Guest Picks: 20 Finds for the Modern Home Office
Power your work at home with a chic desk, chair, stylish tools — and the best pencils in the world
Remember that saying, "A place for everything and everything in its place"? It couldn't be more true than when designing a home office. While it's important that your space is a pleasing one to spend time in, it's equally important that the room provides functional work surfaces and storage. And of course, you also want to surround yourself with beautiful things so that you have a pleasant atmosphere in which to get your work done. If I could design my dream home office, it would probably look a lot like this. — Michelle from Design Evolution
Nelson Swag Leg Desk
In my opinion, there is not a more perfectly designed desk proportioned for a small home office. The footprint is petite and the slim swag legs don't take up a lot of visual space.
Airia Desk
This desk is perfect for someone who does more from a home office than pay the occasional bill. And if you fear that the Nelson Swag Leg desk is not quite beefy enough, this one has the same sleek modern look while providing more surface work space and hidden storage. Plus, the matching storage cabinet is adorable.
Devon Chair
I find that the majority of desk chairs out there are just plain ugly. I know the focus of a task chair is supposed to be function, but there's no reason that a comfortable and functional desk chair can't also be beautiful. This one is cushioned and upholstered in glove leather, so you can sit in it for hours. And with a similar shape to the Arne Jacobsen Swan Chair, it looks like it belongs in your home — not in a drab cubicle.
Hand-Woven Kilim Burgundy Jute/ Wool Rug
I love an area rug to ground a space, but it's best to stick with flat weave rugs when decorating an office. This kilim will allow your desk chair to roll with ease.
Iron Kilim Cloth Seat Stool (India)
Sometimes you just need to take a break from a tough work day, roll away from your desk, put your feet up on a stool like this one and relax.
Task Lab Light
Task lighting is really important. This desk lamp is unique and reminiscent of laboratory supplies.
Lift Lamp
I love to have pairs of table and task lamps that complement each other but are not exact matches. This lift lamp would look perfect with the Task Lab Light.
Modern Desk Accessories
Slick and modern, this affordable set of desk accessories created by Poppin adds instant style to a home office.
Blackwing Drawing Pencils (Box of 12)
These are, by far, the most thoughtfully designed writing pencils in existence.
Dux Adjustable Brass Pencil Sharpener
What could complement the perfect writing pencil better than a brass pencil sharpener designed in Germany? It even comes with its own leather carrying case.
Provence Market Basket
Sometimes the illusion of organization is all you need. A large market basket is perfect for stashing a pile of magazines that is cluttering up a work space.
KOMPAKT-KASSETTE
Cool artwork like this makes a home workspace a much more desirable place to spend your time.
2012 Stendig Calendar
I look forward to purchasing this Stendig calendar designed by Massimo Vignelli every year.
Tivoli Model One Radio
I cannot focus without music, and this Tivoli radio is the perfect marriage of retro styling and modern function.
Eames Side Chair Golden
This is probably the chicest (and most expensive) guest chair you can have in your home office.
Wood Animal Box: Whale
Every room needs at least one quirky piece — it gives the space personality. This wooden storage box would be perfect for holding paper clips and other office ephemera.
Schmitt Design Bloom Wall Clock
How will you know when work is due unless you have a beautiful clock like this one ticking away on your wall?
Next: More ways to outfit your office
11 Ways to Create a Multipurpose Office SpaceHow to Set Up a Great Workspace for Two
Next: More ways to outfit your office
11 Ways to Create a Multipurpose Office SpaceHow to Set Up a Great Workspace for Two