Question: I have a very small, very basic white room that is my home office. I would like to redecorate in some way that is unique and cozy. The room is L- shaped and is in a second floor with ceiling angles. The only good feature it has now is a beautiful hardwood floor. I also have a lot of books but don't care for regular bookshelves. Other than that, it is pretty much my computer and an old front-opening writer's desk. I don't know where to start.

Barb Powell

Binghamton, N.Y.

Answer: As everyone with one knows all too well, the home office is where work has to get done. So it's important that it be well organized, with places to put the stuff that helps us function effectively.

But what's often overlooked in designing a home office space is that it also should be appealing to you while you're working in it.

Three things you mention give us a perfect opportunity to do something different: Your ceilings have angles, you don't like regular bookshelves, and you have beautiful hardwood floors.

Since every home office needs book storage, and you don't want a regular bookcase, I suggest a series of freestanding bookcases that are triangular in shape -- wider at the bottom, rising to a narrow top.

Have them made out of a wood that complements the wood floors. This keeps the beauty of the wood moving upward and at the same time keeps the room visually warm. This design challenges the idea of a "regular" bookcase. Several of these along one wall with art and plants placed in between them will make an interesting wall.

Since you describe the room as small, use glass as the surface of your desk.

It is as functional as any other surface but visually disappears so it doesn't take up "eye space" in the room.

Have triangular bases made on which to place the glass and either paint them the same color as the wall or stain them the same color as the floor. This creates the illusion that the desk is "floating."

Enhance the room with plants and flowers. Even if the view from the windows is drab, having a bit of nature nearby calms you and helps you feel better about being indoors when you probably prefer to be somewhere else.

Whatever you choose to do, make the room comfortable for your own style and needs. The real beauty of a home office is you can decorate it to please yourself, not the corporate space designers who think people enjoy living in a small box with no walls or doors.

 

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