Home Office Furniture – A worthwhile investment

A doubled edged sword, working from home has both advantages and disadvantages; some people are able to manage it, whilst others find it difficult to get into a work mentality what with all the distractions and temptations that come with having all the home comforts just a door away. Of course, for some people there may not be a choice due to disability or family obligation and working from home is the only option.

If do you happen to be working from home the furniture that you have in there is going to have an effect on many aspects of your productivity, morale and attitude. By having functional, attractive and good quality furniture you can make sure that your work output is not affected by disorganisation or by being uncomfortable.

I personally like my home office furniture in white. It keeps the space looking clean and bright.

One of the most important things to consider with your home office furniture is comfort and back support, especially if you are sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time; a low quality chair will do nothing but leave you with back pain, and over time may affect your overall posture. Investing in an ergonomic and quality chair when putting together a home workspace should be a top priority.

I think open "cubby" shelving such as this are great for storing office files, binders, and magazines in an easily accessible way. I plan on getting a similar piece in white and placing it horizontally, so it acts as a table surface, and storage. 

The second most important thing to keep in the back of your mind is how you can augment and improve your productivity levels; your computer desks and workstations should not be there just to prop up your computer and your files, it is the centrepiece of your work and needs to allow you to reach all of your important tools, peripherals and documents within easy and convenient reach. Having to scoot around in your office on a chair can get tiresome and often lead to breaking concentration and affecting those all-important productivity levels. A cleverly designed desk can go a long way, giving you the nooks and crannies in which to store the things you need.

This desk is great if you don't have a separate room for your home office, because at the end of the day you can close the cabinets and drawers and be left with a pretty piece of furniture, without having to look at your office tools.

Comfort and productivity aside, aesthetics are the final element in this holy trifecta; having attractive office furniture can have a positive psychological effect and can go a long way into improving the quality of your work. Attractive, modern furniture can really give a room a professional atmosphere. Additionally, ensure that there is a window in your home office; natural light can have a wonderful effect on how you work, and also gives you something to glance at, other than a computer screen which can alleviate eyestrain.

Below are a few more examples of the impact that furniture can have on your home office:

A pretty file cabinet in white wood is much more inspiring than a traditional metal one.
 2 above via Ballard

 A mix of different style furnishings keep the space functional but also personal.
via High Gloss

via Lifework

Different people have different needs to be at their most efficient.  Even if you're a minimalist - lighting and a desk with enough space for your materials is a must.


*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Wooden Furniture Store.co.uk

Wonderful eclectic

Eclectic is one of my all-time favorite decorating styles. There's nothing quite as special as a home filled with one's treasure's from traveling, or just unique finds brought over from another land...

Love this softly colored kitchen.  It was originally a sitting room, but the owners loved it so much they transformed it into a kitchen.

I generally try not to get swept up in trends but I really love suzani.  The table filled with objects is nice, too.

beautiful

via Elle Decor

Beautiful bedrooms with their own unique style

Look at enough home and decor mags, and you'll be able to draw up a template for a pretty "designer" bedroom, but to come up with something that's beautiful and truly "yours" is a bigger challenge. These bedrooms really give you a taste of the owner's personality...

Love this mix of eastern, Victorian, and industrial influences.
via Adore Home Mag

With it's yellow bed, green front fireplace, and slate-colored walls, you can imagine it's owner is decisive and confident.
2 images above via Alice in Designland

 

via Covet Garden

With wallpaper like this you can't be shy
via Country Living

...love the library in the bedroom...I'm guessing the person who lives here is a bit of a home body and like to curl up with a book

Modern but feminine.  I love this look ...
2 above via Home Sweet Home

Maybe a traveler who has a flair for the eclectic?
via Pinterest

What about your decorating style makes your home unique?

Do Not Miss: The phenomenal interior photography of Richard Powers

Okay, these images really speak for themselves. I am super busy today, so of course, I started it off by cyber-slacking looking at design blogs. I stumbled upon Richard Powers's portfolio and just had to share it with you asap. So, if you're slacking too, you won't regret it after seeing these pics...

*hint: click on each image for a larger view - it makes a big difference and you won't regret it!



Gorgeous

The two above are from the Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakesh.

This is a hotel - awesome bathroom!



Love the window seats - if that's what you would call those...







The two images above were shot in Istanbul


Are these not divinity?

all images property of Richard Powers

A truly special book giveaway - Stealing Magnolias

The cover alone would be wonderful to have. But you have a chance to win the whole book just by commenting on this post. You have until January 3, 5PM EST to leave a comment. The winner will be chosen by a random draw and announced the next day. Good luck!

Here's the editorial review: Debra Shriver tells the story of finding and restoring a house in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the wake of Katrina. Part love letter, part scrapbook; readers are given a rare tour of this enigmatic city. The book is a cultural guidebook and historical reference of America's most European city, featuring the work of more than 20 photographers and artists. Chapters highlight food and entertaining, decorating, gardens, landscapes, local traditions, interiors, and architecture. via Amazon

The gorgeous aforementioned cover

so chic



perfect


We had a huge magnolia tree on the farm where I grew up and just looking at this picture I can literally smell the blossoms.

The book can be purchased here.

All photos from Stealing Magnolias by Debra Shriver, copyright © 2010, published by Glitterati Incorporated. www.Glitteratiincorporated.com.

A round up of eye candy to get through the Monday

Happy Monday of a short week! Somehow - even with the holiday week - it still feels like Monday today. So...lets perk it up a bit with an installment of Favorite Images from my Favorite Blogs

Enjoy! (In no particular order)

From Chocolate Creative


I like the simple, white kitchen on the left


From roomenvy
makes me want lunch!

What do you think of this black and white bedroom?


and last but not least, life a la mode.