We’re working from home, but we wish we could work from these homes

It’s safe to say that what makes a home office space has expanded in scope. Dining tables, sofas, and even beds (don’t judge us) have all become stand-ins for the swivel chair and desk of the usual workplace. These “office” spaces are adapted and ad hoc because they were sprung on everyone – who expected we’d have to self-isolate? – but since working from home has become the normal for so many of us, we want to get back to basics, albeit with some style. Below, a look at four of our favourite, actual home office ideas.

Photo by Arash Moallemi.

The Great Indoors

Two architects with an affinity for the outdoors blurred the line between interior and exterior when they designed and built their Trinity Bellwoods home. The home office space, neatly situated below a pair of skylights, benefits from a generous amount of natural light and, critically, plenty of functional space to spread out and get to work. See the full home here.

Photo by Ben Rahn/A-Frame.

Best of Both Worlds

Shared by an academic and an entrepreneur, the back-to-back co-working space features a mahogany-framed glazed wall (from Bauhaus) that lets both parents keep an eye on their kids when they play in the yard. Matching walnut desks and shelving keep things neat, tidy and – mounted on opposite walls – conducive to serious mental labour. See the full setup here.

Photo by Arash Moallemi.

Mid-Century Takeover

Part of an investment property reno that, once complete, became a primary residence, this home office space features everything lovers of Scandinavian style could want, including an Eames desk and chair (from Herman Miller), vintage teak shelving (from Filter) and a Muuto fixture (from YLighting). Thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding doors (from Kolbe Windows), it even has a nice view. See the full build here.

Milling About

The white oak and cherry millwork both affect the look and feel of an old school study, but watched over by Foscarini Gregg pendants and an &Tradition Palette desk, this PLANT architect-designed space keeps its traditional and modern influences in perfect balance. See the full home here.

Looking for home office furniture? Check out: 5 Top Stores for Home Office Furniture