deco de miel: Designing a fun and ideal home office space for yourself.

I have never made an introduction before, so very briefly here it is. It has been almost four weeks since I arrived in the big bustling city of Mumbai. Leaving my pretty little cottage back in England I now live right at the heart of the city, where the life outside feels and sounds as though it is in our home. In fact every house feels the same. I can't escape the noise, but I sure have applied all the yoga and meditation techniques I have practiced in the past to block the never ending hooting of the tuk-tuks, cars, trucks, taxis - all part of the citylife in India. Word is I'm moving to another apartment soon!

Having moved and lived in four cities in the past nine years has not given me a feeling of permanency. Here I am in a 3 bedroom suite contemplating on how I can turn this apartment into a home; not this one but the new one, thinking of ways to make it warm and inviting and comfortable enough. Everywhere I have lived, there is always a corner and a desk by a window - this becomes my oasis, my bliss, my sanctuary! This space is where I retreat, where I put my thinking cap on and ponder about the many ways and means I could make the next three years as wonderful as it could ever be. These days I often find myself glued on a chair reading my book, design magazines or browsing my favourite websites getting myself abreast with family matters, friends and the news back home. Around me are a few photos of family and things that remind me of home. I also take delight in listening to Classic FM broadcasting all the way from England. Mind you it does help the blocking...

Thinking of something productive to do sat behind my desk three hours and thirtyfive minutes later when ideas flowed, this is what I came up with, a selection of wonderful and fun home offices we could create for ourselves. It could be a playground as much as a working environment. Do the exact opposite of what a corporate office space does because nobody is going to play police and tell you the dos and don'ts and things you can't have. Your own space is a reflection of your lifestyle and individuality. Make it efficient and functional with a lay out and style that suit you most. Remember, your rules run here!

So scroll away, get ideas, get inspired and get carried all the way to Carrie Bradshaw's amazing home office space!

Your home office doesn't need to be large or expensive.
Tuvan desk find it at The Dormy House or search through second-hand shops
paint it in creamy white shade. Create your own homemade
fabric covered wallboard DIY by me at the bottom of this post.

photo featured from All About You, March 2010

An eco-friendly office, desk and chair from Lombok

Decorate wallboard with pictures and postcards and

surround yourself with plants or flowers and anything that makes you smile.

featured photo IdealHome July 2005

Let plenty of light in!
Trestle table offers plenty of workspace and adds a relaxed touch to the room.

They're widely available even Amazon has a selection or bespoke at Soane.

White paint and glass wall gives a contemporary feel to it.

photo first published Livingetc April 2009

An L-shaped desk is practical and has dual purpose that can be tucked in a corner.

Choose bright and effective lamps and a pretty scheme.

Surround yourself with lovely things making you feel more creative and inspired.

Desk and chair IKEA photo IdealHome June 2010

Craft corner home office.
Use clear glass jars, bright storage tins and neatly stacked open shelves.
Find a foliage of printed fabrics at Cath Kidston for upholstery and many more.
photo credits to Country Homes and Interiors March 2008

Creating an inspiring space to work with a garden view.

Find a second-hand desk with distressed finish and a patterned blind or curtain to match.
Keep it simple and calm. Allow a continuous flow of colours and feel to it.

Hand printed fabrics & wallpapers at Rapture and Wright.

photo from Country Homes & Interiors May 2009