In this modern time, where home office setups are becoming increasingly common, maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your living space while accommodating work necessities can be a challenge. As one navigates this new normal, it’s essential to keep your home feeling like a sanctuary, separate from the strains of work. To that end, we’ll be sharing insights and tips on how to conceal your home office equipment in your living room, especially if you live in a small Oxford flat. We’ll delve into strategic room design, effective use of color, trim, and furnishings to harmoniously blend your workspace with your living space.
Clever Room Design with Native Furniture
One of the most significant ways you can effectively conceal your home office in your living room starts with strategic room design. Here we will discuss the native furniture that can best serve this purpose.
While it might seem counterintuitive, large pieces of furniture, such as bookshelves or a media unit, can effectively hide your workspace. These items can serve a dual purpose: providing storage for your books, decor, and other media, while also offering a concealed space for your work items.
For instance, a well-designed bookshelf with doors can hide your laptop, printer, or other office equipment when not in use. On the other hand, a media unit can hold your TV and other home entertainment elements and also act as a desk or computer table. These native pieces of furniture can effortlessly merge your work and living spaces without compromising your home’s overall aesthetics.
The Illusion of Space with White Paint
In a small Oxford flat, the illusion of space becomes paramount. One of the best ways to achieve this effect is by using white paint for your living room.
White is a color that naturally opens up a room, making it appear larger and brighter. When painted on walls, it can create an expansive backdrop that makes your furniture and decor elements pop.
Moreover, painting your office equipment, such as your desk or bookshelves, white can make them blend into your room’s color scheme. This illusion can effectively conceal your work area, making it feel like a natural part of your living room.
Bear in mind that when choosing white paint, select the right shade. Pure white can sometimes appear sterile. Opt for cream or off-white shades, which will offer warmth and homeliness to your living space.
Trim and Space Utilization
Trimming and effective space utilization are other crucial elements in concealing your home workspace. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of your room’s trim and space.
Trim is the decorative molding or edging that frames a room, and it can be a powerful tool when concealing office equipment. By painting the trim the same color as your office furniture or equipment, you can create a seamless look that blends into the background.
Moreover, using vertical space is a clever way to create more room for your office equipment while maintaining a neat and orderly living room. Wall-mounted shelves or a fold-down desk can provide ample workspace without taking up precious floor space.
Furniture that Doubles as Storage
For a small home office in your Oxford flat, furniture that doubles as storage is your best friend. Here, we will explore how the right pieces can help keep your office equipment out of sight.
Storage ottomans, coffee tables with compartments, and even couches with built-in storage are perfect for stowing away office equipment when the workday is done. An ottoman can store your laptop, while a coffee table can hold your work papers.
Additionally, consider a hideaway desk – these desks look like a standard cabinet or wardrobe when closed, but when open, they reveal a fully equipped workspace. This way, your office disappears entirely when not in use!
Soft Furnishings and Decorative Touches
The final touches in concealing your workspace in your living room involve soft furnishings and decorative pieces.
Strategically placed cushions can hide office chairs, while rugs can delineate between the living and workspace, subtly directing people’s attention away from the office area. Additionally, curtains or attractive room dividers can provide a physical barrier that separates your workspace from your relaxation area.
Furthermore, accessorizing your workspace with items that reflect your living room’s design scheme can help it blend in seamlessly. For instance, use picture frames, vases, or decorative bowls that match your living room decor on your desk.
Remember, your workspace doesn’t have to detract from the comfort and style of your living room. With careful planning, color choice, and furniture selection, your office can be a hidden gem in your Oxford flat’s living room.
Incorporating Versatile Furniture: The Massey Native Solution
Given the limited space in a small Oxford flat, the role of versatile furniture in concealing your home office cannot be overemphasized. We’ll explore the Massey native solution, a concept developed by the renowned interior designer, Paul Massey, whose brilliant work in London houses has been inspiring.
The first piece of furniture that stands out is the Massey native Billy bookcase. This piece isn’t just ideal for storing books; it can also serve as a concealed office station. Its spacious shelves can accommodate work files, a printer, a scanner, and other office equipment. When not in use, you can cover the shelves with bespoke doors to keep your living room looking tidy.
Another piece of versatile furniture you can consider is the Sinclair native coffee table. Created by designer Michael Sinclair, this table comes with compartments where you can store your laptop, work papers, and other office items. With this piece in your living room, you can switch from work mode to relaxation mode in seconds.
Concealing your workspace doesn’t mean your living room should be devoid of comfort. A sectional sofa with built-in storage can offer comfort and also serve as a concealment for office items. Similarly, a Horwood native entertainment center can provide ample space for your home entertainment and double as a hidden workspace.
By carefully selecting and positioning your furniture, you can create a living room that serves as an office during work hours and transforms into a classic sitting room after work.
Harmony with Farrow Ball Paint Colors
Selecting the right paint colors is a crucial factor in seamlessly blending your workspace with your living room. Farrow Ball paint colors are known for their superior quality and elegant shades, perfect for creating a harmonious living space.
When choosing a paint color, consider the shades that would best complement your furniture and decor. For example, Farrow Ball’s off-white or cream paint is excellent for creating an illusion of space, making your living room seem larger and brighter. When applied on trims and bookcases, these paint colors can help blend your workspace into the living room.
On the other hand, a Bryan Sullivan inspired tip is painting your office furniture the same color as the trim. This approach creates a seamless integration of the workspace into the room, making it almost invisible.
In conclusion, regardless of the size of your Oxford flat, you can successfully conceal your home office in the living room without sacrificing style or comfort. The key is to be strategic in your choice of furniture, paying attention to their functional and aesthetic value.
Additionally, the use of the right paint colors, particularly those offered by Farrow Ball, can help create an illusion of space and harmonize your workspace with the living room.
Remember, it’s not about eliminating your workspace but rather creatively integrating it into your living area. Using these tips, you can create a functional, stylish, and uncluttered living space that caters to your work needs while maintaining the feeling of home.
