Gadgets for the home office

What environment do you prefer when working from home? Are you conservative and want to use pen and paper? Do you prefer to work from your own library or possibly from the couch?

Text: Camilla Åsedal
Photo: Finn Christian Peper

Published 2023-02-18

Most home offices only require a laptop and a reasonably comfortable sitting area. Furnishing your own home office is becoming increasingly common for those who can work from home. Make sure to make your office homely since many hours spends on work. What type of home office speaks more to you?

The Old School Office

A laptop on your desk may not be enough if you prefer a traditional home office set-up. For the old school office, there is no risk of the old honourable pen falling into oblivion. A pencil from Montblanc not only fulfils its practical function, but also gives a special feeling to use when you are familiar with the story behind its construction. If you are a "pen-veteran", then a notepad, a desk blotter, and a pen stand are all a necessity on the desk.

Smythson Panama Notebook "The Boss" Black

£55

Ralph Lauren Home Brennan Leather Pencil Cup Saddle Brown

£115

The Mad Men Office

Does acting like a chain-smoking Creative Director at an advertising agency from the 60s à la Don Draper sound intriguing? Then, decorate in 60s interior with classic Knoll retro furniture, a glass table, a drink trolley and a couch to rest on when creativity is lacking. Interiors such as whiskey glasses and ashtrays may belong to the 60s workplace but is crucial for an office in the spirit of Mad Men. Swap the alcohol for water and the cigarettes for nuts, adding a contemporary approach to the workday. Don't forget coasters.

Ralph Lauren Home Hudson Plaid Crystal Decanter Clear

£280

Ralph Lauren Home 1955 Mercedes Gullwing Coupe Model Car Silver

£2340

Ralph Lauren Home Remy Double-Old-Fashioned Set

£135

Ralph Lauren Home Hudson Plaid Nut Bowl Clear

£195

Ralph Lauren Home Garrett Leather Coaster Set

£110

Sonic Editions Framed Roger Moore Shaken Not Stirred

£385

The Cozy Home Office

For early mornings or days when you do not feel like getting dressed, a dressing gown is preferable - regardless sitting on the sofa or in the office chair. A cup of coffee or tea is an unwritten rule, rather than an exception for most home workers, and your coffee tastes better when you drink it from a cup of your preference. Choose a cup depending on your mood of the day. Adding a pair of slippers completes the working-from-home feel.

Crockett & Jones Mule Calf Home Slipper Black

£200

CDLP Heavyweight T-Shirt Navy

£75

The Dark Office

Do you prefer a dark home office, or dislike colour? Then an office in black might speak to you. Some people may experience resistance from the outside world, when decorating in black. Thus, this may be a red flag for you being a bachelor - notably if featuring neon lights that appear in purple and red, and controls from an app. However, if you know how to decorate with black correctly, then it can appear elegant. The black colours appear timeless, creates contrast, and is easy to mix and match. Thus, surround yourself with dark décor and embrace it.

The Home Library

Having a library at home might be a common dream for many of us - surrounded by literature with hardcovers from across the world filled with knowledge and inspiration. We become more focused and motivated if we stay in an inspiring environment. Thus, being surrounded by books along the bookshelves cannot have any disadvantage, especially if you have an intellectual or creative job.