Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Beautiful Home Office

Give your home office a brilliantly bright up date with zesty orange walls. Keep it chic by using a paler tone on one wall but choosing a neutral for the others and teaming it with a pale carpet. Sophisticated dark wood furniture works best in this scheme, as does chocolate-brown accessories



In a guest bedroom a discreet desk, like this one from the Conran Shop, will not detract from the scheme. Combine with a simple white chair and accessorize with stationary in plain colours. An antique mirror from Artefact, creates both light and a sense of space, and breaks up a large
expanse of patterned wallpaper.


This home office uses a wall panel covered in a bold Oriental-style patterned fabric to create a focal point behind a contemporary metal desk. Accessories including the seat of the Poliform chair, files and books pick up the same shade. Built-in shelves provide storage.



This modern work space is prevented from looking too much like a sterile office by using home furnishings. A large modern table doubles as a desk, and a painted wooden dresser from New England Lifestyle stores files, work boxes and colourful baskets. Smart striped Romo blinds in candy shades soften the windows and act as a key for accessories like the pink bin and lamps. A Habitat dining chair is a simple, modern alternative to a traditional office chair.



No space to work? Think again - a simple fold-down desk can rest on cupboard doors, or hide clutter when folded back up. Cork boards covered in bold fabric make attractive notice boards and colourful storage boxes create a pretty display on a shelf above.



Box shelves needn't be regimented. A freer arrangement doubles your options, as you can use the spaces in between for storage and display, as well as the shelves themselves. The storage in this quirky office keeps things neat and tidy as well as chic and modern



A neutral scheme makes this home office a stylish and calm place to work in. Textured taupe wallpaper sets a subdued tone and chunky dark wood furniture lends an air of masculinity. The custom-made desk in faux-crocodile skin is from Andrew Martin and a smart wenge cupboard discreetly hides paperwork.



A vibrant wallpaper pattern is a great way to zone out a home office area when you don’t have the luxury of an extra room, simply paper the wall behind the desk. Here, contemporary wooden furniture goes perfectly with the brown circles in the wallpaper. A floating shelf is ideal for keeping books and stationary out of the way.




Classic Bedroom

A highly decorative wallpaper from Cole & Son has traditional but contemporary feel. For a fresh Align Centerand elegant style, keep the rest of the room as simple as possible; white furniture, like the four-poster bed from Homes in Heaven, and soft furnishings create a crisp look


Use floral wallpaper in a rich plum from Osborne & Little, teamed with a dark-wood four-poster bed from Lombok



Create a striking look by adding a bold pattern canopy to a Lombok four-poster bed. Rich Mulberry Home silk and velvet cushions and throws provide contrast to the dark wood and soften the effect



White walls and cream carpet from House of Fraser give this loft space a light and fresh appearance. Built-in wardrobes follow the dimensions of the exposed roof beams and blend into the scheme, while the walnut sleigh bed from Housing Units and red Persian rug add colour and depth



The golden colour of this French bed from Barn Antiques is echoed throughout this classic bedroom and the white backdrop is the perfect foil. Gold-coloured cord from John Lewis used as a decorative edging along the top of the wall adds an original touch.



Painted furniture and a toile bedspread gives this bedroom a calming French-style, while the wooden letters above the bed add a touch of romance. The room is kept fresh and bright with an off-white backdrop.



For maximum flexibility, go for freestanding furniture that you can easily rearrange if you want a change. Choose classic, well-made furniture that will stand the test of time, and opt for drawers instead of shelves for a tidier look.