Working The Room

Create an inspiring home office that’s sure to boost your productivity.

With home offices getting more use than ever, it’s important to have a space that is as beautiful as it is functional. Here, two design pros take us inside two very different in-home workplaces and share their tips for creating an office space where clocking in doesn’t feel like a chore.

Mountain Modern

“These days a home office is more essential than it’s ever been,” says Becki Owens (beckiowens.com), a California-based interior designer. “My clients want it to be a space you don’t mind spending a lot of time in because it’s aesthetically pleasing.” For this light and bright home office in Utah’s Summit Creek, an upscale community set in the foothills of the Wasatch Range, Owens wanted to maximize the room’s plentiful natural light and gorgeous mountain views.

“It’s important to consider the focal point of the room,” says Owens. “In this space, it was the amazing surrounding views. But oftentimes a floating desk is a good choice when beautiful built-ins styled with personal treasures make a statement backdrop for the room.”

The custom stained oak cabinetry and floating shelves were designed to match the hardwood flooring. Owens chose sleek brass hardware for the cabinets and topped the shelves with books and framed artwork.


Rustic Ranch

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Set on a 2,000-acre property in Llano, Texas, this ranch house designed by Austin-based Cornerstone Architects (cornerstonearchitectsllp.com) was inspired by traditional barn structures. In the cozy home office, rough wood walls add texture and warmth, and an expansive window lets in views of the Texas Hill Country landscape. Sliding barn doors close off the space for privacy and provide a nice contrast with the Texas Lueders limestone that the architects carried over from the exterior.

“Clients are looking for larger home office spaces,” says Ranjit Gupta, director of design and partner at Cornerstone Architects. “Away from noise is also important.” To make a home office feel more comfortable, Gupta also suggests including a small sitting area.

Another must-have? “Closets or cabinets that incorporate spaces that can hide away printers, files, etc.,” says Gupta. This office’s built-in shelves and cabinets offer plenty of room for storage, as well as a place to showcase art and collectibles.


For more home inspiration …

Welcome To The Oasis
The Great Indoors


Photography: Images courtesy Summit Creek Utah, Andrew Pogue

From our February/March 2021 issue.