Ask A Designer™
Ask A Designer: How To Make The Most Out Of A Compact Home Office
Updated on November 28, 2023
In this Ask A Designer column, Gillian Atkins’ shares how to create a home office that is equally stylish and functional.
Question: I recently moved into a new apartment and would like some advice for my office area, which is a small space that sits just off the entry. I’d like it to function well and look great. Any suggestions? — J.H., Washington, D.C.
Do you have a design dilemma? Send your questions to [email protected].
Answer: Instead of staring at the wall, let’s turn your desk around so you face an open view. Fill the back wall with shelves, plus a shallow work surface, then place a narrow desk in front.
If you have the budget, build out the back wall with custom floating millwork in blond oak or oiled walnut. The desk should be about 18 inches deep and the shelves, a little chunky, at no more than 12 inches deep. Build in recessed lighting under the custom shelves if you can. A textured wallpaper or warm paint color behind the millwork works to ground it and creates a focal point.
Keep scrolling for elements of this look!
Get the look for less using one of the many modular ladder-style desk-bookshelf combos on the market.
For your second desk, consider choosing something with a different material like ribbed wood to add texture and dimension to your office.
Add a swivel office chair for your two surfaces.
Set out a small tray or basket for keys and mail, since you’re so close to your front door.
Style your shelves and surfaces like a library. Books and curated objets make a great backdrop for Zoom calls.
On your new desk, add a leather desk blotter and cordless LED table light.
Matching office accessories will add function and style to your desk.
Lastly, define the space with a rug — look for a graphic pattern like this mid-century Moroccan example.
Here’s a less expensive alternative from Ruggable.
Gillian Atkins is a senior designer at Lynda Reeves Design Studio.