How To Create A Hidden Office

By Penny Day

Choose decorative storage
A dining room can be quickly transformed into a place to do paperwork. Store supplies in a smart cupboard that doesn't look like typical office furniture and use attractive storage boxes that can be displayed neatly on shelves overhead.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
• Be sure to include good task lighting for doing paperwork, with ambient lighting for dining.

• Unless you're working, be scrupulous about keeping the dining table free from books, paper and clutter.

• Use subtle colour coding rather than labels to distinguish your tax files from your bank statements.

• Check that you have a telephone connection nearby.

Create a special area
The key to incorporating a workable home office in a bedroom scheme is to make sure that the desk or work area is concealed. A clever shelving unit can be made to hide a neat study area behind it.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
• Create a calm rather than cluttered space by reserving some shelf space for favourite pieces of art or craftwork.

• Paint walls and shelves in a pale neutral shade to give the room a spacious feel.

• Consider covering the partition wall with felt so it can double as a pinboard.

Conceal Shelves and Filing
Create neat hidden storage with two false pillars that also serve to divide an office area from the rest of the room. Shelves can be tailor-made to suit your particular requirements and positioned so they are within easy reach of the desk.

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK...
• Paint the pillars and shelves the same colour as the walls of the room to give the scheme a cohesive look.

• Keep the room streamlined with a contemporary desk and fit a letter rack along its length to hide wiring and provide handy access to stationery supplies.

•Add a strong aesthetic element, such as the blind used here or a painting, to soften the office feel.

You can find more information on home office ideas and home office products at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love