6 Home Offices With Built-in Storage
See how designers added stylish built-in storage to create organised, functional and beautiful workspaces
Smart storage solutions are key to creating a home office that functions well. They can also help add welcoming style.
In these six inspiring projects in the US and Canada, designers carved out efficient workspaces and packed them with thoughtfully designed built-in storage that helps conceal equipment and clutter while creating inviting spots to work in.
In these six inspiring projects in the US and Canada, designers carved out efficient workspaces and packed them with thoughtfully designed built-in storage that helps conceal equipment and clutter while creating inviting spots to work in.
2. Sunny corner workspace
Designer: Faith Baboolal of Faith Victoria Architect
Location: East Hampton, New York
Homeowners’ request This home office is tucked into a corner of a 18.5 sq m living room extension. “They wanted the space to read as an all-white panelled sunroom,” designer Faith Baboolal says. “The extension added so much light into the space. Along the entire front wall is a desk that connects to a coffee and tea bar [seen here]. We had to install a flush steel beam in the ceiling – probably one of the trickiest parts of the job – but it was worth it in the end for the open flow and additional space.”
Built-in storage “The desk itself is only 7ft 6in [215cm] long,” Faith says. “It’s meant to be a clean, stylish place for when the wife works from home. She has many video calls and wanted to have a designated space for small work tasks that was not the dining room table. One side of the desk has built-in filing cabinets; the other side has storage. Outlets within the cabinets hide a lot of wiring for all the support equipment. The quartz desktop with the almond-coloured cabinetry makes for a beautiful, warm-toned desk area.”
Designer tip “Incorporate lots of natural light,” Faith says. “It’s so great for the mind to see and feel nature while having to sit at a desk and work.”
Faith uses Houzz Pro business software.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Designer: Faith Baboolal of Faith Victoria Architect
Location: East Hampton, New York
Homeowners’ request This home office is tucked into a corner of a 18.5 sq m living room extension. “They wanted the space to read as an all-white panelled sunroom,” designer Faith Baboolal says. “The extension added so much light into the space. Along the entire front wall is a desk that connects to a coffee and tea bar [seen here]. We had to install a flush steel beam in the ceiling – probably one of the trickiest parts of the job – but it was worth it in the end for the open flow and additional space.”
Built-in storage “The desk itself is only 7ft 6in [215cm] long,” Faith says. “It’s meant to be a clean, stylish place for when the wife works from home. She has many video calls and wanted to have a designated space for small work tasks that was not the dining room table. One side of the desk has built-in filing cabinets; the other side has storage. Outlets within the cabinets hide a lot of wiring for all the support equipment. The quartz desktop with the almond-coloured cabinetry makes for a beautiful, warm-toned desk area.”
Designer tip “Incorporate lots of natural light,” Faith says. “It’s so great for the mind to see and feel nature while having to sit at a desk and work.”
Faith uses Houzz Pro business software.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Midcentury mood
Design and build pro: Jonathan Eklund of Ecostruct
Architect: Terri Appel of Appel Architecture
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Size: 220 sq ft (20 sq m)
Homeowners’ request “The clients work from home often and this office was designed specifically for this purpose,” architect Terri Appel says.
Jonathan Eklund, the design and build pro on the project, uses Houzz Pro software.
Built-in storage “They wanted lots of built-in storage to hide the printer and office supplies, but also a nice backdrop for video meetings. The [bespoke joinery] was designed to solve both of those issues,” Terri says. The cabinets are walnut veneer with open storage painted in Hopper Head by Farrow & Ball.
Other special features A Gunni Omann midcentury desk is the centrepiece. The walls are painted in Selvedge by Farrow & Ball and have walnut wainscoting. “Everyone loved the original fireplace that was there, so we had that fully restored with a new hearth,” Terri says. “It’s a beautiful marble mantel that’s quite unusual, especially for being on the top floor of the house.”
Designer tip “Don’t be afraid of dark paint,” Terri says. “If used correctly, it can actually open up the room and make it feel very special. The ceiling height in the office is actually quite low, but the darker colour and wood detailing make it feel very comfortable.”
Project photography by Sean Litchfield
Design and build pro: Jonathan Eklund of Ecostruct
Architect: Terri Appel of Appel Architecture
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Size: 220 sq ft (20 sq m)
Homeowners’ request “The clients work from home often and this office was designed specifically for this purpose,” architect Terri Appel says.
Jonathan Eklund, the design and build pro on the project, uses Houzz Pro software.
Built-in storage “They wanted lots of built-in storage to hide the printer and office supplies, but also a nice backdrop for video meetings. The [bespoke joinery] was designed to solve both of those issues,” Terri says. The cabinets are walnut veneer with open storage painted in Hopper Head by Farrow & Ball.
Other special features A Gunni Omann midcentury desk is the centrepiece. The walls are painted in Selvedge by Farrow & Ball and have walnut wainscoting. “Everyone loved the original fireplace that was there, so we had that fully restored with a new hearth,” Terri says. “It’s a beautiful marble mantel that’s quite unusual, especially for being on the top floor of the house.”
Designer tip “Don’t be afraid of dark paint,” Terri says. “If used correctly, it can actually open up the room and make it feel very special. The ceiling height in the office is actually quite low, but the darker colour and wood detailing make it feel very comfortable.”
Project photography by Sean Litchfield
4. Pantry-office nook
Designer: Jennifer Richards of Tapper Richards Interiors
Contractor: Harding Builders
Location: Boston
Size: 99 sq ft (9.2 sq m)
Homeowners’ request “Our clients had one long room between the garage and the main house’s living room and kitchen,” designer Jennifer Richards says. “They wanted to fit a [boot] room, pantry and home office into the area. A pantry-home office combination isn’t too common when it comes to workspaces. This isn’t the primary workspace for the homeowner, but rather a spot for a once-in-a-while work-from-home situation, so this corner of the pantry was the perfect area. With two pocket doors closing the space from both the [boot] room nearby and the kitchen, it can serve as a semi-secluded spot with a dual purpose.”
Built-in storage “The built-in storage is semi-[bespoke], with standard base cabinet drawers paired with custom shelving above, a butcher’s block-style countertop and some styling touches to help the space feel liveable but functional,” Jennifer says. “Again, it isn’t too common that someone might sit for a while in their pantry, so we had to make it feel like a room, not just a storage space.”
Jennifer colour-washed the walls and built-in units in a unifying saturated navy blue. “We’re in New England, so this is a classic colour,” she says.
Other special features Bird pattern wallpaper on the ceiling. Window seat with bespoke seat and scatter cushions. Patterned Roman blind. “The comfortable, less-commercial desk chair says, ‘This is still a home, not just a spot for work,’” Jennifer says.
Designer tip “Always design your space for your own purposes,” Jennifer says. “This is a chance to be a little selfish in a sense.”
Designer: Jennifer Richards of Tapper Richards Interiors
Contractor: Harding Builders
Location: Boston
Size: 99 sq ft (9.2 sq m)
Homeowners’ request “Our clients had one long room between the garage and the main house’s living room and kitchen,” designer Jennifer Richards says. “They wanted to fit a [boot] room, pantry and home office into the area. A pantry-home office combination isn’t too common when it comes to workspaces. This isn’t the primary workspace for the homeowner, but rather a spot for a once-in-a-while work-from-home situation, so this corner of the pantry was the perfect area. With two pocket doors closing the space from both the [boot] room nearby and the kitchen, it can serve as a semi-secluded spot with a dual purpose.”
Built-in storage “The built-in storage is semi-[bespoke], with standard base cabinet drawers paired with custom shelving above, a butcher’s block-style countertop and some styling touches to help the space feel liveable but functional,” Jennifer says. “Again, it isn’t too common that someone might sit for a while in their pantry, so we had to make it feel like a room, not just a storage space.”
Jennifer colour-washed the walls and built-in units in a unifying saturated navy blue. “We’re in New England, so this is a classic colour,” she says.
Other special features Bird pattern wallpaper on the ceiling. Window seat with bespoke seat and scatter cushions. Patterned Roman blind. “The comfortable, less-commercial desk chair says, ‘This is still a home, not just a spot for work,’” Jennifer says.
Designer tip “Always design your space for your own purposes,” Jennifer says. “This is a chance to be a little selfish in a sense.”
5. Serene oak study
Designer: Wanda Ely Architect
Location: Toronto
Size: 125 sq ft (12 sq m)
Homeowner’s request “Our client loves the quality of west afternoon light, so we wanted to take advantage of this large west-facing window for her home office,” architect Wanda Ely says. “Right outside the window is a beautiful cherry tree that’s covered in white blossom in the spring. The homeowner wanted a space to work that felt serene and quiet and was a private space away from the busier areas of the home.”
Built-in storage “This room is located at the joint between the existing home and the new rear extension,” Wanda says. “We took advantage of the resulting step-back in the wall to tuck in some angled open bookshelves. A large wraparound desk offers tons of workspace as well as storage for the printer and other home office necessities tucked underneath the shelves on the left side of the desk. Grommets installed in the desktop hide cords and keep clutter to a minimum. All the [joinery] is custom-made out of white oak.”
Other special features “This room is a study in simplicity – white walls painted in a 25% lighter version of Benjamin Moore’s White Wisp and beautiful white oak [joinery] anchor the room,” Wanda says. “The pendant light has a built-in planter and adds a special and unexpected touch.”
Designer tip “Thoughtfully designed [joinery] is always the best way to maximise storage in a small space and makes a room feel pulled together and intentional,” Wanda says. “Don’t be afraid to tweak paint colours by working with your supplier to mix them lighter or darker depending on the effect you’re going for.”
Designer: Wanda Ely Architect
Location: Toronto
Size: 125 sq ft (12 sq m)
Homeowner’s request “Our client loves the quality of west afternoon light, so we wanted to take advantage of this large west-facing window for her home office,” architect Wanda Ely says. “Right outside the window is a beautiful cherry tree that’s covered in white blossom in the spring. The homeowner wanted a space to work that felt serene and quiet and was a private space away from the busier areas of the home.”
Built-in storage “This room is located at the joint between the existing home and the new rear extension,” Wanda says. “We took advantage of the resulting step-back in the wall to tuck in some angled open bookshelves. A large wraparound desk offers tons of workspace as well as storage for the printer and other home office necessities tucked underneath the shelves on the left side of the desk. Grommets installed in the desktop hide cords and keep clutter to a minimum. All the [joinery] is custom-made out of white oak.”
Other special features “This room is a study in simplicity – white walls painted in a 25% lighter version of Benjamin Moore’s White Wisp and beautiful white oak [joinery] anchor the room,” Wanda says. “The pendant light has a built-in planter and adds a special and unexpected touch.”
Designer tip “Thoughtfully designed [joinery] is always the best way to maximise storage in a small space and makes a room feel pulled together and intentional,” Wanda says. “Don’t be afraid to tweak paint colours by working with your supplier to mix them lighter or darker depending on the effect you’re going for.”
6. Shared refreshment
Designer: Jeannine Bogart of Epic Interiors
Location: Northbrook, Illinois
Size: 168 sq ft (16 sq m)
Homeowners’ request “The homeowners, a couple who are both psychologists, envisioned this space as a shared office for telehealth sessions and a home office,” designer Jeannine Bogart says. “The original room was clad in traditional, outdated dark wood panelling and built-in cabinetry.”
Built-in storage “To preserve and update the original cabinetry, we painted it and the entire room a bright silvery blue (Autonomous by Sherwin-Williams), replaced the hardware and added a new ceiling fixture,” Jeannine says. “We concealed the printer in the lower cabinets, which are slightly deeper, providing a good fit. We added power outlets in the lower cabinets to keep the cords out of sight and used cable sleeving to hide the cords around the desks.”
Other special features “The entire room was painted in Sherwin-Williams Autonomous to create a cohesive feel, and we re-stained the dull, worn parquet floor to brighten the space,” Jeannine says.
Designer tip “If you’re on a tight budget, consider reusing existing cabinetry,” Jeannine says. “In this project, we decided there was no need to rip out the cabinetry – we could just paint it. These built-in units included a lot of open shelving as well as closed cabinetry. We were fortunate that we could hide all of the office materials, allowing us to use the shelving for more decorative purposes and create a clutter-free experience. Once it was painted, it looked completely fresh and new.”
Tell us…
Which of these home offices caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Designer: Jeannine Bogart of Epic Interiors
Location: Northbrook, Illinois
Size: 168 sq ft (16 sq m)
Homeowners’ request “The homeowners, a couple who are both psychologists, envisioned this space as a shared office for telehealth sessions and a home office,” designer Jeannine Bogart says. “The original room was clad in traditional, outdated dark wood panelling and built-in cabinetry.”
Built-in storage “To preserve and update the original cabinetry, we painted it and the entire room a bright silvery blue (Autonomous by Sherwin-Williams), replaced the hardware and added a new ceiling fixture,” Jeannine says. “We concealed the printer in the lower cabinets, which are slightly deeper, providing a good fit. We added power outlets in the lower cabinets to keep the cords out of sight and used cable sleeving to hide the cords around the desks.”
Other special features “The entire room was painted in Sherwin-Williams Autonomous to create a cohesive feel, and we re-stained the dull, worn parquet floor to brighten the space,” Jeannine says.
Designer tip “If you’re on a tight budget, consider reusing existing cabinetry,” Jeannine says. “In this project, we decided there was no need to rip out the cabinetry – we could just paint it. These built-in units included a lot of open shelving as well as closed cabinetry. We were fortunate that we could hide all of the office materials, allowing us to use the shelving for more decorative purposes and create a clutter-free experience. Once it was painted, it looked completely fresh and new.”
Tell us…
Which of these home offices caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Designer: Mark Ciano Home
Location: Westport, Connecticut
Homeowner’s request “My client approached me with a vision to transform her [second]-floor storage and kids’ play space into a stunning but functional home office suite,” designer Mark Ciano says. “Her vision was a multipurpose space that not only represented her style and looked fantastic, but also solved many of her home office needs, including a sitting area for informal meetings, a desk area with tons of storage, and a window seat where she could take calls and look out at the treetops.”
Built-in storage “I designed a full wall of built-in cabinetry, including closed storage below for supplies and any other typical office items, and open shelves above for decorative items and books and panels to hang art,” Mark says. “The built-in unit was painted just the right tone of blue, Farrow & Ball’s De Nimes, a muted mid-tone blue that denotes tranquillity. Printer space is hidden inside the unit, and all computer laptop cords run through the top of the desk and are neatly tacked behind the leg of the desk.”
Other special features The desk is walnut and marble. “The walls are papered in Cowtan & Tout’s Tabor in a neutral weave to create a layered texture but not close in the space or hit you in the face with colour,” Mark says. “We commissioned two pieces of art that sit in the built-in unit behind the desk area off to the sides. My client’s dear friend is an artist on the West Coast and I worked with her on the concept, colour and execution of the pieces. The lighting details were quite important. Instead of a desk lamp or recessed spots, I opted for hanging pendants over the desk.
“To separate the space and create a divider between the sitting area and desk area, I designed open shelving units [seen here] that followed the slope of the ceiling. They create a separation but don’t close spaces in. The divider bookcases are in rift-cut oak and stained with a medium-toned walnut finish. A full station [seen here] with refrigeration was a must because of the time she spends working.”
Designer tip “People spend so many hours at their desk these days, I wanted my client to have a cosy window seat with treetop views [seen here] if she’s reviewing contracts or just needs to take a few minutes’ break between video calls,” Mark says.
Commissioned art, Reggie Stone.
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