a working environment...

we all seem to do it, either we bring our work home with us or we actually work at home...this is why we need some type of office space there, whether it be a tiny corner of the bed to use a laptop (like me) or an office suite with his and her separate areas (like my clients)...

(Richard Meier's study/House and Garden, Nov. '07)

but what makes a good working environment, and better yet one that has some great style?!? here are some examples below that I found; each unique in design and conducive to working from home...

(designed by Philip Gorrivan/Elle Decor March '07)

spice up your work with a vibrant space, and place your desk in the best spot in the house...between the gold -foil chinoiserie paper and all the natural light washing the space, I know I'd never fall asleep at my desk here...

(designed by Peter Dunham/Domino home tour)

if your work takes you over, then just let it I guess...here Peter Dunham turned his dining room into an actual study/workroom...no that's a great way to get real use out a dining table if you don't gather there every night!!

(designed by Brian McCarthy/Elle Decor Dec '07)

the Master Bedroom suite can be ideal for a writing desk and chair...again with a great view I'm sure, but you could also double your desk as your vanity too and add a mirror!!

(designed by Mary Mcgee/House Beautiful April '08)

make the distinct separation (here this working environment is clearly separated from the living room space) and go all out with this area in my opinion, from rugs, lamps, fun desk chairs, etc...I think I could definitely spend some time here, flipping through my magazines and maybe write some checks too...

(designed by Katie Ridder/Elle Decor, March '08)

maybe you need your own study, I know I would (my magazines and books are getting out of hand), but with a room to yourself, you could add a signature touch, here there's no missing the details and those lavender tones...

(home of Richard Marshall and William Georgis/Elle Decor March '08)

get creative, I just love this idea especially if you just need a small space to use a laptop and scribble a few notes, but your books require a home of their own...what's even better this office/study fits nice and compact in a bedroom!!

(home of Carolina Herrera Jr./Vogue Living Winter '07)

make your working environment one that works for you...if there's organization to your chaos then so be it, at home no one can tell you how your desk should look (insert "cubical" humor here)...i love a desk full of inspiring pictures, magazine clippings, fabrics...

(designed by Juan Diego and Gernando Gerscovich/ California Home + Design, Sept. '07)

you could make your home office a tad more on the "office side" and have it entirely separate from your home itself, with it's own entrance even...not quite sure if that's what they've done here, but the idea of not hearing the "home" phone ring, or being compelled to watch TV and work at the same time might make a more productive work environment...

(designed by John Turck/California Home + Design, Aug. '06)

make sure you plan an escape route...just kidding, but having a great view is one thing, but being able to take breaks and step outside for some fresh air is even better...

(designed by Emma Jane Pilkington/House and Garden, Nov. '05)

and if you're like me and space is limited, maybe have a home office that could work as a guest room too...saving the best for last, because I love everything about this room and it's decor!!

what's your home office like???