Compact alcove desk space

 

A post shared by Laura Cox (@lauracoxhome)

Working from home is a trend that’s becoming more and more widespread. It makes sense if your employer and home circumstances make it possible – not wasting all that valuable time and expense on unnecessary travel. The internet has certainly aided things – online access, emails and conference calls cover most eventualities. Some people are happy to use their laptop and operate from the sofa, bed or garden chair; others like a designated work area.

If space is at a premium, check out today’s Get their look for inspiration. The home-owner has created a fabulous compact alcove desk space, fitting everything required into the smallest of nooks. Smart storage is key – shelves, magazine files, storage boxes, filing cabinet… anything that gets things up & off the desk. There’s some lovely natural light coming in from a Velux window above – and a bit of greenery too. It really is very successful, and settling in here for a few hours would certainly beat that commute and a stuffy office full of distractions.

  1. Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium
  2. TJENA magazine files
  3. TJENA storage box with lid
  4. Modern adjustable touch desk lamp in black, 4W LED bulb included
  5. Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
  6. Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair

Get their Look: Compact alcove desk space | H is for Home

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
TJENA storage box with lid
TJENA storage box with lid
Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair
Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair
TJENA magazine files
TJENA magazine files
Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium
Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium
Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
TJENA storage box with lid
TJENA storage box with lid
Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair
Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair
TJENA magazine files
TJENA magazine files
Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium
Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium
Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
Hiba steel cabinet with 1 door & 4 filing cabinet drawers
TJENA storage box with lid
TJENA storage box with lid
Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair
Ercol Windsor Quaker dining chair
TJENA magazine files
TJENA magazine files
Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium
Pegboard with wooden pegs, medium

Minimalist design: What does it take to make it right?

Minimalist design: What does it take to make it right?

They say that less is more, and when you take a look at some minimalist homes, you can really see why. Minimalist homes are known for their swathes of empty space and bare walls, and they are becoming all the more common these days. Look on Instagram and Pinterest and you are sure to see endless photos of modern minimalist homes.

Millions of people around the world are waving goodbye to clutter and opting to instead invest their money on fewer, more bespoke pieces. Simplifying your home too much and being “overly-minimalist” can actually have the opposite effect and leave your home feeling too empty and cold. Making minimalist design work is a balancing act between too much and too little which is very easy to get wrong.

Looking for a little help or inspiration? Check out these ideas from Casa Forma!

Neutral colour scheme in a sitting room

#1: Use neutral colours

Minimalist design has a strict colour palette that you should avoid straying too far from. The minimalist colour scheme consists of simple, subdued colours that complement each other in their neutrality – they do not contrast each other, and they are what make or break a minimalist design.

Using whites is absolutely fine, but other colours such as off-white, beige, slate and greys work well together, too. Avoid using loud colours on your walls and opt for other decorative pieces to nicely accent the space. Wall art, for example, is a great way to give a minimalist space some personality and life.

minimalist chaise longue

#2: Use minimalist furniture

The right furniture is crucial to making your minimalist space work. After you have sorted out the walls and settled on a minimalist colour scheme, you will need to fill your space up slightly with the right furniture that reflects your taste and style.

The furniture you choose should be simple – that’s the point of minimalism – with clean lines and muted colours. You don’t need to limit your furniture options too much, but keep it tailored and fitted close to your room’s overall feel. Although a wooden sofa with patterned cushions is great for more rustic homes, it will stick out like a sore thumb in a minimalist home and will ruin the overall aesthetic.

Minimalist kitchen

#3: Use storage right

It may seem odd discussing storage space in the context of a minimalist home, but you’ll still need some. Storage space prevents clutter after all! Minimalism does not mean barely owning anything, it simply means cutting back on your belongings to simplify your life to the point where you have everything you need and are comfortable.

There are plenty of interesting storage solutions out there which work nicely with the space you have. Installing a trap door at the bottom of your stairs and buying a coffee table where the top lifts up are just two of many minimalist-centric storage options.

Minimalism doesn’t have to be boring, despite what the term may suggest. You can achieve a minimalist home by sticking strictly to neutral and muted colours, simple and clean furniture and by avoiding owning too much clutter.

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Making a man cave – some handy tips to get you started!

Pool table in a man cavecredit

Got a garage or a garden shed you’re wanting to transform? Whether it’s a man cave you want or just somewhere to escape your busy home from time to time, somewhere to entertain your mates when they come over, then you’ve come to the right place.

Here you’ll find some handy tips and helpful advice on how to get started on your man cave!

Man cave with pub signscredit

Lighting

If you’re thinking of setting up your man cave in a garage or an old shed, you’re going to need to think about your lighting options. Most garages come with a single, stark fluorescent strip light, which is fine if you don’t spend any time in there. But if you’re hoping to host your next poker night or playing FIFA with the guys then you’re going to need something more. Think spotlights and more permanent fixtures – you can select from a range of LED spotlights from LEDHUT.

Although your lighting choice might reflect the style you’re going for, if you’re thinking of a more industrial look, then hanging pendants and stylish naked bulbs are the way to go. If you want something sleek and modern, then spotlights are ideal. Always speak to an electrician before you do any electrical work on your home.

Panoramic shot of a man cavecredit

Insulate

Unfortunately, this is something you’ll need to consider if you’re hoping to escape every Sunday to watch the football highlights. You’ll want to enjoy your new space all year round, not just in the summer months. You’ll need to think about insulation for the floor, the walls and the garage door. Don’t worry, it’ll be worth it.

Painting garage walls brilliant whitecredit

Painting – lots of it

Garages aren’t generally known for their design flair – so if you’re going to create your very own man cave, you’re going to need to think about colours and possibly a theme too. We think it’s pretty safe to say that no man cave can be created without a lick of paint. So, make sure you’re dedicated to the project as painting a garage will take a lot of time and effort. If you’re not up to the task, then hire a professional to do the hard work for you. They won’t tell anyone!

Wooden floor in a man cavecredit

Flooring

The garage floor is cold, hard and unwelcoming. But that’s because it’s supposed to be. So, for your man cave, you need to consider your options.

Why not consider some floorboards? Or maybe even carpet tiles to add a bit of comfort – as far as the flooring goes, anything is an improvement on cold, hard concrete.

Organised garagecredit

Security

If you’re investing in a man cave that’s going to be filled with all the things you enjoy and love, then we need to talk about security. Having your 50-inch LED TV on the wall in your garage is a burglary waiting to happen! You might think that no one will see it, but once you begin inviting guests and people start talking about it – your cave of treasures will become public knowledge. So, invest in some coded locks, and deadbolts are also a recommended option!

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Get their look: yellowcouchstories

yellowcouchstories Instagram gifcredit

We’re really trying to make more of an effort with our Instagram feed this month. To help us along, we’re taking part in the #Myhousethismonth photo challenge. That’s where we came across the gorgeous sitting room of Sjanneke, a Dutch artist & graphic designer. She goes by the moniker, yellowcouchstories – I think you can tell why! Her sofa is just beautiful, and it’s shown off to its best against the petrol blue painted wall.

  1. Marieke velvet sofa
  2. Black metal accordion wall sconce
  3. Industrial tripod floor lamp
  4. Miami cushion, dark green
  5. Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow

Get their look: yellowcouchstories | H is for Home

Get their look

Some of the links on our blog are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission - at no cost to you - if you click through and make a purchase.
Prices & links correct at time of publication.

Black metal accordion wall sconce
Black metal accordion wall sconce
Industrial tripod floor lamp
Industrial tripod floor lamp
Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow
Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow
Miami cushion, dark green
Miami cushion, dark green
Marieke velvet sofa, Juke gold
Marieke velvet sofa, Juke gold
Black metal accordion wall sconce
Black metal accordion wall sconce
Industrial tripod floor lamp
Industrial tripod floor lamp
Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow
Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow
Miami cushion, dark green
Miami cushion, dark green
Marieke velvet sofa, Juke gold
Marieke velvet sofa, Juke gold
Black metal accordion wall sconce
Black metal accordion wall sconce
Industrial tripod floor lamp
Industrial tripod floor lamp
Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow
Velvet cylinder cushion, golden yellow
Miami cushion, dark green
Miami cushion, dark green
Marieke velvet sofa, Juke gold
Marieke velvet sofa, Juke gold