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Functional options Blending office and living space Samantha Pynn For Postmedia News Q: I’m living with stacks of banker’s boxes and want to cry every time I look at them. I bought a live-work loft and want my office space to blend with my living space. I was attracted to the high ceilings and envisioned myself impressing clients with a colourful and cool space, but I’m having the worst time finding a functional and comfortable design. I’m embarrassed by how I’m living and rarely have clients drop by. A: Don’t feel embarrassed. I’ve lived with stacks of banker’s boxes, and, in my early 20s, even a mattress on the floor. The memory is majorly depressing. Honestly, I started decorating to avoid prescription drugs. Once you start organizing
your loft, your sadness will lift. First, you’ll need storage. High ceilings are a blessing in any home. In a work-live loft, you’ll want to take advantage of those high ceilings and build up with tall shelving or cabinets. I found a great inspiration photo from West Elm (westelm.ca) that shows how to create a hip and homey workspace. For office supplies and miscellaneous items to which you need quick access, stylish storage boxes or baskets will keep everything looking chic and organized. Obviously, filing cabinets work best for, well, files. But, if you feel that they look institutional, spray-paint your filing cabinets the same colour as your walls to make them fade into the scenery. Next, you’ll want to add furniture that doesn’t look like the kind you’d find in a cubicle. In the photo, the Parson’s style desk with two hidden drawers looks like (and could sub as) a dining table. The upholstered blueand-white striped West Elm Saddle office chair would look equally great in a liv-
ing or dining room. If you sit at your desk for most of the day, however, you’ll need a chair that’s ergonomic. A pair of upholstered chairs would work well as visitor chairs and keep your office looking and feeling comfy. Lighting in any office is key. Fluorescent tube lights are the enemy. No matter what type of lighting you have in your loft, the addition of floor and table lamps will keep your space from feeling austere. A giant light fixture like the white lantern above the desk will give your space a “cool” vibe, while a bright yellow task lamp will provide light for reading and a shot of colour. The biggest statement in this room is the colourful sunburst rug. You can definitely choose a neutral rug to add texture and warmth, but if cheery and fun is your aim, then choose a rug like it’s art for the floor. With a little colour, some soft furnishings and floor-toceiling storage, the tide’s going to turn and your frustration is all going to roll away. Send a small-space question to asksampynn@gmail.com.
West Elm
The upholstered blue-and-white striped West Elm Saddle office chair looks equally great in a living or dining room.
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