I Work @ Home: book Review
Working from home has become increasingly commonplace since the Covid-19 pandemic. Adapting to this change has been gradual, and as temporary arrangements become permanent, more people are spending an increasing amount of time at home and require spaces that create a separation between work and everyday life. As a result, architects and interior designers have been increasingly sought after to design personalized home offices that prioritize private space for focused work. Some of the top considerations for these spaces include noise reduction for virtual meetings and focus, ergonomic furniture, adequate lighting, and economical use of space. I Work @ Home explores different creative design solutions from 30 architects and interior designers across the globe, highlighting numerous possibilities to help achieve an aesthetically pleasing, personalized, and productive home office space.
This publication's selection of architects and designers covers the diverse priorities and needs to be considered when designing a home office. Some of these include designers such as Sol Haus Design from Ojai, California, who specialize in sustainable design and smaller-scale projects such as tiny homes. California/Hawaii-based Craig Steely Architecture are known for crisp lines and clarity of vision, while Urbanology Designs, based in Texas, focus on relaxed modern interiors with longevity and lasting appeal that embody comfort and character.
Sarah Barnard Design has two projects featured in I Work @ Home, the Ocean View Penthouse and Beaming Bibliophile.
In Oceanview Penthouse, Sarah incorporated a preexisting wide floating desk by Hobstetter Architecture Studio into this workspace by pairing it with a sleek chair designed by Mauro Lipparini. The chair neatly tucks into the desk, offering minimal interruption to the spectacular sweeping ocean views. A deep custom sofa in wool felt sits opposite the floating desk, large enough to work, nap, daydream, or socialize; it is a focal point of this creative workspace. The sofa is flanked by side tables made of natural maple and steel. Subtle decorative elements throughout the office space, such as "Cumulous," a fiber sculpture by Renae Barnard, contribute to the overall sense of calm. This woven sculpture was made from wire, thread, yarn, rope, lamp cord, and an assortment of new and recycled materials commissioned to celebrate the natural environment.
Sarah created a nature-inspired contemporary office in Beaming Bibliophile, which features a neutral, earth-toned palette and agate-inspired grasscloth wallpaper. A fiddle leaf fig, air plant, and agave add greenery, and connect the outside with the inside space. A desk in black powder-coated steel was built to fit the homeowner's specific needs and is complemented with an ergonomic chair. Dark curtains create a calm atmosphere for more introspective work or a moment's rest in a hectic day. A sleek sofa adds a warm touch and offers a place to repose or a comfortable setting to read or review items away from the computer space. A pillow embroidered with illustrations inspired by Picasso gives an idea of the homeowner's creative interests, while a custom bookshelf provides ample space for books and artwork.
Given this shift in contemporary work habits, including a home office may be beneficial for many. It can offer a personalized space for restorative time from daily activities or the possibility of improving work-life balance. When planning home construction, consider including a dedicated workspace for each family member, one for each adult, and a dedicated space for the kids. By providing each family member with their own space for focused work and studies, a home office can offer the freedom to create the ideal workspace that suits each individual's needs and preferences. If renovating an existing home, consider potentially repurposing underused spaces to create a dedicated workspace within the home. With the ongoing, personalized design solutions created by designers far and wide, working from home will likely become a more balanced, creative, and productive experience.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was honored as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Designing Naturally: Enhancing Interior Spaces Through Biophilia
MATILIJA POPPY WALLPAPER IN NATURAL FROM KALE TREE.
A connection with nature has always been appealing in design. However, world factors like increased time spent indoors and a newfound awareness and appreciation of nature as we experience environmental shifts from climate change have potentially contributed to a desire for nature to be a more prominent part of daily life.
MALLOW WALLPAPER IN MIDNIGHT FOREST FROM KALE TREE.
While there are endless possibilities and applications for biophilic design, there are a few methods that can be applied to most design projects:
1. Mirroring local flora and fauna. Part of the benefit of biophilic design is creating a connection to our environment, minimizing feelings of isolation prevalent in contemporary and urban living. By drawing a connection to local plants and wildlife, interior spaces can feel increasingly connected to the land outside our doors, offering a feeling of inclusion and expansion. While any natural themes can provide benefits, sourcing inspiration from nature in the vicinity of the building can help foster a more intimate connection.
CUSTOM PELICAN DESIGN BY KALE TREE.
2. Utilize scale. Many clients may be hesitant to utilize floral or natural patterns for fear of them feeling overly old-timey. However, natural prints don’t need to be literal to be effective. Playing with scale can help alter the mood or energy of the space, offering more traditional or contemporary options. A large print can feel modern or dramatic and provides an opportunity to admire details of the image, which then can feel like a work of art in the space, particularly if designing for a room with high ceilings. Areas where people are spending shorter periods may benefit from the drama of a large-scale print. Smaller patterning, particularly in muted tones, can offer a quieter approach, creating a visual texture when a subtle background is needed.
MATILIJA POPPY WALLPAPER FROM KALE TREE.
3.Consider all aspects of the environment. Celebrating nature through biophilic design offers an opportunity to consider the environmental effects of design choices and practices. When sourcing products, natural, organic, and green guard certified materials may cause less harm to the natural environment during production while helping to improve indoor air quality. When considering biophilic options, opting for the most natural materials possibles help bolster the connection to nature while being more considerate of the environmental effects of the design process.
MALLOW WALLPAPER BY KALE TREE.
These biophilic design applications can help create comforting and soothing spaces for clients that reflect and respect the natural environment. As biophilic principles remain a regular part of interior design, we hope that design and production practices prioritize sustainability and care for nature.
Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, is a leading designer of personalized, sustainable spaces that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. She is a California Certified Naturalist, and in 2017, Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).