A room built for two - interior design of the home office

Home Office Computing, Sept, 1994 by Linda Blair

AS DEAN OF THE GOOD VALUE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, I approach every office design project as if I were dining out. If I have $200 in my wallet, it's easy to find great food. But if I have only $20, the trick is to find great food at a good price. The same holds true for design: When I have a no-holds-barred budget and a large, pristine space to work in, my options for turning a mundane area into a mesmerizing environment may seem limitless. But when I want to turn an inferior area into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space as well as bring in the project under a conservative budget--less than $20,000--then I've got to do a lot of finagling and comparison shopping. It's hard work but not impossible.

Meshing Two Work Areas When Judy Wacht, a college and career consultant and high school guidance counselor, decided to establish an independent practice in her home in Westchester County, New York, her husband, Harvey, an investment manager, realized that he, too, could use office amenities at home. Since their busy careers left little time for at-home entertaining, the couple hired me to convert the paneled recreation room of their split-level home--about 162 square feet of valuable but essentially wated space--into a functional and attractive double-duty work area.

Particularly in home-office design, where space is a major consideration, the basic nuts-and-bolts problems must be solved before equipment and decor are considered. So we first addressed the space's problems and limitations: two unrelated businesses housed in the same space, a low seven-foot ceiling, inadequate lighting, no storage, no direct street access, and a husband who refused to part with an old rolltop desk. Then we factored in their needs: a common conference area, vast storage capability, adequate electrical supply, and an outside entrance with an accessible closet for the usual office detritus as well as family and client outerwear.

As the primary user, Judy would command the lion's share of the space. Yet Harvey needed to feel comfortable in his work area, not hemmed in. We established a roomy alcove for him using a simple bookcase to separate his territory from hers and provide the storage he needed, while adding architectural interest to the whole concept. In the process, he got 45 square feet of breathing room plus 12 linear feet of storage files topped by another 12 feet of shelf space for books, plants, and collectibles--a touch that harmonizes well with his rolltop desk. We hung light-filtering pleated shades from the ceiling for privacy, softness, and to convey the impression of height.

The Psychology of Room Design To create an environment that conveyed the business image she desired, Judy had to balance her personal and professional preferences. She wanted an upbeat, contemporary look that would reflect the cutting-edge, up-to-the-minute information she provides--and that clients expect from an adviser and counselor. At the same time, she wanted the space to be comfortable and relaxing, an environment that would build trust and help parents make the best possible decisions for their children. My solution was to install two 20-foot rows of shelving, plus another 20 feet of work surface; these would be supported by one 36-inch and two 42-inch lateral storage files, which wrap around two walls and offer plenty of countertop space for desk work and electronic equipment. Made of top-quality steel, they were designed for ease of use. We laminated and then edged the cabinetry in coordinating wood for aesthetics and easy care. Anticipating any new equipment acquisitions, we supplied the area with plenty of electrical strips to accommodate expansion. Judy laughed when all the outlets were installed, perhaps thinking I was a bit power crazed. But as I see it, electrical outlets are like closets, clothes, and money--you can never have enough. She quickly agreed with my rationale.

Built-in, wall-hugging furniture not only makes her space appear larger but also opens up the center of the room for conferencing. Here, too, function and image determined furnishings. Ultimately, we chose four sturdy, ergonomic, matching swivel chairs by Knoll--for rolling easily from the desks for extra seating. We upholstered them in an inviting, neutral-toned textured nylon and paired them with a natural wood, round table with a bullnose rim to relax the hard-edged business end of the room.

Big Impressions We coupled perimeter lighting under the shelves with nonglare recessed ceiling lights for overall illumination and ambience. These task lights also tend to make areas appear more spacious. All the walls were painted a warm vanilla color to soften the area and wed the two distinct work zones. To create a greater sense of space, we used low, horizontal shelves to stretch the room and lift the ceiling. Even the artwork simulates spaciousness: Two vast park scenes bring the outside in while adding perspective and depth.

With accessibility from inside the house a must, we opted for pocket sliding doors to save space, and we chose glass panels to increase illumination, providing good visibility as well as a feeling of tradition and quality. Then we created a deep, hold-everythin closet in the stairwell that leads from the office to the kitchen.