Work From Home with Style

Expert tips for blending style and productivity.

by Trisha McBride Ferguson

If you're like many Americans, working from home doesn't include the luxury of a dedicated home office. In today's world laptops and tablet computers are the popular choice and they inevitably end up resting on the nearest available surface—from bed to breakfast table. Luckily, furniture makers are responding to these needs with an impressive array of products and styles.

"Today’s home office category can be defined in one word—mobile,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of public relations for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. “In keeping up with these trends, the home furnishings industry is helping families be more productive, comfortable and organized as they move from room to room.”

Function First
While office buildings often address basic productivity needs such as storage, lighting and ergonomically-correct seating, these amenities present challenges for homeowners. Yet there's no need to sacrifice style for productivity. Start by keeping your home computing needs in mind as you shop for new furnishings, suggests Hirschhaut. "Whether you are decorating a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, the dining room or a family room, there are multi-function pieces you can include in the mix that will make it easier for you to work in those locations.”

You'll find that many of today’s new bedroom collections include nightstands with laptop storage areas, charging stations, and even pullout work surfaces. Be sure to look for the latest trend—the media chest—a hot new piece for the bedroom that features a chest of drawers designed to hold a television or monitor, plus entertainment or home office components.

And don't overlook the potential of those forgotten nooks in your home. “For example, you might find a simple, small-scale desk for the kitchen, then a decorative and dressy little cabinet with file storage for around the corner in your dining room,” Hirschhaut explains. “A multi-function nightstand in a guest bedroom could provide paper storage, while a decorative desk in the master bedroom provides the work surface.”

3 Tips for Success

Whether you're just getting started or an old-pro at work-from-home design, here are 3 tips to ensure maximum (stylish) productivity:

1. Convenience

• Light it up: If lighting is a challenge in your space, buy a small desk lamp that you can move from room to room. When possible, work near a window or door that offers natural light.
• Charge it: Choose nightstands, end tables and desks that feature hidden outlets and built-in charging stations.
• Roll it: While shopping, keep your eyes open for furnishings on casters and the wide variety of desks, tables, storage cabinets, storage ottomans and desk chairs that can be rolled around the house.

2. Organization

• Store it: The options are endless for end tables, coffee tables, armoires and desks that can help you create a convenient and beautiful work space, yet easily disguise cords and papers.
• Stack it: If you've got limited floor space, go vertical. Let decorative baskets or boxes on tall, open bookcases help you hide clutter.

3. Style

• Match it: Find your style and stick with it. Whether you prefer cottage or contemporary, you can find home office pieces to complement your home decor.
• Contrast it: Add some spice with your storage and workspace furnishings. A small desk or cabinet is the perfect accent to liven up a dull room. Choose a funky painted finish or metal, rattan or leather to give your existing space new life.