Simple Office Space Design
My friend Ashley came to me to get help with her simple office space design. The room had been boring and uninspiring for a long time but had no idea what to do with it. Now she was getting two identical desks as gifts and she had no idea what to do with them. I love a good challenge! When looking at the design plan, one aligning factor was that Ashley works a full time job and also is working to build her side hustle of being a photographer. I thought that having 2 desks was perfect to help her separate out those different jobs physically and mentally. So, I went to work on the floor plan! Eventually I came up with idea of facing the desks toward each other, library style, to save space and also hide all the cords. Wall plugs are always in places you don’t really want them to be aren’t they? This was a small space, but this placement helped her have options for different lighting and being able to look out the window. I’ve always thought it felt a bit sad when someone has to stare straight into a wall while they work. This allowed her to face into the room or out the window. It also gave her options for natural lighting for video calls. Lots of wins here with this design!
When I asked Ashley about her ideal design style said she liked neutral, bright, airy design. She also didn’t want to paint the walls. They were renting and weren’t even sure if they were allowed to. No problem! We were able to work with her design styles with the colors the room already had. Adding in a little drapery really softened the hard edges and the cold grey tones. Bringing in some lighting from floor and table lamps also can set a relaxing mood and were important for a warm and inviting space.
Another big feature I knew I wanted to include in the design was a flat weave rug. Rolling around in a desk chair on chunky carpet is difficult. I knew a flat, printed rug would help give her a bit more seamless movement when she was rolling in and out of her desk. A rug would also define the desk space, separating it from the storage shelving while also add some pattern, color and texture.
One final piece of the design plan was that I wanted Ashley to have a beautiful storage space for all her photography gear. Adding in a lighter warm wood toned cabinet was the perfect addition. Are we noticing all the warm tone additions? This pieces helped to hide the leggy, cluttered portion under the desks while creating a beautiful space to add personalized decor on top. Plus, she could stow away all her cameras and lenses separate from the rest of their everyday items on the big open shelves.
Because budget is a factor (which is true for pretty much all of us) Ashley hasn’t fully completed the design yet. She started with purchasing the pieces most exciting and accessible to her now. Since she has the design plan on hand, she can continue polishing the space when the time is right and has saved a bit more cash. Adding in some plants, different designed desk chairs, and a few more pieces of personalized art on the wall is going to make it feel even more like her own. For now though, it is already a beautiful space that she enjoys working in. What a difference compared to the bland, cramped room it started out as!
THE OFFICE BEFORE
THE DESIGN PLAN
OFFICE SPACE DESIGN MAKEOVER
Ashley’s Review
Simple Office Space Design
Meet The Designer
Hey y’all! I’m Kathryn.
Interior Decorator, Plant Lover, Peacemaker
I love making spaces feel cozy, inviting, and warm. I think a home can absolutely be “imperfect” and even more special because of it. Function is just as important as design, and a space shouldn’t make your life harder to navigate. Good design makes things easier while also giving you a sense of comfort. You deserve it!