There is definitely something to be said for living a simple life. I try, best as I can, to keep things simple around here. I showed you how simple my kitchen is, and I love it that way. I love having everything put away, in its place, and not seeing any clutter in my house. However, I think I may have achieved what I thought was previously impossible – my home office is too damn simple. Here, take a look:
It reminds me of an insane asylum, really. Well, if an insane asylum provided Apple computers and an internet connection, that is. Granted, I just moved in and need to buy some furniture for the room, but it’s been this way since November and won’t be changing anytime soon. Any money I am spending on the place is for furniture in the living area right now, not my home office. No wonder I sometimes sit at the bar in my kitchen to do work, it’s a little more…substantial.
What do you think? Could you work productively in this simple of a room? Or would it be too sparse even for your minimalist heart? 🙂
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Too sparse for me. I need a little color somewhere to spark the creativity! Maybe a painting on the wall, or or some colorful curtains – or something 🙂
definitely needs more evidence that someone lives there and uses the room 🙂
Yeah it’s a little too spartan for my tastes, although I’m anti-clutter as well.
Maybe a small graphic or 8 x 12 photo on the main wall? I’ve seen a few minimalists that use a single small photo on their main wall to give it a lived in look.
Abstract art works really well with minimalism, so maybe an Alfred Gockel high color, “less busy” print would work.
Yeah it seems to be a little too simple and clutter free. I would put some kind of art work on the wall by your desk.
Too stark for my tastes; wouldn’t get a thing done! While I like to have everything in its place, I need warmth and personality and this room has neither. Might be time to hit up the local thrift store and maybe buy a gallon of paint. 🙂
I agree with the other comments; the room needs a bit of color. Are you allowed to paint? If so, a gallon of paint would make a world of difference. Otherwise, a picture or two would warm it up. You have great windows and a plant might be nice as well.I can’t tell – are the floors carpet? A nice rug might be good.
I think it’s just fine, i just would see there a bigger desk. this one is to small and by that looks to cluttered 🙂
I agree with adding color. I loved organized spaces, but I also have to be inspired.
I think the problem with this space is that it could be *anyone’s* space, there is nothing that claims it as yours, something that shows your personality and something inspiring.
I’d bring in (or buy) a new piece of artwork and maybe a shelf for a few favorite books. Of course, I’m a writer, so I always have to have my books close. They are like my security blanket.
But I do like how organized it is! 😉
I agree that the desk is too small, but otherwise the room is perfect! Serene!
The first thing I saw when I looked at the picture were the windows – I like all the light and the view.
It looks like you have high ceilings, but maybe it is because the of long windows. I agree with the group…need some color to break it up a bit.
There is something strangely satisfying about looking out “over” the masses!
I like it just as it is! I’d like it if all of my rooms were that sparse 🙂
I like this idea of having only the thing you really need and use daily… keep it minimal 🙂 maybe I’d add some colours to the mix… for better feeling.
Not only is it too sparse, but that tiny desk would make me crazy! I think my desk is way too small and it is larger than yours. I also need some color.
Personally, I like the simple home office look, though all of the (unfortunately necessary) cords would bother me, just as my current desktop’s cords bother me. With that said, the room seems too spacious; have you contemplating downsizing your living space to something with less square footage, which also should save you additional money and prevent the current inner voice whispers of having too minimalistic an office. 🙂
Thanks for the comments everyone. A few answers to your questions:
– I just moved in 2 months ago, so not moving out just yet.
– The desk is small because, well, I don’t need anything bigger. I run a basically paperless office and home, so the desk gets used for…nothing. 🙂
– I can’t paint, unfortunately. I do have 2 big abstract paintings I need to put up somewhere, and I am guessing both will go in this office.
-. A couch is the next thing to go in this room, so someone can sleep over if necessary.
– The ceiling is WAAAY up there, and the windows are almost floor to ceiling, yes.
Someday when it’s “done” I will post more pics, along with some of my house. Finally got a dining room bistro table and waiting for my chairs to arrive. But it just struck me this morning how empty that room was! 🙂
Everything I need to run my business is already in that room, so anything extra is just for “appearances” only.
You should have no problem finding a mouse or ants if you have trouble with them in the apts.
I have a idea to remove the desk, hang four pieces of string from the ceiling and attach them to the lap. Have it hang free in the air.
I will think about doing away with the chair. I will get back to you.
I agree with the commenters who mentioned the small desk — it’s not that it isn’t sufficiently large for your needs, it’s that it looks cramped and cluttered to me. A desk that small would have to be nearly empty in order for me to not perceive it as “busy”. But I’m very fond of large, flat, empty surfaces.
Your white walls, windows and high ceiling are wonderful! And I expect the abstract paintings will look great in such a clean, sparse space. With a couch/bed for guests (and a rug if your feet get chilly), it will be serene and beautiful.
Well, rumor has it that Annie Dillard writes in a completely white basement room of some kind. You kind of have that look going. It would probably be too much for me. If I were you, I’d hang some pictures.
David,
Color or lighting would be the only thing I’d consider. From a Simple Living standpoint, it has everything you need but if it doesn’t inspire you, then it doesn’t do much good. I typically use the breakfast nook and I only really need my Netbook, pen and Moleskine. I’d probably hop out on your deck there to work, weather permitting.
– Charley
Color splashes – by use of something posted on the walls.
A flowering plant or two – to clean the air and provide beauty.
Turn the desk into the corner for some contrast to the straightness and bareness of the walls….with the desk at an angle in the corner, the glare from the windows would not be so bad on the screen, and you would be able to see out the window… I cannot work without a view outside… too claustrophobic.
Put some bigger plants on the patio so you have something green…. how can you enjoy a space if there is no green…. I have to have green in my spaces 🙂
Marci – It’s winter in Colorado, not exactly plant weather on the porch. 🙂
Winter in Oregon here….. Evergreens was what I was thinking – little arbor vitae or such – use the leaves for tea, etc… some edible landscaping 🙂 Or overwintered cabbage or kales, kolhrabi or swiss chard – also nice to look at … and eat 🙂 All grow in winter even in your area 🙂 (well, I know the freezes and snows don’t bother them – but our hail does batten them down a bit, but they come back! )
Enjoy 🙂
It does have that kind of institutional aura, doesn’t it? I prefer smaller spaces for office work and would use this room for another purpose. With the large windows and balcony, it might make a good gardening room.
I’m with everyone on the need for Color! Perhaps frame a couple of inspiring magazine covers or articles that inspired you. Or a nice area rug! Perhaps the room can double for something else?
I like it but I think a big green plant would give it some life.
I think it is great. Nice light and room to think.
The desk is too small, and looks cluttered. That is what your real problem is. That and the file cabinet, it has to go! Scan the docs into the computer as PDFs. Get a longer desk, then put it in the middle of the room. Also, I don’t use a desktop computer anymore, only my notebook.
I dont use a desktop computer either, my laptop is connected to the external monitor. Since I basically write words or write code all day, a bigger monitor is a must have. And the file cabinet doesn’t have your typical docs in it – everything that could be scanned has been scanned and backed up. 🙂
Even if it’s minimal, it’s gotta be balanced!
Try moving the little printer cabinet over to make a counter balance to the desk against the wall.
Just a thought.
I wouldn’t say it’s too simple, I just KNOW that I’d want a desk half the size of the room, and more space to spread out my things as I am working.
It’s nice to be a minimalist, but I want to be practical as well.
some people talk about adding things to the room, but perhaps the room is too big?
I imagine that by now you have remedied anything that has bothered you about your office setup. Could you post another picture of what your new setup looks like?
I think that it looks beautiful and peaceful. Other people need color to inspire them. What is inspiration, anyhow? I am inspired by kindness, by complexity, and by problems in the community (local and at large). Can I find any of those in my workspace?
Nope – been working on other stuff and was traveling for a few weeks. Haven’t touched it yet 🙂
I’ll throw in three things.
1. A rug, your flooring is ugly. Sorry. haha
2. A curtain/blinds
3. Maybe 3 to 5 small and large pieces of either personal photos and a painting or the like
I haven’t lived there in years.
Looks pretty attractive to me! I’d add one or two pieces of artwork on the walls, but not much more than that.
I like the simplicity and I like quiet colors. Shades of gray seem cool, quiet and modern. If it was my office I would consider moving the desk to face out the window. I don’t like facing walls. Another option would be to face the door. I would enjoy looking at the sky, watching a bird,the rain, or the clouds while I think and work.