Home Office in A Modern Living Room - Mid-Century, Luxurious Design, Eclectic Naturalism, and Green Sofa Ideas
Struggled to fit all of your belongings into a tiny apartment? It's not just a New York problem - strange apartment layouts can be found in cities all over the world. From shoeboxes to railroads, these unconventional spaces present a real challenge when it comes to decorating and organizing. The current global situation has forced people to work from home, which has created a new challenge for many. A major concern is how to transform an apartment into a fully functional office without sacrificing productivity and motivation. It's crucial to create a space where one can focus and work efficiently, while also ensuring a relaxing environment for recovery. So, let's explore some creative ways to divide zones and establish an appealing and practical home workspace.
White Canvas
The original interior of this apartment is pretty typical for New York: white walls, oak parquet, and the most common challenge is the shared space for living, dining, and home office areas.
Many of us have witnessed a common interior décor style, characterized by a gray couch, an IKEA media unit, and a mishmash of glam, traditional, and mid-century elements. The question is, how do we take this décor up a notch? Behold, four ways to elevate this space to the next level.
Landlord Friendly Bold Mid-Century
As I stepped into the room, my eyes were drawn to the warmth of the oak parquet flooring, taking me on a journey through time to the Mid-century era. Inspired by abstract painting and geometric patterned rug, I implemented a minimalistic approach to bring some mid-century style into this living space. The Mario Bellini sofa creates a serene and relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for lounging on lazy afternoons. And with the mid-century media unit added in, this living area is sure to make you feel like you've stepped back in time, while still enjoying all the modern comfort of today. Classic mid-century pieces like the coffee and dining tables were paired with stylish leather chairs. But, in a clever move to utilize the space, the dining table moonlights as a place to work during the day, creating a larger dining area for those times when mealtime is in session. The result is a space that is both functional and visually pleasing.
This layout is perfect for you if you:
Enjoy hosting dinners for friends and family.
Like to relax by watching TV.
Prefer a minimalistic approach with clean geometry.
Do not require specific technical equipment to work from home.
Want to keep it simple and modern, yet landlord-friendly with a chic look.
Green Sectional and another Mid-Century
I believe the Mid-Century style goes very well with New York apartments. Step into this inviting space and let it guide you with its clear and intuitive layout. The centerpiece of the lounge area is a cozy and welcoming sectional that beckons you to take a seat and unwind. As you settle in, take in the unique touches that fill the room, like the charming round coffee table and the carefully curated industrial shelf units that showcase the homeowner's personality and interests. This green sectional cleverly divides the home office from the lounge area. It not only creates an element of privacy but also ensures that your work area is kept hidden from curious guests. No more worrying about prying eyes as you focus on your tasks and conquer deadlines. With a touch of retro flair, you can transform your space into a time capsule that's both functional and stylish.
You should consider this design as inspiration for your own space if you:
Enjoy hosting guests for cocktails
Need an extended stationary workspace
Have a lot of books, decorative items, and treasures you'd like to display
Like having a cup of coffee while reading the morning news.
Things to remember:
Consider the amount of daylight when positioning your computer screen near a window.
Ensure that the sectional you choose is the correct size and has enough space around it.
Limit yourself to mixing only 2-3 different wood textures to avoid an overwhelmed look.
Luxurious touch
Welcome to a charming and cozy living room that boasts custom-made shelving from floor to ceiling. Get cozy and chat up your guests in style with two loveseats facing each other to create a lounge area that exudes comfort and, relaxation. And when it's time to get down to business, why not make the most of stunning natural light by positioning your home office facing the window? Not only will you enjoy a beautiful view, but you'll look effortlessly fabulous on those Zoom calls too. The extended shelves below the window help to frame the workspace beautifully. One thing you need to remember when arranging your dining and coffee tables as shown on this layout is that measurement is key. It's the secret ingredient to a well-planned space. To ensure that your walk flow is seamless, make sure you have enough breathing room between your furniture pieces. This'll allow you to strut your stuff around your home without feeling constricted. With eclectic shapes and styles that flood this space with a luxurious touch, the variety of textures invites you to explore the entirety of the room.
Use this layout as a reference if you:
Enjoy having long conversations with your guests.
Have a lot of art and decorative objects you want to display.
Need a lot of storage space.
Like table games.
Want your place to look chic and different.
Warm and earthy cave
Have you ever experienced that feeling of coming home from a long day at work and just wanting to unwind? Picture walking into a peaceful space that embraces you with a sense of calmness and serenity. The design for this apartment calls for some construction work, but the result is worth it. The furniture layout is intentionally minimalistic, giving the space an air of sophistication. You won't find any bulky media or shelving units here - instead, a cozy little library nestled under the window serves as the primary storage solution. One wall and the ceiling are adorned with gorgeous wooden panels, creating a stunning display of colors and textures. There's something about the natural warmth and coziness of wood that can have a profound impact on our overall wellbeing. Studies have shown that being surrounded by this type of natural material can help lower our stress levels, reduce anxiety, and even improve our social interactions. The rest of the furniture and decor in the room is kept simple and sleek in their solid hues, allowing the natural beauty of the space to shine through. Careful consideration was put into selecting a variety of wood, stone, fabrics, and glossy finishes to bring the room to life. With its clean lines and streamlined aesthetic, this apartment is the ultimate urban retreat.
This design is a true inspiration gem for you if you:
Appreciate natural materials and textures.
Want to have an opportunity to be cuddled and healed by the space.
Enjoy deep and reach colors.
Ready for a renovation process.
How to decide what will work better for you?
As you can see, the same space can have very different effects depending on the design path you choose. To figure out what works best for you, answer the following questions:
How do you want to feel in the space? Would you prefer to feel relaxed or alert?
How much time will you spend in the space and what time of day? Would you like the space to have a darker or lighter color palette?
What are the top three activities you are planning to do in the space? What kind of furniture will support those activities? Would a minimal or maximal layout make more sense?
What are the functional must-haves for the room? Is extra storage needed? How many seating areas? How much lighting?
Do you already have a piece of furniture or decor that you want to use in the space? It might work as an inspirational point for the style and color palette.
Designing a space that works for your lifestyle and activities can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Taking time to consider the aspects we discussed in this article will help you create an inviting environment customized to meet your needs. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed by all of the details or would like some extra guidance, our team of experts is here to assist! Schedule a consultation with us today and let's get started on creating a beautiful space tailored just for you.