Keep little hands busy For parents who need to work from home while also caring for children that aren’t yet school-aged, it can be hard to strike a balance between keeping them entertained and getting things done. Why not create a special workspace for your little ones alongside your own so that they feel included, and can perhaps help out with small tasks? They can even help you make this simple magnetic chalkboard below, which is made from a picture frame with the glass removed. Simply paint with two coats of Resene Magnetic Magic on the backing followed by Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen in Resene Family Tree. Once dry, you can write on it with chalk, which can be wiped off with a wet cloth. Hang magnets on it and arrange to suit, like these wooden letters that we painted using cheerfully coloured Resene testpots. Above: This beautiful art-deco style console table works wonderfully as a ‘sometimes office’. The wall effect in Resene Influential and Resene Time After Time has been painted over two coats of Resene Magnetic Magic to create a clever noteboard that doesn’t look obvious but is always there when you need it. Everything else can be easily stashed away when company comes over. The main wall is painted in Resene Wishing Well, the side table is in Resene Half Tea and the vases are in Resene Soulful, Resene Time After Time and Resene Influential. stockists Discus Console, Olemec Office Chair and Anamur Rug from Freedom Furniture, www.freedomfurniture.co.nz. Messing Table Lamp in Brass/Marble from Nood, www.nood.co.nz. North Island Saddleback print from Endemic World, www.endemicworld.com. Side table, stationery and office accessories from Kmart, www.kmart.co.nz. The walls of this office space are in Resene Moonlight, the built-in shelf is in Resene Noir and the tongue-and -groove panelling is in Resene Untamed. The vases are in Resene Cleopatra, Resene Moccasin, Resene Mystery and Resene Noir. The desk organiser and hooks are in Resene Moccasin. Resene Wishing Well Resene Influential Resene Soulful help with productivity and concentration levels. “It’s more about creating a space where you know you have to go to work and you can therefore limit the distractions around you.” The new corner office Work yourself into a literal corner by opting for a triangular desk. For added storage, hang corner-shelves high enough and shallow enough that you won’t bump your head. Always be sure to use proper hardware and a stud-finder to anchor shelving to your walls safely and securely. Know thyself Deciding on what type of space suits you, says Laura, begins with identifying your own work patterns and habits. “Do you have a family around you and need to keep an eye on the kids? Do clients visit who need seating? Do you like to work with music playing? Do you like to pin things on the wall? Are you completely computer based? All these things influence the way you set up space around you for work.” Whether or not you share the same workspace as your children, depends on your family dynamic, says Laura. “Some people like to work around their children. Others like complete isolation and privacy.” Finding what works for you will likely mean finding the right balance between being completely out in the open and being completely cut off. Above: This previously unused alcove was turned into a cosy office by popping in a small desk, a great lamp and some handy organisers. The main wall is painted Resene Just Dance and the darker wall is Resene Smoulder. The side table and large white vase are in Resene Half Tea, the wall and desk organisers are in Resene Half Tea, Resene King Tide, Resene Smoulder and Resene Soulful. The mustard vase is Resene Influential and the dark vase is Resene King Tide. stockists Valencia Desk, Blare Chair and Abir Rug from Freedom Furniture, www.freedomfurniture.co.nz. Nod Floor Lamp from Nood, www.nood.co.nz. Pegboard from The Warehouse, www.thewarehouse.co.nz. Alice Berry print from Endemic World, www.endemicworld.com. Pink rug, stationery and office accessories from Kmart, www.kmart.co.nz. Resene Just Dance Resene Smoulder Resene Half Tea Resene Soulful Resene Away We Go Resene Moana Resene Pohutukawa Resene Moccasin Resene Daredevil Resene Cleopatra Resene Moonlight Resene Noir Spend to save (your spine) While desks and chairs don’t have to be expensive, do invest in some key quality pieces. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re unlikely to be at your most productive, and the wrong ergonomics could result in repetitive stress injuries. Ask your employer to see if there is an allowance for purchasing furniture for your home office or if you can claim some of what you spend on your taxes. Free up the floor A folding shelf desk that’s just big enough for the essentials and can be tucked away when it’s not in use is a great solution for when you need to be especially frugal about floor space. Again, be sure to properly install the shelf to your wall using the right hardware for more than the weight of the items that will be on your desk, and anchor it solidly to wall studs. If you’re unsure how, it’s safest to consult an expert. Face the door  When you’re trying to use space efficiently, a small desk area often leaves you staring down the wall. While it may help some focus, facing away from the door can feel uncomfortable to others. One solution is to position your desk diagonally, cutting off a small corner of the room, leaving your back to it. Then, you can add a narrow bookcase or wall-mounted shelves behind you to make the most of every single square metre. top tip If you find a colour inspiring but too intense to use on your walls, try putting it right onto your workspace by painting your desk or chair with durable Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss or Resene Enamacryl gloss waterborne enamel. Resene King Tide Resene Time After Time Resene Untamed Resene Mystery home office 58 59