Home offices are becoming increasingly important as we settle into a new normal. We asked two of our art directors, Eileen Behnke and Anthony Santelli, for their best tips and tricks on creating stylish spaces from which to work. They shared three of their favorite office spaces and showed us how to recreate them. Read on for their advice on everything from organization to color palettes.
Photo by Lesley Unruh
Texture and Color
“I like to feel inspired in my home, especially in my work space,” says Eileen. Her ideal office is filled with different kinds of art, texture, and color. “I think the most visually successful ones have a variety of media in them from drawings, paintings, photography, and maybe something a little three-dimensional.” Her picks for replicating this office include natural furniture and textured rugs, alongside some funky art.
Tips for Recreating This Look
- Texture first: If your office lacks warmth, make it cozier with textured pieces. A large woven basket, wood furniture, and a hide or plush throw are must-have pieces.
- Mix it up: Create the perfect well of inspiration with a gallery wall that also serves as a mood board. To do this, mix photographs with prints, drawings, even favorite fabric samples or magazine pages.
- Chic storage: The office must be functional, but that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. A chic étagère or open shelving is the perfect blank canvas. Stack books in interesting ways, top them with fun objet, and add woven baskets to hide clutter.
A Textural Office Mood Board
Shop the look, clockwise from top left: Dusty Glaze 1; Cuba Dancers; Jivi; Gallery Wall; Brass Table Lamp; Ivy Desk; Ashton Adjustable Floor Lamp; Sienna Armchair; Mondrian Bookcase; Luna Side Chair; Briar Handwoven Rug; Sweater-Weave Kindling Basket.
A Modern Touch
“I tend to keep my color palettes neutral,” says Anthony. “For me, that creates a space where I can focus and be productive.” Anthony’s ideal office includes streamlined silhouettes in warm neutral colors and a touch of vintage. You won’t find a crazy colorful mood board or shelves stacked with clutter in his office.
Tips for Recreating This Look
- Light it up: “Look for lamps that are articulated so you can focus light where you need it while you work,” Anthony says.
- Sturdy style: Anthony prefers a desk chair that feels sturdy and looks simple. But he won’t sacrifice comfort. “I prefer to have one with arms and some padding on the seat and back.”
- Go vintage: Anthony is all about organization and order. He does it in a stylish way by making sure everything has a place. Some of his favorite things include a vintage magazine rack he was given as a gift and some vintage utensil crocks.
Photo by Nicole LaMotte
A Modern Office Mood Board
Shop the look, clockwise from top left: Baxter Étagère; Eden Floor Lamp; Blackbird Desk; Terri Table Lamp; Barbry Tray; Kartio Carafe; Kartio Tumbler; Acorn Bonbonnière; Right Reasons; Rustic Canisters; Antique Mexican Sugar Cone Molds; Pinstripe Coasters; Caitlin Armchair; Trade Route Rug.
Photo by Joe Schmelzer
Work-from-Home Blues
“I think color is so important,” says Eileen. Here, a deliciously dark backdrop sets an almost decadent stage. Eileen’s picks for recreating this space include loads of colorful pieces and a fun play on classic silhouettes.
Tips for Recreating This Look
- Color cohesion: Add in some brighter shades from the same color family among the darker ones. If you want to stick with blues and greens, for instance, layer in some lighter greens among the moody blues.
- Finishing touches: Don’t forget to accessorize. “I love a scented candle, a framed picture of some loved ones, and a carafe of water to keep you hydrated,” says Eileen. Flowers are also a must-have.
- New classics: Break the mold with a reimagined piece of classic furniture. Try upholstering your favorite Louis chair in a zany fabric or bright color. The silhouette will keep it grounded while the new hue amps up the design factor.
A Colorful Office Mood Board
Shop the look, clockwise from top left: Lebon Floor Lamp; Leopard Pillow; Faux Hydrangea & Peony Arrangement; 13-Piece Traditional Gallery Wall; Ainsley Table Lamps; Starlight Flat-Weave Rug; Tadine Candle; Bayard Frames; Exeter Side Chair; Tamar Storage Bin; Brady Desk; Darcy Armchair; Sea Grass Alpaca Throw.
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