"Why, we couldn't help but wonder, are some of the world's most renowned designers doing this? No, it's not so that whoever happens to be sitting behind the desk can focus on their task at hand without distraction. It's a choice rooted purely in aesthetics, and yes, designers insist it works. After seeing stunning home offices around the world with this specific desk placement, we'd have to agree."
"If you'll be facing a wall, the wall in question might as well be interesting, and that's exactly what London-based Nomad Developments was thinking when they signed on to design a storied townhouse in Richmond. "In the first-floor living space, we wanted the joinery to feel like a statement; something with real presence and permanence," says creative director and founder Jack Simpson. "The bespoke built-in was designed by our studio in burr walnut with reeded panelling, carefully balancing storage and display while keeping the overall effect calm and elegant.""
"What's more, just out of the frame is a window with a full water view just outside. "Integrating a desk nook beside the window allowed the piece to be as functional as it is beautiful, creating a dedicated workspace with uninterrupted views across the Thames," Simpson adds."
Designers are reversing the traditional home-office orientation by placing desks against the back wall with chairs facing the wall, prioritizing visual composition over conventional sightlines. The approach treats the wall as a curated focal plane, often featuring bespoke joinery, textured panelling, and integrated storage to create presence and permanence. Designers place desk nooks beside windows to combine aesthetic impact with views and functionality, as in a Richmond townhouse with burr walnut joinery and uninterrupted Thames views. In narrow footprints, designers also center layouts around river views and tailored furniture, balancing footprint, function, and a composed, elegant workspace.
Read at House Beautiful
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]