Our client approached Stripe in 2016 wanting an update to their home office. To maximize the living space in their studio, they had commissioned a built in desk to run along one wall. While functional, the finishes were generic, with a black laminate top and matching handles making the piece feel heavy and dark. The pink terra cotta tile floor felt out of place stylistically from the rest of home, and the blank white walls pulled focus to the television. While the space did not demand a huge overhaul, an update was needed to pull the room together. First, we presented our client with a rendering of our design. We began by tackling the desk, replacing the laminate countertop with a Caesarstone material. The brown cabinet hardware was modernized with stainless steel bar pulls. We used a Shibori wallpaper from Amber Interiors to create visual interest and had white floating shelves built above the desk so our client could take advantage of the wall space. The shelving also balanced the walls, making the space feel larger by emphasizing the expanse of the wall. Our client was not ready to replace the tiles, so we found a large dusty blush rug to cover the floor space, tying together the tones in the desk and the wallpaper. To top it off, we added a lovely fabric desk chair from Restoration Hardware that is both beautiful and functional.

Office and Kitchen Organizing Project

Let's Get Organized! Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD

A-Frame Comes of Age

Beckwith Group

This built-in bookcase creates not just shelving for the storage of books, but is also a focal point where the interests of the homeowners are on display to all who visit. Photo Credit: David A. Beckwith

Teaneck Tudor

Soft Furnishings by Stephanie

Ivory linen traditional roman shades with Lee Jofa band detail. Flat panels in matching fabric and banding cover french doors

Office and Kitchen Organizing Project

Let's Get Organized! Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD

Office and Kitchen Organizing Project

Let's Get Organized! Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD

Home Office Remodel

Stripe Design Group

Office and Kitchen Organizing Project

Let's Get Organized! Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Gayle M. Gruenberg, CPO-CD

Arts and Crafts Home Office Design Ideas with Terra-cotta Floors

A home office has many uses and isn’t a mere luxury anymore. You might work from home, or bring work home, or you might just need a place to go through bills, mail or store important paperwork. Kids can use a home office to do their homework, or quietly play a game online. Browse the photos on Houzz for arts and crafts home office ideas and inspiration, and strike up a conversation with the architect or designer or your favourite picks. For more home office ideas, check out the Stories section.

How much office storage do I need?

To ensure your arts and crafts home office or study room isn’t buried under a deluge of paperwork, books and supplies, incorporate plenty of shelves, cabinets and drawers. Floating or built-in shelves with cubbies can stock books and magazine holders; or for a more traditional look, make room for a large bookcase that fits in with the decor of your home. Invest in a filing cabinet to store paperwork, and opt for a lockable filing cabinet if you have sensitive documents. A tray organiser can store incoming mail and will help prioritise bills. The type of desk you choose is also key to keeping things organised. Look for desks with deep drawers and plenty of surface space, and add tray organisers to the drawers to keep track of staples like pens, pencils, highlighters and sticky tape. If you want a streamlined look, find a way to conceal any computer cables or wires, too. One solution is to install a false back on your desk, if it doesn’t already have one.

How do I choose an office desk and chair?

If you spend long hours hunched over your work desk at home, invest in ergonomic office chairs with wheels for better back health and comfort. Consider optimal lumbar support with flexibility in adjusting handles and back angle. Most rolling office chairs come upholstered, typically in leather, but that’s no reason why you can’t have one custom-made to suit your arts and crafts home decor. When picking out your work desk, be sure to consider its overall function. If you work from home and hold meetings, pick an oversized, sturdy desk that is double-sided (can be accessed from both sides). You’ll want it to look professional, so opt for dark timbers over high-shine finishes. It’s also a good idea to create a separate study desk for the kids, so homework doesn’t go missing among your files. If your home office is for the whole family a two-person desk or built-in long work bench are more suitable. Where space is tight, look for a retractable computer desk, or utilise an awkward corner with a corner desk.

What arts and crafts home office decor will encourage productivity?

Use your walls for to-do lists: hang a pegboard and paint it in your favourite colour or be adventurous with chalkboard paint and whiteboard panels. Bulletin boards that keep the whole family in order are an extra feature that always come in handy. Use your stationery and office accessories – think pencil cups, paper trays and magazine holders – to add colour and pattern, and desk lamps, clocks, maps and calendars to personalise the space. Above all else, aim for ease of use.