The 20 Most Popular Home Office Photos of 2015
Technology paves the way for space-saving work areas, while designers make up for small sizes with style
2015 was our most paperless year to date, and home office design certainly reflected that. We saw less need for filing cabinets, binders, magazine bins and bulky desktop computers as Wi-Fi, the cloud, websites, tablets and online banking took over. This meant home offices required less storage space, and dedicating a full room to them was no longer necessary for many homeowners. Instead, work stations with everything one needs were tucked into nooks, window bays, former closets and even under staircases. Here are 20 of the most popular office photos of 2015 — do you see any that helped you design or tweak your own work space? Please let us know all about your home office in the Comments.
Under the stairs. Much like the previous example, this cozy office nook by architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph was created using space stolen from an often wasted spot. As more folks opt to downsize these days, creating an office from an area like this is preferable to adding an entire room dedicated to work.
Side note: Check out the way the architect concealed a coat closet next to the nook
Side note: Check out the way the architect concealed a coat closet next to the nook
Making the most of a bump-out or bay. These nooks are just the right size to nestle in a desk. This bump-out is part of a living room, and interior designer Jennifer Walters wanted to maintain an open, “non-office-y” feel under the windows. Using a desk with a glass top and polished metal legs keeps the work space from feeling cluttered or clunky. The wireless printer and fax are hidden in baskets.
See more of this room
More: Don’t have a bump-out or bay but want one? Check out Micro Additions: When You Just Want a Little More Room
Paint color: Polar Sky, Benjamin Moore; blinds: Designer Series in Bamboo Natural, paylessdecor.com
See more of this room
More: Don’t have a bump-out or bay but want one? Check out Micro Additions: When You Just Want a Little More Room
Paint color: Polar Sky, Benjamin Moore; blinds: Designer Series in Bamboo Natural, paylessdecor.com
Shelving that leaves the floors free. Thanks to the white, wall-mounted shelves, this room feels uncluttered and much more open, whereas free-standing bookshelves or cabinetry that extended to the floors would have closed in the 9-by-9-foot space.
Track lights: WAC Lighting; sofa: Modernica; Different World task chair, Humanscale; shelves: custom, Ferris
Track lights: WAC Lighting; sofa: Modernica; Different World task chair, Humanscale; shelves: custom, Ferris
LED lighting under shelves. LED tape lights highlight the reclaimed Douglas fir accent wall in this space. The automotive paint finish on the shelves and desktop makes for an interesting contrast to the well-worn wood planks.
Intact LED tape lights: WAC Lighting; decorative accessories and Nuevoliving half chrome pendant lights: Vanillawood
Intact LED tape lights: WAC Lighting; decorative accessories and Nuevoliving half chrome pendant lights: Vanillawood
In the kitchen. The kitchen is still a popular spot for keeping the home organized, as well as a place to plan menus and charge personal devices. In this colorful kitchen, walnut shelves in the office corner hold cookbooks and art.
See the rest of this kitchen
Cabinetry, hardware and Glenn stool: Ikea
See the rest of this kitchen
Cabinetry, hardware and Glenn stool: Ikea
Here, another substantial office area is attached to the kitchen. The desk cabinetry matches the cabinets in the kitchen, creating a seamless look between the two spaces. See a wider shot of how the two connect here.
Light fixture: Frutier, Currey & Co.
Light fixture: Frutier, Currey & Co.
In this contemporary kitchen, a dark wall delineates the adjacent work station. Note the clever way the island counter steps down and becomes a desktop, then goes down the wall and creates a shelf. Another detail creating cohesion is the chair, which coordinates with those used in the dining area across the room.
See more of this apartment’s amazing renovation
See more of this apartment’s amazing renovation
Out in the open. If your office is the command center of your home, tucking it in between rooms makes a lot of sense. It’s easy to pop right over and pay a bill, shoot off an email or keep a schedule organized.
The Saddle dining chair. I wouldn’t usually call out a product like this, and I promise this is not a paid endorsement. I just had to laugh when this eye-catching chair came up in three of the most popular offices of the year, all in a row. The comfortable arms, chic upholstery and wooden dowels made it the non-task chair seat du jour for 2015.
Saddle dining chair: West Elm; desk components: Ikea
Saddle dining chair: West Elm; desk components: Ikea
Reclaimed wood. We’ve already seen it several times on this list — whether on walls, floors, desks or shelves, the warmth of reclaimed wood was a favorite decorating element in the office. I have a theory that it makes us feel a little bit like Thoreau in his cabin on Walden Pond even if we’re sitting in the middle of the city or the suburbs. Do you have a theory about it? Let me know in the Comments section!
Wall color: Silver Satin, Benjamin Moore; desk, shelves and chair: West Elm; window treatment: Window Treatments by Melissa, Etsy; rug: Pottery Barn; Roman shade: Etsy
Wall color: Silver Satin, Benjamin Moore; desk, shelves and chair: West Elm; window treatment: Window Treatments by Melissa, Etsy; rug: Pottery Barn; Roman shade: Etsy
An inspiration wall. Whether it was a big map like this one, a chalkboard wall for brainstorming sessions or a big swath of cork for favorite images, a dedicated wall for inspiration is a great addition to a home office.
Map: custom (find something similar customized to your space at Rebel Walls); Saddle dining chair: West Elm
Map: custom (find something similar customized to your space at Rebel Walls); Saddle dining chair: West Elm
Floating the desk in the middle of the room. We saw this layout a lot this year. When most of what you need to work with can be “grabbed” from your laptop, you don’t need file drawers within arm’s reach. Note that if you’re using this kind of layout, you’ll want any other computer components linked wirelessly. Once you’re sure where the desk will go, have outlets installed in the floor for charging your computer and desk lamp, since you don’t want to be tripping over cords leading to a wall outlet.
Another element that makes this office so inviting is the ficus tree. It’s a wonderful way to add life to a room.
Wall color: Deep Royal, Benjamin Moore; trim color: Simply White, Benjamin Moore: desk: Strut table, Blu Dot; rug: Lulu & Georgia; basket: Pottery Barn; chair: Restoration Hardware; window treatment: Waterfall Woven Shade, The Shade Store; art: After the Storm, by Benson Cobb; lighting: available via Studio McGee
Another element that makes this office so inviting is the ficus tree. It’s a wonderful way to add life to a room.
Wall color: Deep Royal, Benjamin Moore; trim color: Simply White, Benjamin Moore: desk: Strut table, Blu Dot; rug: Lulu & Georgia; basket: Pottery Barn; chair: Restoration Hardware; window treatment: Waterfall Woven Shade, The Shade Store; art: After the Storm, by Benson Cobb; lighting: available via Studio McGee
A small, chic secretary. These clever desks can be tucked right up against a wall and closed to conceal any clutter.
Desk: Maxine Snider; wall color: Spring in Aspen, Benjamin Moore
Desk: Maxine Snider; wall color: Spring in Aspen, Benjamin Moore
Sawhorse legs. These simple utilitarian forms take on an elegant look in this Sonoma country house. Interior designer Alison Davin designed the L-shaped desk and added the detail of leather straps near the bases of the legs.
See the rest of this California wine country home
Desk: custom; Spindle side chair: BassamFellows
See the rest of this California wine country home
Desk: custom; Spindle side chair: BassamFellows
Take a note from Don Draper. If you have a dedicated home office room, include a comfortable spot to read or catch a quick power nap.
Cabinets: Sage Cabinetry; chair: Eames aluminum executive chair
Cabinets: Sage Cabinetry; chair: Eames aluminum executive chair
She Sheds. Many women decided they wanted a counterpart to the man cave in 2015, outfitting garages, garden sheds and other small structures to serve as creative getaways. This beautiful studio borrowed space from a backyard garage.
More: Check out more She Sheds
Wall color: White Down, Benjamin Moore; trim color: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore; floor tile: Frame, Refin; Eames dowel leg side chair, Herman Miller; shelves: Ikea
More: Check out more She Sheds
Wall color: White Down, Benjamin Moore; trim color: Cloud White, Benjamin Moore; floor tile: Frame, Refin; Eames dowel leg side chair, Herman Miller; shelves: Ikea
Room for two. When families did dedicate an entire room to an office, it was often with sharing in mind. Here we see one work surface large enough for two people to sit side by side and enjoy the view out the window.
Learn more about this project
Custom cabinetry: Marc Waidelich, Form Follows Function
Learn more about this project
Custom cabinetry: Marc Waidelich, Form Follows Function
In this popular photo, we see another approach to sharing: two workstations on adjacent walls.
I believe this is the smallest home office space we saw on the list of most popular home office photos of the year. Measuring in at just 35 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 112 inches high, it’s approximately the size of a small coat closet. Converting a closet is a great strategy for fitting a workspace into a bedroom or even off a hallway.
Chair: Vilmar, Ikea
More
7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Home Office
Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office
Chair: Vilmar, Ikea
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Key Measurements to Help You Design the Perfect Home Office
This handsome home office has engineered wood flooring that extends right up the wall to the ceiling, creating a warm textured accent. Charcoal floating shelves and cabinets provide contrast, while a classic Eames task chair offers ergonomic modern style.
Eames management chair, Herman Miller; desk pulls: TK557PC, Top Knobs; floor and wall: Heirloom Collection in Glasgow, Provenza