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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Light + Color = Inspiration

So, there you are. 
Way back there in the guest bedroom...
Or your kitchen table...
Or maybe you're still in bed.
You know, wouldn't you rather be working on a desk like this?

office inspiration set 1  home office
home office design

If there's too much glare from the light coming in the window, try turning the desk perpendicular to the wall, like this one. 


Natural lighting - especially from a northern exposure - is best for working. Don't be afraid to turn your desk against the window if gazing out on a nice view and less glare on the computer screen is what works for you. If not, consider turning this desk and chair around to face the room.

Office eclectic home office 




                                             eclectic home office design by houston media and blogs Casa Greer

 Color doesn't have to be just paint on the walls. You can add vivid color to your office with photography,prints, or just imagine how your child's art could stimulate your muse --
sfgirlbybay eclectic home office




Home Office - Mom Cave contemporary home officecontemporary home office design by dc metro interior designer Kelly Porter


My own writing space has turquoise walls, white trim, a black lacquered desk, and apple  green accents. I transformed my dining room, so my wall color is the same as the entry and a corresponding room, which is the 'official' office, but my husband took that one for himself! 


Consider three things with your wall color: 
  • How bright is the lighting in your room? Natural lighting and Artificial Lighting. Colors change when you turn the lamps on at night.
  • How tall are your ceilings? How large is the span of wall space you are about to paint? You can use a stronger hue  if your ceilings are tall, or if your windows are extra large. 
  • What tone of brown, beige, black or white is your furniture? Your desk? Look at these photos and take note of the high contrasts in the schemes. Crisp white against chocolate brown; sharp black against blush. The stronger your contrast, the more stimulating the look. If you like a more tranquil mood, or you're renting and have to keep walls neutral, you may prefer the neutral or monochromatic schemes above. 
 Lots more ideas for setting up a kitchen desk space with style on http://www.houzz.com. 
Photos from http://www.houzz.com/
 
    Join me and Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors and BluLabelBungalow.com Thursday, 10AM on Twitter for #DESIGNWRITE chat ! Got questions? We've got answers! 

    A bientot!                                                                  

    7 comments:

    1. Pretty! I'm in the dining room myself. I've got a green color on the walls called Swamp Water Green (LOVE IT!!!). I actually call it my chameleon color because it does change colors in different lighting. The same color is in my kitchen, laundry room hallway to the spare bedrooms and one wall of the living room (can you tell I like green?) and in each space it looks a bit different. For the most part, people like it. OR they will say they like one color of green but they don't like the color in the office... They often don't believe me when I say it is the same color.

      I had not thought about turning the desk like that. I have the perfect spot in my office/dining room where I can do that. With the huge back on the computer desk, it won't work. But I do see a new desk in my future and I also think I can incorporate this idea into another room when we do move.

      Thanks again for a great post with tons of ideas!!!

      Tami

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    2. Wow Tami! With all you do, I'm thinking Swamp Water Green is the secret to becoming a HighPowered Writer and Executive!

      Interesting point about your computer desk -- Our furniture has responded to technology's shrinkage. The smaller the computer, the more it is incorporated into your home and regular life,resulting in less bulky furniture and less isolation of you from the rest of the house. Turn that desk around and get a new vision!
      Thanks for visiting!

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    3. Can the first photo be my office? Pretty please?

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    4. Love the first photo. My desk is perpendicular to a triple window.

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    5. I know Leslie! It's achievable. These aren't the most fabulous home offices you've seen, but I wanted to show photos that you can achieve in real life.

      Carol-- You must have LOTS of light! Good for you!

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    6. I've got double windows and my desk is perpendicular to them. My problem is ergonomics. The desk is built for a PC with a keyboard drawer, so using the laptop on it is awkward after awhile. My shoulders and elbows feel the strain, then I end up on the futon, the bed, the couch and don't utilize the office.

      If I raise my task chair, my knees bump the keyboard drawer. Thinking about either trying to remove the drawer, and/or having Hubby cut the legs off a smidge. (I'm 5'5")

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    7. Loved this post! I need to make my office look beautiful and functional! I now have some really good ideas!

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