Who says you can't use pretty furniture in the office?
Office furniture can often look, well, uninspired. But if you’re looking to create an inspiring space, you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional office pieces. Non-office furniture can offer you the functionality and comfort you need while showcasing your style. “With everything that went on the past few years, people spent way more time working at home in unconventional spots, like the breakfast or dining room table,” say Atlanta-based design duo Don Easterling and Nina Long of Mathews Design Group. “That didn’t seem like such a bad idea for our new office!”
For their overhaul, the designers set out to maximize organization while incorporating attractive pieces that were comfortable. “We thought this would not only look better but feel better—more like home,” they explain. “There’s something inspiring about being around things we love on a regular basis.”
Instead of a desk, they opted for a dining table from Hickory Chair that was the perfect size for working on architectural plans, hosting client meetings, and giving presentations. A large credenza makes a chic filing cabinet and holds office supplies. A pair of white cabinets with gold accents hides catalogs and samples.
Decorative elements enhance the office’s homey feel. The wallpaper—Brighton Pavilion by Miles Redd for Schumacher—set the tone for the whole look. It even covers the closet door, making it seamlessly blend into the space. “We knew it was something we would never get tired of,” the designers say. A gilded mirror from Friedman Brothers, a Visual Comfort chandelier, and the jewel-like closet door knob from Emtek add elegance.
The design team also doubled down on organization. “After years of being so busy, we discovered we badly neglected our office area,” they admit. “When the space was done, we hired a professional organizer that really helped us get all our stuff properly arranged and in a coherent system—and we had a lot of stuff!”
Now, their office is free of old, unused items. Thousands of fabric samples are color coordinated and exist neatly in labeled, woven baskets in their closet. It's much more efficient and motivating. "This was like a good spring cleaning times 100," the designers exclaim.
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Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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