Desk chairs are so important, and so is having a desk at the correct height, especially if you are shorter or taller than average. I worked for years at a dining table much too high for me and had a lot of neck problems. As soon as I got a chair and desk at the right height (a guy came to my house and adjusted everything to my needs) things really improved.

Omg, I just paused at 15:19 to rearrange my office. I wish I was kidding... 😆

Small spaces or rooms that have a dual purpose = I would love to hear your recommendations for addressing these spaces while they work as a home office.

I would love your ideas on setting up a workout space, particularly when you’re limited on space… I have an extra bedroom I am trying to make both an office as well as carve out an area in there for exercise that isn’t unsightly. Any ideas you have would be so helpful!

@user-xd4pn9jz1i

Жыл бұрын

Get an organizer or shelves in your closet for your exercise equipment so it can all be put away and out of sight.

@valeriejohnson4816

Жыл бұрын

I second this. Ideas for a big piece of equipment that cannot be put away in a cabinet would be great too.

@BodyFluentWellness

10 ай бұрын

I love transforming closets into wellness spaces or offices "cloffices" ;-) Ideas: Put in a full-length mirror to make sure you have good form while exercising, get a portable bluetooth speaker for motivational music, a thick exercise mat you can roll up, and a box to keep assorted light weights, bands, balls, etc. I love barre exercise and have used a well-anchored low clothing rod as a barre. I can't wait to hear HOV's suggestion though 😍

Valentina, would you consider doing a followup presentation that is a deep dive on selecting an office chair? What features you are looking for in your own search, how to conduct such a search if you are restricted solely to shopping online, how to find affordable options that will provide appropriate support for your back, etc? I've been looking forever for a comfortable, supportive chair that will provide needed lumbar support, won't cut off the blood flow to my legs, will allow reclining and swivel, that sort of thing. In looking at some of the chair options you showed during this video, I can't imagine surviving a full day of work sitting on them. They may be attractive, but the angle of the back is often too raked, there often isn't enough padding on the seat, that sort of thing. How do we find comfortable work chairs that won't look out of place in our homes?

@sofiavanno

Жыл бұрын

YES THIS SO MUCH!

Love the video! Just wanted to say I absolutely hate cords anywhere. I actually take a pretty storage box that has openings on both sides, then I place the power strip in the box, plug everything in the strip and close the lid on the box. Now everything is hidden in plan “pretty” sight. Have a great day!

Everything is closed where I live, north of Austin due to the weather. The first thing I did this morning is checked to see if u posted. Ur so consistent with the videos. It’s like back in the day (before DVR/internet) to run home to catch ur favorite show. 💕

Yes to making an office feel more personal and warm.. that’s the plus side of working from home!

I currently have two home offices that need help, so this was great. I encourage people to hunt out unique pieces of art and not just buy the mass produced pieces that you see on Amazon, Pottery Barn, etc. Art is where you get to really inject your personality. Thrift stores can be great sources. I also like to collect art when I travel from street markets, museum shops (yes, mass produced too, but I look for things I've never seen at home), gift shops, etc. If you do go for something mass produced (because maybe you just like it), then it will look so much better if it's framed properly. Oh, and I just LOVE the Paris map

Love this video, Valentina. Storage and a good chair and are essential to an organized work space. I hate desk clutter and like everything in its place and I am fortunate to have a dedicated space for my home office. In addition to some original paintings (I love supporting local artists), there is a large framed bulletin board (Pottery Barn) above part of my desk. Whenever I was working on a project, it was a handy place to attach things for quick reference. I also had other items attached: a trinket from a special trip. some photographs, or other mementos. Just glancing up and seeing these things gave me pleasure, especially when Immersed in a difficult work project. I am now retired and there are definitely more memento type items (special things from my granddaughter, etc.) on my board. It is an everchanging collage of things I love. I had thought of removing the it when I retired, but I find that I really enjoy it. Not everyone's taste, I know, but I love it.

@laurasamaniego5274

Жыл бұрын

Love this desk ideas!

I recommend you taking a short trip to the Alpharetta Queen of Hearts, so many cool things for your office!

Just had a huge aha moment.... my home office is where I spend about 8 hours plus a day. I have painted it Gentlemen's Grey BM and I love the colour, I have personal art work, I have decent storage (but I probably could have planned more- but its ok lol) But the candle comment just struck me as something that I will start tomorrow.

I’ve really pulled back on storage. I used to have more of it… but almost all of it turned into junk storage. So… now I try to scan everything into my computer and minimize my storage

Yes art. Art goes everywhere. I have indian tapestries in my kitchen, metal wall art in my bathroom.

Some nice tips! For me I would strongly suggest having ample lighting in your office. In mine I hung some accent hanging pendant lights to give me extra lighting in my work area and they also look nice. Also no harsh lights that are hard on the eyes. As far as an office chair... I looked high and wide for one... And I decided to forgo some odd looking flashy designer chair that would be uncomfortable to sit in for hours and went with a Gaming chair. Now I know you are going what? But how many teens do you know sit for hours gaming... Of course the chairs will be designed to be comfortable. So since I am only a 5' 3" woman I looked for a lower backed gaming chair. I picked black with some designer trim. It has arms that flip up so I can tuck it under the desk and it has lumbar support and an adjustable height and back. All for under $150.00. Which I thought was pretty good. And it is sooo comfy. As far as a desk. I found a vintage desk at a yard sale for $75. I refinished it a nice Early American stain and it is beautiful! I built a set of bookshelves(also added a vintage storage cabinet that is beautiful!)and hung some original artwork and added some live plants in my window. And ta da! I have a nice work space that is filled with light and color and is comfortable(filled with warm woods, color, and nice sheer curtain to filter the harsh Southern sun exposure) to be in. On the side I have a mug warmer to keep my coffee warm and a radio for some relaxing music if I need to de-stress... So don't forget the simple things in your office... 😊

Along with a comfortable chair, don’t forget comfortable desk to chair height. If your desk is too high for your chair it gets uncomfortable

Great video, as usual, Valentina. It makes you think of your own office situation and what is working or not working for you. Thanks for the suggestions!

I work from home 100% off the time, so a few years ago, I splurged on a Herman Miller Aeron Chair. Maybe that's one of the ones you consider ugly Valentina, but I honestly think it's gorgeous! It's quite minimalist, and I got mine in black with a chartreuse seat--my favorite color combination! I can adjust many aspects. And within a week of getting it, the neck pain I'd been developing resolved. This chair gives me joy every time I walk into my office! 😊

We just moved to a new place a few months ago. So far we only have 1 very interesting piece of art up in the dining area. The study/office room has furniture in but no art so far, instead for the time being I put up a really nice picture on my laptop which helps inspire me to work on my dissertation at the moment. Love from Malta

Thank you for the topic! I really needed this

I’m in the planning process of the home office so this is brilliantly timed! Nice to know I’m not the only one dealing with the realities of the day to day, either. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Love the Hematite! I’ve got Antique Tin. But, I may do Hematite somewhere, I love it so much!

I agree with you, Valentina....art is an investment. That's why I scout a lot around before buying an art item. I even assigned each of my children what to grab, in case of fire😊

For Christmas I got one of the white metal work benches for a desk/sewing table etc. It has an adjustable height that operates manually with a handle on the front, also on wheels. It has been working out really well for me as it has two shallow height but wide/deep drawers Butcher block top and built to last, it was well under 300.00, fun colors. I thought it might look out of place in my room but it blends in just fine. Love this video!

I’ve been loving this recent content Valentina, we turned one of our bedrooms into a home office as my husband works from home a fair bit when he’s not away working interstate, we used furniture from IKEA which I wouldn’t recommend for a long term office, I guess you get what you pay for but it suits our needs for the time he has left working before he retires, I’ve noticed the back of the bookshelves have discoloured slightly, from reasons unknown because they’re in a bedroom inside our home, he also spent the money 💰 on a decent office chair because he spends so much time in there working, eventually it will be turned back into a bedroom/playroom for future grandchildren one day 🙏🏻, and I’m thinking of putting a fold out couch in there to give more space for playtime and then it can be turned into a bed for sleepovers, we have a cabinet for all our filing system, which not only includes our personal files but also a file for my MIL and my mother because they’re getting very old and my MIL is in a nursing home and my mother is early stages of Dementia and we’re currently looking at nursing homes for her as well, I have a FILE FOR EVERYTHING LOL 😂, I’d be lost without it….Great video, Thank You for sharing all your tips and knowledge with us, you’ve helped me more than you know. Cheers from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺❤️❤️

So excited for this video, I’m just now starting on my office!! Can’t wait!!

Agree I have a nice desk in a spare bedroom with 2 .monitors.

Totally agree with other viewers that most of us have dual purpose offices (guest room or workout space, etc). Definitely creates a design struggle…like do I put the rug under the pullout sofa bed or under the desk chair etc? And how in the world does one make workout equipment look high end?! It just totally cripples the final overall look of the room imo.

Love your videos! You always give me great ideas! Thank you!

Finally! I watch you religiously and my office plans have been hold until I get your guidance! 😊

Great timing! I’m working on my kids’s office and the office I share with my husband ❤❤

In my office I have wicker box that I keep. my cords in with one cord (extension) comes out of a hole in the side to plug in. For my dressing table I use hat boxes and have a hole in the side...same concept. Neat and tidy.

Another great video! I'm in the process of setting up my office to also include a hang out for my sister and friends when they come over. Can you do a video on how to make a patio(closed in)or sunroom feel cozy?

Thank you for your inspiration

Great timing! I'm redoing my office/ guest bedroom.

I wish that you would encourage folks to look into purchasing original art instead of prints and chain store reproductions.The work of local and emerging artists can be quite affordable . Support local artists!

Thank you so much for this timely video! I love all your ideas! Office setup and decor is a very neglected area of interior design. Thank you for paying attention to this space!

@HouseofValentina

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

❤ these tips. I placed two desks together because I didn’t want to spend the price for a large desk. I need a large workspace. I opted instead for a nice sideboard with shelving above. I don’t like to have my printer 🖨️ and other things out.

Thank you! Its about time someone does a video on practical sophisticated home office design!!

I love your channel - thank you! This video was perfect today as I am planning to reorganise my office.

@HouseofValentina

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

For the “empty nesters,” maybe a video on what to do with a children’s room which is no longer occupied by your child? What do we do with these rooms?

Great video! This is one of the rare home office ideas/setups Ive seen without Flexispot standing desks and Herman Miller chairs!

Love the big map behind you.

Yay, just what I what looking for. Thank you, Valentina! 😀 Going to buy some beekeepers naturals as my sister just became a certified beekeeper she doesn't have any yet but she collects anything to do with bees. Inspired to go tackle my utilitarian office to something I might actually like being in. Oh by the way the other space that is a problem is the workout area as it is also very boring.

Invest in flexible storage.... ie units you can add to or move around your home.... so you can change it as needed... bc life needs are always changing

Another place to look for inexpensive office furniture is craigslist or fb marketplace. Last year someone was giving away a big wood executive desk and matching double wide file cabinet. It did cost me about $300 between gas and moving supplies to get it home undamaged but since the furniture itself was free I feel I scored big! Now I have all the storage space I need and beautiful furniture that would have cost me $1500 or higher if I bought new.

@ACCER

Жыл бұрын

I got two pristine, like new steelcase executive tanker desks for $50 back in 2020 on FB Marketplace. Best. Deal. EVER. AND the guy delivered them!!!!

I'm lucky enough to have a loft in my home and I'm so happy with it - it's an office but also a lounge area to enjoy the view of the river I've got. I've worked from home for 9 years this April and know how important, and fun, it is to make your work space beautiful! One thing I'm struggling with is my boyfriend's computer chair. Unfortunately there's no other spot for his desk besides off to the side in our livingroom and his chair is one of those hideous leather marshmallow things and he's so picky about comfort. I've also recently adopted a cat who uses her claws on it so now it's looking absolutely worse for wear. If I can find a fabric one I can use the pilling shaver to get any pulls off but it's so hard to find a plush computer chair in fabric! At least in Canada. My whole place looks beautiful and well thought out and then there's his computer chair right in the middle of it all 😭😅

Thank you Valentina for another great video. I would love to see a video about Pool table rooms. I’ll look on your channel to see if I can find one. ❤

Loved your video. Thank you for all the ideas. One question regarding the desk...is it better to float the desk so it's not facing a wall or to place it against the wall? I just can't figure this out!!

I had the builder put a closet in my office. I then got shelving and drawer units from Container Store and customized it for all my hobby supplies. BUT there is a full bath next to it soooooo if something happens and we can’t get upstairs to our bedroom, we can turn my office into a bedroom. We downsized from 4400 Sq feet to 2900(too small) and so every inch of space has to have more than one function. I hear you about lack of storage. It’s a nightmare. .

Someone could earn a mint making desk chairs that look like furniture instead of Medieval orthopedic devices. I'm dramatic, but someone, take the idea!

Love you and your chanel❤

Would love to see the before and after of the other side of the room! 🙌🏻

This is so good I’m in the process of creating an office space so this is what I needed - first that dress love it 🥰 second I’m missing that beautiful orchid you had in your office.

@HouseofValentina

Жыл бұрын

Yes! Thank you!

Hi, I've been following your videos for a few months now since we were getting to the end of a 2yr home renovation of an old 'cascina' in Italy where we live. Love your videos and have found them super helpful. As it's our forever home, I did have a studio space put in as I often teach from home so I wanted a space for myself but also for the enormous amount of files that we have. Saying that, I knew I wanted to wallpaper the room and that's what I did, I found a beautiful Graham&Brown bird wallpaper that I used both in the entrance and study (as the doorto the study is off the entrance so I wanted it to flow)...now it's all wallpapered and looking pretty and peaceful, I just don't know what to do about desks and storage as I certainly don't want to cover up the wall with unsightly storage units. Any advice?

Desks floating in the middle of the room only work if you only use a laptop. If you use multiple monitors and other items that need power, you need to be up against a wall near an outlet.

Check out desk chairs at Zuri.

Interesting how many examples were shown that had no storage and “pretty” chairs that were not adjustable.

I don't have an office but regardless, helpful hints for all rooms. Have you done a shelf styling video yet & if not, would you consider doing one?

Thanks for the tips for the office...but I have a question or even an idea for future video. I have a sewing business (table decor and children items). I live I a two bedroom apartment so space is limited. I have my workspace (two sewing tables) and office space in my bedroom. It works but I would love to see styling ideas on a very small budget - less than $200. My bedroom is 9x11. Thanks for your amazing videos

I would love ideas for a nice modern sleeper sofa. my office doubles as a guest room and I cannot find a nice one

Looking for an office chair myself and curious which one you end up choosing please keep us posted 😊

@ilikecontent2327

Жыл бұрын

I looked far and wide and ended up with a gaming chair. In black. They are designed for someone to sit in for hours. Choose one with the correct height for you. Good padding, and durable with lumbar support and is adjustable for height and back tilt. I found the ones with the flip up arms work well if you need to save space. They do design chairs like this in a smaller size as opposed to the big gaming chairs. Good luck in your search... 😊

Help! - We are planning a master bathroom Reno this year. I am looking for spa like and classic with minimal grout lines. Ideas??!!

Thanks so much for doing an office video 😂I can so relate to your views on gaming chairs. More office content please!

I always wondered about the map in your office. I was looking for similar ones on Amazon, I am still looking! I also am looking for an office chair that's attractive and functional.

Hi Valentina! What about those that we need big screens to work with? Those are my design nemesis!!!!!

Herman Miller’s office chairs are great…

I have a Sayl ergonomic chair by Herman Miller in black and I actually really love the design. I keep everything else soft and not office-like just how you describe 🤍

Hi, any ideas where to buy boxes like the one you show at around 4 mins into the video? Thanks!

I'm struggling with this sooo much! What if you don't have room to place a small desk, not even an empty wall All the spaces taken by built-in wardrobe and cabinets. Only space is a basement-gym room with limited natural light. Will that work?

Any solutions for tall single windows? I have 3 around my office.

Also? Europeans have a LOT of ‘top floor’ angled walls. Nobody ever talks about using those weird little areas, or rooftops that have vents & building fans, etc…

Valentina, I'm so lost on how to decorate my hallway 😔 Do you have any suggestions? It's an old 1959 house with the long hallway

PLEASE do an Artist Studio workspace. I have a TINY tall Art studio & damn, nobody ever shows how a materials Artist hands-on Artist can create a Space that doesn’t end up looking like Bacon’s lair of misery

My desk is not against a wall in my office, I hate cords as well. Is there such a thing as a BEAUTIFUL (lots of not so beautiful) desk lamps that are battery operated? Not to mention cords from your desk to outlets are a tripping hazard. Thanks

A desk is personel each has other idee how work best for them!

Definitely check out Laura Davidson office chairs - I have a few. They are comfortable AND aesthetically pleasing ✔️ ✔️

I want to see the other side of your room please!

Is there a wall paint color you suggest for those of us who are on video calls? I am considering a gray but I know gray is not super popular for 2023/24.

I need a new chair and light too.

Agg chairs so hard to get something that looks nice and feels good.

Well, the hubs works at home. He HAS an office. The desk, the chair, baseball mementos from 28+ years of coaching. Nice office. Does he use it????? NOOOOOO!!!!!! He’s more comfortable sitting at the bar in the middle of our kitchen/great room. Bless his heart….

Does anyone know which style of ikea curtain that’s in her office?

❤️

It bugs me that all the photos of desks for sale never have their stuff plugged in. I wouldn’t put it past them to cut the cords off just for the photos.

Great video topic! Glad you touched on cords and office chairs. I want the pretty chair but I need the comfort of my well-supported black office chair. Looking forward to hearing if you find the best of both comfort and style. My challenge is my office is in the corner of my living room. Long and narrow room approx 20.5’ x 11’. No room to float a desk so it is against a wall . Not so easy to have separate zones in this room so that’s a challenge. Also, I have 2 large monitors on the desk in addition to my laptop. They take up the length of the desk. Any suggestions for when you need these items on your desk compared to the pretty “magazine desks” with a tiny laptop with beautiful decor around it?

Buying cheap mismatched furniture when u make 6 figures… aka my sister 😂

Any one else have books that aren't pretty. I have all different sizes and colors and it never looks like any of these pictures.

@stinaljungstrom8691

Жыл бұрын

Yes! But I donated most of our books because I normally listen instead of reading these days. We kept what we might read again. Then I colour coordinated the very few we have left and made piles of one color togheter and styled with them so it looks nice and not cluttered. We have enough room for all the books in our bedside tables if I want to hide them all. Maybe you can concider to use some with doors? I think it can be beautiful with a very long low cabinet with doors. It's possible to customize and make an extra long cabinet. For example buy top cabinets for a kitchen or other that has thst square form. Then choose doors and add some kind of legs and a top if you like. IKEA has a lot to a great price. Then you can hide the books and decorate the top as you like. Some high cabinets with shelves also has doors at the lower part. Then you can hide some that looks to cluttered for you and decorste the rest. Boxes in an open shelf also can hide some. Hope you find out an idea you like. 😊

Valentina should go on the EconTalk podcast later this year as a future guest.