Work Hard, Play Hard

As the old saying goes, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy".  But why cant work and play go together?  In a time where so many of us work from home, either for costs, family circumstances or general flexibility, that extra room in the house is often being set aside as a home office.  This was very true for us when buying our house, one room had to be turned into an office.  My other half often spends time after "regular" office hours doing more work at home and occasionally will have a working from home day.  So how does this work with the idea of work and play?  Well he also happens to be a keen cyclist!  So if we are going to have an office at home then I'd rather it became more home than office, and so went ahead my latest inspiration.  I say inspiration as I actually allowed him full choice in the décor of that room when we first moved in.......he also has an interest in football, need I say more!


Keeping with my preferred black and white style but adding a touch of industrial character I'd love to wallpaper the room in a white brick work effect paper.  If the white is too cold for you there are redbrick versions available.  Check out various wallpaper stockists and if possible get a sample so you know you are happy with the design.  I love these from Rockett St. George .

Photo Jane Rockett @ Rocket St. George

How about some wire rack shelves from Graham & Green for above the desk for any files or reference books?  And talking about about above the desk........what desk? Well you can find some great industrial style ones out there, try Rose & Grey for their console table.

Shelving @ Graham & Green and Console desk from Rose & Grey

 

So that's work done, how about the play.  For our office I want to look at cycling but you can pick whatever hobby you like and as seen from the pictures above they show cameras and typewriters with their items so if that's your interest go with that.  But for the cycling, again some great stuff out there but add a bit of quirkiness to this and find an old bicycle.  Check out eBay, local charity shops or reclamation yards and see what they have.  Clean it up and hang it above the wall behind the desk.  Look at spraying it in your desired colour but check out the right way and things you might need before you do!

Then accessorise with some art and cushions (either for the desk chair or if you can have another chair in the corner even if it gives you a break away from sitting at the desk all day).  I love the art from Maison Privee and another great item from Rose & Grey with their nostalgic bike cushion.

Motivational Print from Maison Privee and cushion at Rose & Grey 

Finish the look with some wire baskets as desk tidies, or some leather effect pieces to mix up the textures and nip down to your local DIY store for some wood cut offs or MDF and paint them up in chalkboard paint for your notice board.