantation shutter and sheer curtains: DIY Online Blinds

Art: Kimmy Hogan and Lamai Anne.

Rug: Cochin blush hand stitched rug from Early Settler

Bathroom ladder (used for magazines): Home Republic Bath Storage Ladder from Adairs

Terrazzo MacBook Skin: Uniqfind

Gold stapler: Kate Spade (available at David Jones)

Bluetooth speaker: Bang & Olufsen (available at Myer)

Gold wall clock: Target

See my master bedroom

Tags anna spiro, desk, home office, interiors addict at home, interiors addict reno, jen bishop at home, jen bishop office, jen's home office, pink wallpaper, porters paints, rosey posey trellis, wallpaper, work from home

Homewares

Jen’s Lust List 23.05.17

How beautiful are these pieces by small Melbourne studio Felix Furniture? Cork and plywood never looked so good. The young couple behind the brand make everything by hand themselves and are big on sustainability. It’s no wondered they’ve amassed a large following in just three years.

I’ve been getting a bit wallpaper obsessed lately as I really want some in the office. I love what’s on offer at Quercus & Co. as well as Greg Natale and Anna Spiro’s ranges (both really different!) from Porter’s Paints. And you may remember I’ve used the gorgeous Publisher Textiles’ Bugsey design in my last two homes, I loved it so much! But I think it’s time for something different. Any other great Aussie wallpaper brands out there I don’t know about? Please share with me in the comments!

Anna Spiro for Porter’s Paints wallpaper

Also, speaking of home offices, I’ve just bought this storage combo from Pottery Barn. I hate when office furniture looks too, well, officey! There’s nothing corporate about these lovely grey pieces and I think the price point is really good too. Windsor door cabinet, Windsor bookshelf and Windsor storage unit (at the time of writing, these are all on sale). There’s a matching desk too but I already have a timber one.

We featured these yesterday, but I’m really loving Mr Jason Grant’s new tile range with Di Lorenzo. So much so I’m reconsidering my stone splashback in my future kitchen in favour of the mini bricks in deep sea. Yes, we’re talking navy, you got me!

I’m so pleased with these pendants we recently installed in our living room. They were a brave choice and they definitely make a statement but they’re working so well in the big space. Everyone has loved them and even better, they take LED bulbs so they’re really energy efficient as well as beautiful! I’ll be sharing some more photos of the full room soon. Lancette 9 Light CTC in Brushed Brass, $299 from Beacon Lighting

I’m also loving these cool, all-natural handmade baskets from new brand J’Jute. From $149. Many other designs available. Toys, shoes, towels: I see endless potential uses!

And last but not least, I’m loving Georgia MacMillan’s third textile range, especially this gingham-look Farglioni Blue Check. Isn’t it divine?! Available in Australia via Nicola Lawrence Textiles and Papers, $189 per metre.

I’ll be back with more favourite finds next Tuesday!

Tags anna spiro, beacon lighting, cork, di lorenzo, energy efficient, felix furniture, home office, jason grant, lancette pendant, LED, lust list, pendants, plywood, porters paints, pottery barn, tiles, wallpaper

Homewares

All that glitters: Our pick of the hottest gold desk wares

Post author By Amy Collins-Walker
Post date May 1, 2017
No Comments on All that glitters: Our pick of the hottest gold desk wares

Aussie desk tops are suddenly looking more stylish as the gold trend permeates the office sphere. Pimp your work space with these stylish gilded finds.

Kikki-K acrylic desk accessories: From a stapler and tape dispenser and so much more, we love these lucite desk accessories. From $19.95

Meri Meri paper clips with pom pom: Desk life is anything but boring with these fun stationery favourites. $15.95.

Kmart lever arch file (rose gold): The perfect spot for storing details of your latest project. $3.

The Daily Edited ‘The Stationery Love r’ set: This chic set is comprised of a memo cube, pen holder and mouse pad and you can get gold text embossed on them too. $109.95.

White Moose Designs gold wings bookends: Perfect for wedging your favourite books or magazines between. $55.

Kikki-k glass water bottle: You’ll never forget to hit your daily water quota with this slimline design sitting atop your desk. $29.95.

Kmart accessory set in rose gold: Make sure the whole look is streamlined with this handy set of desk favourites. $5.

Tom Dixon Cube stapler in rose gold: One of the most stylish staplers you shall ever find but we wouldn’t expect anything less from the design wunderkind. $130.

Tags desk, home office, kikki.k, kmart, Office, stationery, the daily edited, tom dixon

Furniture Homewares

Jen’s home office shopping spree at Supa Centa Moore Park

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 28, 2017
No Comments on Jen’s home office shopping spree at Supa Centa Moore Park

Briar from Sunday Collector shares her small home office tips

Post author By Jen Bishop
Post date February 11, 2016
No Comments on Briar from Sunday Collector shares her small home office tips

As we come off the high of holidays and settle back into work for the year ahead, we’re looking for fresh ways to create a functioning and invigorating space to work from.

Sydney-based interior decorator and founder and editor of Sunday Collector, Briar Stanley, recently shared her perfectly curated home office space, so she can already tick #officegoals off her to-do list for 2016.

Today she shares seven tips on creating the perfect small space home office:

Purchase quality. Storage items that look great on display are a must (avoid the corporate/plastic variety). A beautiful pen caddy, in tray and magazine file is all I need in front of me for my day to day desk duties. I also choose to work on a laptop as I often have to take work with me when travelling, but it’s also a far more compact option for a small desk space than a bulky monitor and hard drive combination.

SundayCollector_WestElm_web_jacquiturk-5

Hide your work. As pictured in my apartment, custom build a small home office as an extension from your kitchen that can be concealed with neat pocket doors when not in use. Other good spaces for a compact home office would be the space under a set of stairs or a stairway landing space, an awkward corner of a room not in use, or even a large empty wardrobe.

Good light. I find working in natural light during the day is lovely, but a good quality desk lamp such as the Factory Task Lamp, is important to brighten up your small work space at night, just ensure the lamp is not oversized and proportions are in keeping with the small desk. An angle poise lamp is also a good idea for task light direction you can control.

Minimise the clutter. Avoid the mistake of trying to keep everything sitting in front of you at your work space. If it’s possible – dedicate a cupboard close by for the items that tend to clutter a desk – including bulky items such as folders and a printer.

Look up. Free up floor space and make the most of the wall space in front or to the side of your desk with a large moodboard. Open wall mounted shelving for things like reference books, storage boxes and trays will keep your desk clean, as would a tall bookshelf or cupboard – make the most of the full height of your walls.

Keep cords and wires hidden. Hide the spaghetti mess as much as possible. Pictured in my home office are doors underneath the desk that open up to reveal wall mounted powerpoints. Cords are directed down to these powerpoints from a small opening in the corner of my desk.

Be comfortable. If you’re already sacrificing on space, you don’t want to be sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day. Look for adjustable height, armrests, a deep seat depth, proper wheels and of course something that looks good. I chose a chair for my office with a low back and light in fabric colour – so it’s not too overpowering at the small desk.

Styling by Briar Stanley | Photography by Jacqui Turk | Images courtesy of west elm

Tags blog, blogger, briar stanley, decorator, home office, office nook, sunday collector, tips, west elm, working from home