AD Space Savers + Design Tips

Happy February! We can’t believe that we are already in the first week of February. Time is moving so quickly, but we can’t complain because that means spring is coming! We hope you are as excited as we are for more sunlight, warmer temps, open windows and fresh air.

We loved designing alongside Alvin Wayne and Lula Galea

In case you missed it, we were recently included in Architectural Digest’s Space Savers series! Through these episodes, designers are given a photograph of an empty space with free reign to design as they please. No restrictions or guidelines – just open space! We were so excited to be included, along with our designer friends Alvin Wayne and Lula Galea.

The spaces we were given included a bathroom, bedroom and home office space. We loved designing all three of these but wanted to dive a bit deeper into the design of the home office (especially since we received some questions about it!) Keep reading for a look behind the design, along with some space saving tips for your own home…that can be applied anywhere, not just in a home office!

To make the space feel bigger than it is, we love painting all walls (including the ceiling) a beautiful dark color

Tip No. 1: Blurring the lines through wall color

To make the space feel bigger than it is, we love painting all walls (including the ceiling) a beautiful dark color. This tends to make the walls recede and when the lines are blurred between where the walls start and stop, it makes the space feel a bit bigger than it is.

To free up more floor space and maximize storage, we designed floor to ceiling built-in shelving along the left wall

Tip No. 2: Built-in shelving

To free up more floor space and maximize storage, we designed floor to ceiling built-in shelving along the left wall. This layout takes advantage of the available wall space for storage while being a dramatic moment in the room.

We always want to allow as much natural light in as possible, so we went with a light and airy linen roman shade for the window treatment

Tip No. 3: Natural light!

Natural light is so important, especially when it comes to creating a productive and inspiring space! We always want to allow as much natural light in as possible, so we went with a light and airy linen roman shade for the window treatment. Linen shades filter the light without obstructing the view which is so important for a smaller space.

For this home office, we chose to create a desk that wraps around the window, taking advantage of the natural light while also creating a beautiful vignette to look at as you walk into the room

Tip No. 4: Remove existing furniture and reset the space

With a small space (like this one), we always want to make sure we take advantage of every square inch. We love clearing out a space and starting fresh to really visualize what we need and what can be removed. For this home office, we chose to create a desk that wraps around the window, taking advantage of the natural light while also creating a beautiful vignette to look at as you walk into the room.

In small spaces we love curating a mix of simple, eye-catching decorative touches, especially through lighting

Tip No. 5: Lighting – keep it simple and beautiful!

For the lighting in this space, we knew task lighting was essential, so we found a simple desk lamp with a modern, sculptural feel. We also wanted to incorporate decorative lighting overhead to add to the beautiful vignette we were creating. In small spaces we love curating a mix of simple, eye-catching decorative touches, especially through lighting!

To free up as much desk space as possible, we chose a Samsung Frame TV that serves double duty as a monitor and as artwork

Tip No. 6: Screen space – functional and beautiful

To free up as much desk space as possible, we chose a Samsung Frame TV that serves double duty as a monitor and as artwork. It sits flush to the wall so it doesn’t obstruct the view, blending beauty and function in this small space.

Tip No. 7: Incorporate greenery for wellness + health

We always strive to create a space that promotes wellness for a good state of mind and good health. Greenery is essential for this, so we love including plants whenever possible! Our favorite go-tos include ZZ plants, fiddle leaf fig trees, and monsteras.

Huge thanks to Architectural Digest for including us in their Space Savers series! Plus, a special shoutout to our friends Alvin and Lula – we loved their creative and inspiring designs for this series.  

PS – if you have any other space saving questions or anything you have been wanting to ask us about design, feel free to send us a message! We recently re-launched our design Q+A series, Design Chats, where Laura answers all your design questions. Head over to our Instagram to watch!

We can’t wait to hear what you think!

xx LHS Team