Working from home. Taking on new projects. Starting a blog or website. Numerous zoom calls and quizzes with friends. You’ve probably found in the last few months that you’ve had to adapt to new ways of working or socialising from the comfort of your home.

You might’ve found yourself sat on your sofa, laptop in your lap, or slouched over your dining table on an uncomfortable chair. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have longed for an office space for a while, but just haven’t got the room for a desk and all the other things that go with it.

 But fear not! There are small spaces within most of our homes that can be transformed into inspirational, comfortable and productive spaces. From under-the-stairs cupboards and nooks to odd-shaped walls or alcoves. Have a look around you, find a spot you could transform, and get your DIY on.

I have this little alcove space in my spare bedroom. A dysfunctional space, with a slanted low ceiling, and not really big enough to put in a chest of drawers or anything practical. That is until I decided to transform it into my new at-home office.

Getting inspiration.

I started off by having a look on Pinterest for some alcove office décor ideas. I was really surprised by how many cool ideas there were! From some filled with bookshelves and hanging prints, to minimalist and clean spaces. I knew I wanted something bright and a bit colourful, but nothing too much that would darken or overpower the space.

The DIY project.

Starting with a plain white wall, I didn’t want prints hanging or a shelf put up, so I decided to paint on some spots. I had some leftover tester-pot paint in dark grey, so grabbed myself a paint brush and splodged it on randomly, creating a not-perfect polka dot finish.

Then came the most important part – the desk! As the space is more square than the standard rectangle desk size, I knew I had to have something custom-made. I’m lucky enough to have a Grandad who’s amazing at building things, so I sent him over the measurements and he knocked up a table top out of scaffold boards and a lick of varnish.

For your own custom-size desk, take a look on Etsy or visit an online shop such as Made in Ply where you can order a desk top to be made and sent out to you. Alternatively, there may be someone in your area that has woodwork talents, and could make something for you.

Once I had my desk top, I needed legs, so I headed to The Hairping Leg Co. who have cool, minimal legs in different heights, colour and metal. Super easy to fix on and attach to the desk, it wasn’t long before I had my completed desk. It slotted into my alcove space perfectly, and next came the fun part, decorating!

Top tip: don’t forget to measure your skirting board width before attaching the desk legs, otherwise your desk may not fit into your desired space.

Finding a chair can be a minefield – do you prioritise comfort or style? I’d say both are key, so choose wisely, and make sure you test the chair out before you commit to buying, to make sure it’s right for you.

Decorating the desk.

For the finished effect, I wanted my desk to not be overcrowded, but to have some appealing-to-the-eye things adorning it that will help to inspire me and boost my creativity. So, I went for neutral tones with pops of colour – a stack of books, a lamp, notebook, candle, macramé wall-hanging, and a mug for my much-needed caffeine boosts.

And voila, home-office project complete!

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Written by Carmen Rowe

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