Design at Home: My Office

This past weekend, I worked to get my office finally cleaned up. I added a new rug and light, and I saw my design vision come to life. I love my office. It’s a positive place to work, and I think it’s an accurate reflection of me.

I originally had two similar plans for the main components in my office. One version had black accents, and the other had white. In both design plans, I had my heart set on mixing old antiques with modern elements (which is the aesthetic I’m aiming for elsewhere in the house, too). When I made the design boards, I had just purchased an antique desk similar to the one I featured.

Now, my office looks like this:

I was lucky to find my antique desk here in Waterloo from a seller who told me it was her long-time writing desk. How perfect! She bought it in Montreal decades ago, and I think it must have come from France originally. Oui oui! The desk has a leather top inset (protected with glass), wood inlay, and brass details. It’s a special piece of furniture.

Not too long after that, my mom sent me a link to an antique Italian armoire at an auction, and I jumped on it. Things were moving quickly, but I guess timing was right because before I knew it, it was mine! It is lovely!

I feel fortunate to have these two pieces of exquisite craftsmanship in my possession, and they fit beautifully into our historic home. I met the previous owners of each of these pieces, and I could tell that they had strong attachments to them. They cared for the pieces, and I promised that I would, too.

The final two pieces were the rug and the light. I tried to get the black and white striped Ikea rug (seen above) on several occasions, but it was constantly out of stock, so I took it as a sign that the rug wasn’t for this space. Instead I opted for the “let the pieces find me” approach, and when I came across a soft white rug, I took it as a sign that white accents was the way to go for my office. Then I spotted a modern, airy light, and I could see my vision come to completion.

You’ll notice that I have a lot more wood in this office than I ever had before. The pieces are so refined and I just love them against the white walls. And speaking of white, there’s still plenty of it!

The design plan is just about complete. I may exchange the rug for the next size up, and I’m waiting for the delivery of an ergonomic desk chair. In the meantime, I’m using the balance ball and have already noticed that it’s better for my back (core and legs, too) than the dainty antique chair that came with my desk (but it’s just so pretty!).

Office: GlucksteinHome

As a blogger I sometimes get the opportunity to do some pretty cool things. Most recently, I was invited to visit the Toronto offices of GlucksteinHome. (Hooray!)

I feel so grateful that the GlucksteinHome team stopped their work for a while (don’t tell Mr. Gluckstein) to show me around their all-white space. And of course I am thrilled to be able to share my photos with all of you.

White artwork at the GlucksteinDesign offices

GlucksteinHome product planning

Now, if you know the work of Brian Gluckstein, you know that he’s pretty much a traditionalist. Gorgeous neutral fabrics, rich woods, and perfectly placed accessories come together to create the most inviting spaces. What you may be surprised to learn is that the office space of the GlucksteinHome division is a super sleek, well-designed, modern, all-white work space that is filled, almost floor-to-ceiling, with IKEA products.

GlucksteinHome work station

Corner cabinet at the GlucksteinHome office

Amazing storage solutions at the GlucksteinHome office

A perfect meeting space

Organized Pantone colours for upcoming collections

Gorgeous fabric swatch

A lot of white paper at GlucksteinHome

Even the pushpins at the GlucksteinHome office are white and clear

Product designer Lauren hard at work

Lauren, me and Cheryl, the GlucksteinHome PR pro

Me at the GlucksteinHome office – with a little bit of Pantone colour

Yes – even the ceiling and wires are white. This makes me smile.

I feel so lucky that Cheryl, Lauren and the whole GlucksteinHome team welcomed me so warmly into their work environment. I have to admit that I’m pretty envious of their lovely white space. But of course, with Brian Gluckstein at the helm why should I expect anything less than perfection?

Many thanks to Cheryl and the whole team at GlucksteinHome for welcoming me in, showing me around, and treating me to an all around fabulous afternoon. 

Photos by Jordana.