Written by Maddie Thorpe – if you have any lifestyle features you would like included, please forward them to [email protected]
Welcome to the art of stylish concealment in the modern urban abode—a guide to using home accessories to ingeniously hide work-related clutter within the confines of a small city flat. As the boundaries between work and home blur in the era of remote working, finding ways to maintain a tidy and harmonious living environment becomes paramount. In this article, we delve into the world of functional decor and innovative storage solutions, exploring how everyday home accessories can double as clever camouflage for work stuff, allowing you to reclaim your space and maintain a sense of balance amidst the hustle and bustle of city living. So, let’s embark on a journey of creativity and ingenuity as we uncover the secrets to hiding work clutter in style within the cosy confines of your urban oasis.
Accessorising your functional flat goes beyond mere decoration; it’s about infusing every corner with style and personality while ensuring optimal functionality. Once you’ve established your workspace and storage solutions, it’s time to explore how office supplies themselves can seamlessly integrate into your home decor, blurring the lines between work and leisure.
Desk Organisers
Take, for example, the humble desk organiser. While its primary function is to keep your supplies neatly arranged, it can also serve as a stylish accent piece in your flat. Opt for sleek designs in chic finishes like leathers and woods, adding a touch of sophistication to your workspace while seamlessly blending form and function. If a wooden finish is what you are after, then I recommend Ikea’s latest desk organiser which is just boasting with charm. Designed with a wooden veneer exterior that seamlessly melds with any decor scheme, whether it graces your desk or discretely finds its place within your bookshelf. What truly sets this piece apart is its ingenious design—a removable compartment ingeniously tucked within the drawer, offering unparalleled convenience for transporting your essentials wherever you go. Imagine the seamless transition between workspaces, with all your necessities neatly stored and easily accessible, whether you’re moving from home to the office or simply rearranging your setup.
Another Ikea recommendation for versatility and convenience is this portable desk caddy. The Vattenkar desk organiser—a sleek and adaptable solution designed to accompany you seamlessly from one workspace to another. While its design is plain and compact, its functionality knows no bounds. With dedicated space for your laptop and a clever peg-board design for storing stationary and loose supplies, the Vattenkar desk caddy embodies the essence of hybrid working. It’s the epitome of versatility, offering a seamless transition between different workspaces without compromising on efficiency or style.
However, if you’re someone who craves a workspace that reflects your personality and exudes a vibrant charm, you’re in luck- as maintaining a neat and tidy desk doesn’t mean sacrificing style for functionality. Enter Kate Spade’s iconic polka dot desk set—a delightful fusion of playful aesthetics and practicality that instantly infuses your workspace with a chic New York vibe. Picture this: your desk adorned with Kate Spade’s signature polka dot pattern, complemented by a brilliant green interior that adds a pop of colour and personality to your surroundings. It’s a nod to the bustling streets of New York City—bold, vivacious, and brimming with energy—yet it retains an air of timelessness and elegance that effortlessly transcends trends. Each piece not only serves its intended purpose but also doubles as a charming accent that elevates the ambiance of your workspace. From the sleek pen cup to the chic file organiser, every element exudes a sense of sophistication and joie de vivre that inspires creativity and productivity.
Although, if you want to conceal your work supplies from display, then let me introduce you to some design hacks that can be incorporated into your home space without sacrificing the serenity of your limited city space. One of my favourite brands KleverCase offers a delightful solution to hiding documents and work supplies away with their antique-style book files, cleverly disguised as elegant bound books. These stylish yet functional pieces not only keep your documents organised but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Clever Design
Another way to incorporate work supplies into your home interior is through this clever design from Typo. Indulge in the whimsical charm of flower-shaped pens that seamlessly merge functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering a delightful twist to traditional stationery. These pens, resembling delicate blooms, not only serve as writing instruments but also double as decorative accents for your workspace. Imagine a vase-shaped pen pot adorning your desk, where each pen elegantly nestles among the faux floral arrangement, creating a harmonious fusion of practicality and beauty. With their vibrant hues and intricate details, these flower-shaped pens add a touch of whimsy to your home decor, effortlessly blending into your surroundings and transforming your workspace into a blooming oasis of creativity. Say goodbye to mundane office supplies and hello to a charming bouquet of pens that elevate your stationary game to new heights.
Flower Vase Pen Set
Although, if flowers aren’t your thing, then checkout Typo’s take on a mini gold club and caddy pen set.
Ergonomic Accessories
Ergonomic accessories are essential for crafting a workspace that seamlessly blends functionality with style. Investing in a comfortable chair not only promotes good posture but also introduces a touch of luxury to your home office. However, in the vibrant pulse of urban living, where aesthetics hold sway, comfort need not compromise elegance. Enter the pursuit of the perfect work chair—a fusion of form and function that eAnhances rather than detracts from the interior allure of your flat. Embrace chairs crafted from sumptuous fabrics that harmonise effortlessly with the existing elements of your apartment, ensuring a cohesive and visually captivating space that reflects your discerning taste. In the cosmopolitan whirl of city living, versatility is key. Look for chairs that seamlessly transition from a desk to a lounge setting, or effortlessly pull up to the dinner table for soirées with friends and family. Strike the perfect balance between form and function, using your work chair not only to enhance your productivity but also to enrich your lifestyle. After all, in the bustling rhythm of urban life, every element of your home should exude both practicality and panache.
Introducing the Solenne swivel chair by Ruma, a sophisticated addition to any home office space. Upholstered in luxurious linen fabric in a timeless neutral pebble tone, this chair exudes elegance and refinement. Designed with comfort in mind, the cushioned seat ensures hours of ergonomic support, while the linen construction adds a touch of understated luxury. Functionality meets style with the swivel feature, offering ease of movement, and the adjustable lever allows for customisable height, ensuring versatility in various spaces within your city flat.
Functional Decor
Functional decor serves as a cornerstone in optimising the functionality and aesthetics of your flat, striking a harmonious balance between efficiency and visual allure. Room dividers emerge as indispensable tools in delineating distinct zones for work and relaxation without compromising on spatial openness. Whether in the form of bookshelves or curtains, these dividers offer a seamless transition between different areas of your home. Opt for dividers that are easy to move or fold, ensuring flexibility in adapting to your evolving needs. Additionally, consider dividers with built-in storage compartments, maximising efficiency without sacrificing style. When selecting room dividers, choose colours that complement the aesthetic of your apartment, seamlessly integrating them into your existing decor scheme. By incorporating these recommendations into your space, you can effortlessly separate home from work, creating a sanctuary that promotes productivity and relaxation in equal measure.
Here from Costway is a pegboard divider that seamlessly blends function with elegance. This ingenious divider not only offers a practical solution for storing and organising supplies but also adds a touch of sophistication to any space. With its sleek pegboard design, you can effortlessly hang up essentials, keeping your workspace neat and clutter-free, but what makes this divider truly remarkable is its ability to fold away with ease, offering flexibility and adaptability to suit your ever-changing needs.
Plants
Another way you can make your home space efficient for working is by incorporating plants into your living space. Plants go beyond mere aesthetics; they serve as a transformative element that purifies the air, uplifts mood, and enhances productivity. As natural air purifiers, plants help to filter out toxins and pollutants, promoting cleaner and healthier indoor air quality. This not only creates a more pleasant and refreshing environment but also contributes to overall well-being. Furthermore, the presence of greenery has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress levels, anxiety, and fatigue. The calming effect of plants can create a sense of tranquillity and serenity, fostering a peaceful ambiance conducive to relaxation and focus. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that being surrounded by plants can increase productivity and creativity, making them an essential element for home offices or creative spaces. From vibrant potted flowers to lush foliage, there’s a wide variety of plant options to suit any interior style and personal preference, allowing you to infuse your home with both beauty and functionality.
Some of my plant recommendations for your workspace is the money tree. Renowned for its ease of care and air-purifying properties, the Money Tree not only breathes life into your space but also serves as a potent symbol of prosperity and growth. With its intricately woven twisted trunk and vibrant green foliage, this botanical marvel transcends mere decor, emerging as a veritable piece of living art. Indeed, the Money Tree’s striking aesthetic presence adds a touch of natural opulence to any setting, effortlessly complementing the chic sophistication of your home office. Moreover, folklore has long touted the Money Tree as a harbinger of good fortune, bestowing luck and abundance upon those who cultivate it with care. As you tend to this botanical treasure, may its verdant allure inspire you to nurture your own success and prosperity in the realm of business and beyond. I recommend using beard & daisies for your plant needs. Checkout their business bundle on their website, currently with 20% off!
Colour theory becomes your guiding principle in creating a harmonious living environment, due to the psychological impact of hues on our mood and productivity. Delve into the realm of tranquillity by selecting calming, neutral tones for your living and sleeping quarters. Soft shades of beige, taupe, and ivory create a serene oasis, inviting you to unwind and rejuvenate amidst a sea of tranquillity. Contrastingly, infuse your workspace with energising colours such as serene blues or vibrant greens, harnessing their invigorating properties to sharpen focus and elevate productivity. By leveraging the psychological nuances of colour, you can amplify your workflow and maintain a positive mindset while navigating the rigours of daily work. By delineating your workspace with a distinct colour scheme different from the central theme of your apartment, you create a visual boundary that separates work and home. This strategic approach not only fosters a conducive environment for productivity but also promotes a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that your home remains a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the demands of modern living.
Lighting is another important aspect of functional décor, and in curating a hybrid working space that exudes positive vibes and fosters productivity, lighting plays a pivotal role. Choose adjustable lighting fixtures like dimmer switches or smart bulbs, enabling you to tailor the ambiance to suit your mood and tasks throughout the day. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit with task lighting, such as a focused desk lamp or overhead lighting, to provide ample illumination for maximum productivity and focus. Consider incorporating additional lighting sources, such as floor lamps or wall sconces, to further enhance the brightness and functionality of your workspace. In relaxation areas, such as a designated reading nook or lounge space, opt for soft, warm lighting to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere conducive to unwinding after a long day’s work. Experiment with different lighting styles and placements to find the perfect balance that promotes both productivity and relaxation in your hybrid working environment.
Accessorising your flat is all about finding the perfect balance between style and functionality. By incorporating office supplies that double as decorative elements, investing in ergonomic accessories, and embracing functional decor principles, you can create a space that is both efficient and visually appealing. With thoughtful design choices and attention to detail, you can transform your flat into a stylish sanctuary where work and leisure seamlessly coexist.
