BC Business
Home office | BCBusiness
It can be tough to stay in work mode when you’re sitting on the sofa with the remote control tempting you to turn on the TV. And how can you be productive when your dining table is piled with paper and other office trappings? These are sure signs that it’s time to carve out some workspace at home, whether a dedicated room or a niche next to the kitchen.
Start with the trio of must-haves—desk, chair, lamp—and choose items that suit your home’s design aesthetic, especially if your office doesn’t have a door.
First up, invest in a fully functional desk, ideally one with integrated storage and a system for corralling cables. Next, get a proper chair that supports your back and raises or lowers (especially if you share your office); you’ll be more comfortable during those marathon sitting sessions. Task lamps earn their name: they’re helpful when jotting down lists and reading reports. Be sure to inject some personality into your new space with accessories that look good and work hard, such as wireless speakers, magazine holders and a sleek bulletin board. When you’re done working, put everything away, power down your devices and enjoy some well-earned downtime.
Here the versatile Homework desk, designed by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen in Vancouver, has been outfitted to suit two offices with very different styles.
ABOVE: XL cable cord, $13.95 from CB2, Beetle Clock paperweight, $58 from Mint Interiors, Paperclip ruler, $14.95 from CB2, Bem wireless mobile speaker, $69.95 from Chapters and Indigo
STYLE NO. 1: Vintage Inspiration Natural wood on the desk is complemented by fabric and accessories in saturated hues that add a burst of energy and retro appeal to the office. Gentle curves in the chair back keep the look casual, not rigid | Homework desk in black oak with double drawer and file drawer by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen, starting from $1,595 from Inform Interiors, Coup teal office chair by Mark Daniel of Slate Design, $349 from CB2, Signal desk lamp, $445 from Fullhouse Modern, Copenhagen terrarium, $225 from Fullhouse Modern, The House of Marley Chant Bluetooth portable audio system, $99.99 from Future Shop (R.I.P.), Woodrow wastebasket by Umbra, $19.99 from Room in Order
STYLE NO. 2: Modern Minimalism Clean-lined furniture and accessories in neutral colours bring form and function to the home office without the clutter | Homework desk by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen Antonio office chair, $589 from Mint Interiors, Lim table lamp, $320 from EQ3, Small cube terrarium, $110 from Old Faithful Shop, Scape magazine holder, $59.99 from CB2, Jawbone Mini Jambox portable Bluetooth speaker, $140 from Chapters and Indigo