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Compiled by Shané Barnard
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Andrea Krige of Paarl writes Since the beginning of lockdown last year, my husband and I have both been working from home full-time; we’re lucky to have a home office with a door that we can close at the end of the day. The space is functional, with a desk for each of us, but we need inspiration to make it more appealing and comfortable. We already have a cabinet in which we can store some of our office supplies, but the printer is standing on a desk and it takes up a lot of space. Extra storage space would be useful and we need a rug. Please help! THE SOLUTION Dina Venter of my.decorlist replies Your office is very neat but it feels cluttered because there is ‘visual noise’. The floor plan indicates that the room is spacious, so you can experiment with the layout; with a few clever changes, the space will look more professional. Also, add warmth with personal elements – this will increase productivity. Here are a few ideas: CREATE VISUAL SPACE BY DECLUTTERING Currently, the curtain takes up too much space in a corner that could be better utilised. Replace it with a roller blind installed inside the window recess. This will make the area appear more open. The room gets lovely natural light, so ask your blind supplier to install a transparent sheer weave blind that will still let in some light but can be closed to prevent annoying reflections on computer screens. If you like colour and pattern, have a Roman blind made with multicoloured fabric. Although it’s functional and provides a surface area, the trestle table takes up a lot of space. Consider replacing it. Tip Commercial offices always look professional because they’re uniform. Invest in a set of office furniture rather than separate pieces, especially if there’s more than one workstation in a room. FOCUS ON UNIFORMITY The steel cabinet has a timeless industrial look; let it guide your other purchases, as and when your budget allows. Get a matching low steel cabinet (media unit) for the printer to stand on and replace your tables with
74 home July 2021
Armchair and side table
Media unit
something in a similar design. and printer OPTIMISE YOUR LAYOUT According to your floor plan, there is an unused wall as you enter the Steel office. Move the two desks here with cabinet the media unit and printer inbetween them. This way the printer and extra storage space will be within reach of both workstations. Desk and chair Once the curtain has been replaced with a sleek blind, you can create space in this corner for an armchair and side table – perfect for taking a break or doing tasks that don’t require a desk. Leave the tall steel cabinet where it is, but make sure it doesn’t bump against the door when opened. CREATE STORAGE SPACE When the curtain rail has been removed, there will be space for wall shelves. Create an interesting focal point above and to the right of the window. Fill the shelves with files and books that you don’t use regularly (you’ll have to stand on a chair to reach them) and display personal items such as photos and plants. GIVE THE SPACE PERSONALITY Colour is important in a workspace – it can affect your mood and productivity. I suggest a blue palette to promote calmness and focus, with pops of yellow for a touch of fun and positivity. First, paint the room white and keep the window frames black to echo the industrial style. Then bring in blue and yellow with wallpaper, which will serve as a lovely backdrop for online meetings. When it comes to selecting a rug, go for a low pile outdoor rug that will withstand office chairs on wheels. Complete the picture with furniture and accessories in the same colour scheme. Tip Paint the skirting boards a bright yellow for a subtle repetition of the colour scheme. CONTACT mydecorlist.com
Wallpaper
THE CHALLENGE
Desk and chair
Décor dilemma
Roller or Roman blind
