Home office gallery 2

There were so many photos of your home office spaces on the Home office gallery page that I decided to start another so you don’t have to scroll down so far. And as on Home working style page 2 I’ll be adding new photos at the top so you don’t have to go all the way to the bottom when you check in for the latest. Additions are always announced on Twitter.

If you’d like a link to your website and to share your home office, whether it be the kitchen table, garage, shed, attic, studio, workshop, spare bedroom, basement, hammock or somewhere else, just email a photo of it to me along with about 100 words on what you like (or maybe dislike) about it. Or maybe you’d like to show us the view from your desk, the objects that inspire you, or some essential piece of equipment.

My home office gallery 2

‘Thanks to a house move, the nerve centre of the Shedworking empire is temporarily not in a garden office (we’re ‘between sheds’). Instead, we are cellarworking for a while. It’s a fairly pleasant workspace, surrounded by lots of books and with some natural light, but it’s not quite a wooden room with a view. This is where I’ve just finished my second book, Bookshelf (initially a satellite site to Shedworking), a look at unusual modern bookshelf design which will be published by Thames & Hudson later this year.’
Alex Johnson, journalist, author & blogger, Shedworking & Bookshelf

Regular readers of my Facebook page will know I’m torn between posting pictures of beautiful home offices with not a paper clip out of place, and not wanting to give the impression that this is necessary, or even that desirable! This is a video that perfectly sums up exactly that dilemma – enjoy.
Yuvi Zalkow, writer, http://yuvizalkow.com

Recently on my blog and Facebook page I’ve been talking about how home workers, including me, like to tidy up before sending in a photo of their home office. I’ve also featured a post from a successful home worker who happily admits his workspace is a hovel! Seb’s office is far from a hovel but shows the reality of a busy home office, taken while snatching a few minutes from a hectic day: ‘The office is a complete and utter mess as you can see, so it’s quite a ‘genuine’ photo – no Photoshop involved Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get myself in the shot, so I hope it won’t disappoint any readers. Also the photos are slightly grainy as they were taken using my iPhone.’
Seb Powell, Business Development, MessageBase – Telephone Answering Services and Virtual Offices

‘I find that unless I need to use my laptop, I’m much more productive away from my home office. My mind seems to work better when my body’s busy, so household jobs like hoovering and ironing are good for planning. I also like to find different places to sit and read and make notes. Warmer weather means a bigger choice, and this spot outside our door is perfect in the afternoon and evening when the sun comes round. And being next to the kitchen means it’s easy to keep refuelled, a very important part of the creative process to my mind!’

‘Being a work-at-home-mom means sharing a working space with a kid and quite a few Disney characters so it can be really crowded. I usually work during my son’s school hours and after he is off to bed. We have different user accounts in the computer and his is the one with all the great games and the cool wallpaper. Sometimes I translate and he brings his coloring book so that we can work together. Our desk is an old dining table, big enough to host my work and quite a few family friendly activities.’

Diona, translator, http://www.proz.com/translator/2996 and co-founder of www.mammasworkathome.gr

‘In 2007 I was desperate for space of my own, a private sanctuary to work, to dream and to write. I was tired of finding a corner here and there. My husband and I decided to convert the two spare bedrooms into his and her home offices.
This was a HUGE undertaking. It took a year to sort through decades of books, papers, and junk, and to clean, patch, paint, stain and decorate.
But, in the end, I had my dream office, a sanctuary designed by me, for me…thick, deeply colored carpeting, light colored walls, exposed, natural wood trim, natural light, glass and steel accents, pictures, art and books.
PS I wish I had some ‘before’ pictures to show the dramatic change. Couldn’t talk my husband into sharing his office pics. Bit too messy and manly.
Sandy Dempsey, www.thedreamingcafe.com, where self-discovery, self-expression & self-employment come together

‘For the past two Work At Home Mammas years, I shared the main office and the desktop computer with my husband and two kids. Recently, I had the pleasure of buying myself a laptop and an IKEA desk and I moved to the kids’ bedroom, a place with a door that provides mommy some moments of privacy! My kids run and play all over the house but realize now that somebody has a “do-not-disturb” sign in their bedroom for a couple of hours per day.’

Kalliopi aka popelix, freelance electrical & computer engineer and cofounder of www.mammasworkathome.gr

‘In 2006 my family and I downshifted from a busy city life to the middle of nowhere in South West Scotland. I now work from home (a farmhouse on a hill) surrounded by peace and quiet. As a therapist and business mentor, I advise taking time out and so in the spirit of ‘walking my talk’ I take every opportunity to connect with the natural space all around me and can be found typing away on my laptop in the garden listening to the birds and being grateful for my new life and my stunning office view.’
Heather Bestel, business mentor, www.MumsGotaBusiness.com

‘One of the things I love about my work is the flexibility of working wherever I feel most inspired which is more often than not outside with mother nature. One of my favourite virtual office spaces is Kew Gardens, I’ll head out with a dictaphone for writing inspiration. I aim to bring my clients the benefits of that close connection to nature too so I’ll often be found doing my netwalks or walking-to-clarity coaching sessions in Richmond Park or other green spaces around London and the South East.
‘When I’m not co-working at a Jelly and need to be in the home office then I often choose the kitchen table or if it’s warm then the balcony is a favourite spot. I’ve always got several books on the go and tend to surround myself with them for inspiration, motivation and the occasional aid to procrastination Staying hydrated is so vital and it’s easy for me with this beautiful Emoto water glass my best friend Clare gave me. It imbibes my water with the essence of love, health and gratitude. Fresh flowers bring a little bit of nature inside.’
Elizabeth Cairns, Speaker, Facilitator, Healer, Teacher, Coach, www.amovita.co.uk

‘I moved to Calvados, NW France with my husband almost 9 years ago. After a lifetime in the civil service, I thought I was ready to kick back and do nothing more than make jam and watch the grass grow… That dream didn’t last long, and I now love working from my home office, where I can take a break from cold calling to potter in the garden, take the dogs for a walk, or feed the chickens and ducks. I can’t imagine ever being employed again!
‘I am developing the social networking strategy for First Rate FX, a firm of currency specialists in Canary Wharf, and I also give presentations – in French – to French firms who export goods or who have clients across currency boundaries. Alongside that, I set up the Normandy Business Group for entrepreneurs who do business in or with Normandy. I’m currently talking to French officials (and anyone else!) about Normandy Jelly – or ‘Le Coworking’ as it is called here!’
Judy Mansfield, www.firstratefx.com

‘I can’t function without sunlight, so I specifically bought a big desk to fit in my south-facing bay windows. This allows me to enjoy the sun when I’m working from home. I’m also something of a neat-freak, so I keep what little paperwork I generate in drawers, and try to keep the desk free from clutter – one less thing to procrastinate about! My dogs also fit perfectly under the desk and are ideal foot-warmers in the winter.’
Jon Norris, Editor, www.freelanceadvisor.co.uk (which I highly recommend as a wonderful resource for all kinds of information needed by freelancers).

‘This is my home office that provides me the space to get away from the household chores. It’s great having somewhere to go – not only do I have to get dressed to make my way to the other end of the garden but I can be focussed on the many tasks at hand – and on a lovely summers day can open both doors wide to look back at the house and soak in the fresh air. It arrived flat pack and my husband spent a weekend putting it up by hand. As you can see there is still some work to do in getting the approach to ‘The Cabin’ right – but one small step at a time as they say!…’
Natalie Andrews, virtual assistant, www.nabusiness.co.uk

‘Here is both my place of work, and my favourite bit of kit, my MacBook air ’ says James Layfield, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Central, a ‘welcoming and collaborative place to meet, eat, work and be inspired’ that’s opening in London in April 2011.
James previously ran an airport lounge at JFK in New York, and enjoyed working there, but couldn’t find anything similar when he returned to London. So Central was born, and worry not, those of you who, like me, live outside London – there will be others popping up soon around the country, providing an alternative to your own home office.
James Layfield, Central, www.centralworking.co.uk

‘My home office is one of my favorite rooms. It’s in a spare bedroom and has a clothing closet that I’ve outfitted with shelves to hold supplies, files and various products I sell. I adore my L-shaped, cherry wood desk. It has plenty of drawers for storing files and supplies, and my all-in-one machine (printer, copier, scanner and fax) fits neatly in the corner where the two work surfaces meet.
‘Behind my desk are two bookshelves that hold home office and interior design books. The upper shelves are perfect for displaying the many art projects my sons made when they were younger. I recently replaced my boring, wood blinds with beautiful woven blinds, which have been the perfect backdrop for filming videos from my home office.’
Lisa Kanarek, home office expert, www.workingnaked.com

‘I decided to abandon commuter hell in 2004 to try my hand as a freelance marketer.  I’d recently moved to Brighton from South London and downsized to a one bedroom flat. Squeezing in all of my furniture was a challenge and so was fitting in my ‘home office’. I’m lucky to have large Victorian high ceilinged rooms, and to keep my work space separate from my living space I decided to set up camp in a corner of my bedroom. Needless to say, I don’t have client meetings in my ‘office’ – there are lots of spaces in Brighton to meet clients. The space is groaning with files and papers, but I’m happy I invested in a MacBook Pro which allows me more space and is very handy when I’m working on-site – I’m literally able to take my home office with me!’
Christine Davey, Freelance Marketing Communications Services, www.christinedavey.com

‘When I decided to embark on freelance life one of my biggest concerns was my work space. I was thinking I would need to rent a desk and worrying about the cost implications of that when I stumbled across the My Home Office section on www.workfromhomewisdom.com. This insight into other people’s home office ideas inspired me to be a bit more creative and think about the opportunities my home presented. I don’t have a spare room but I do have a really huge bedroom.
‘I didn’t want to feel I was working in my bedroom or sleeping in my office so I thought hard about the set up. I found a really stunning glass desk and a funky grey leather office chair that worked well with my wallpaper.
‘My glass desk sits in the window so I am looking out on the world with my back to the bedroom.
‘A quick trip to Ikea to buy some shelves turned my wardrobe into a cupboard so at the end of the day I tidy everything away.
‘My discreet glass desk almost disappears into my bright pink curtains, which are drawn to signal the end of the work day and welcome back my bedroom! All for less than £350!’
Catherine Raynor, communications and media consultant, www.catherineraynor.co.uk

‘My home ‘office’ is actually just a table in our living room. I’m a photographer so if I’m not shooting then I’m editing pictures and my laptop is all I need. I surround myself with pretty things while I work so fresh flowers and my vintage camera calendar keep me inspired. I listen to music while editing and thanks to my husband’s insane CD collection there’s plenty to choose from. The best investment I made was a proper office chair. It’s not pretty but it was essential to keep me from my default position of slouching. When we need the table I just put away my laptop and chair. Working with so little ‘stuff’ is very liberating.’
Rosie Bray, photographer, www.rosiebray.com

‘This is my latest home office. It’s the smallest bedroom, but it has the internet connection and my Mac is the centre of our network so I needed to be in here. The good thing about a small room is that it warms up quickly and this faces south so I benefit from the sunshine, although it’s been rare this winter. I use the Mac for most things, including my work on clients’ blogs and composing music on Logic, but also have a laptop PC for my training clients who use PCs. The large mug of coffee and toasted bagel are essential home working items in the late morning to keep me fuelled.’
Andy Britnell (also known as A), trainer, coach, & blogger for the terrified, www.andybritnell.co.uk & www.seeamanaboutablog.co.uk

‘I had been meaning to do a huge clear out in my home office for months but, with one thing and another, somehow it became the last of my priorities – a bit of a mistake because things got worse, to the point where I actually abandoned my then chaotic office in favour of pretty much any other room in the house. At the end of the day, I can pretty much run my business with my laptop and a phone, so with wi-fi and multiple handsets throughout the house, it wasn’t difficult to keep going.
But I do run a fashion-related business and, being surrounded by fashion and everything to do with it, does create the perfect ambience, putting you in the right frame of mind to do your job satisfactorily.
So finally last Monday, I rolled up my sleeves and tackled the clutter. A few hours (and several bin liners) later, my office became a beautifully organized space, with a desk I could actually see and, overall, a welcoming area where I want to spend time and work. Bliss!’

Marisol Douglas, online jewellery store, www.caradiaz.com

This is my crochet chair/observatory/green house/vantage point.

This window has many guises but the one which is utilised most frequently is its ‘work station’ role. This is where I can work from home in solitude yet have a connection to the bustling world and the birds in the trees outside. It seems only natural to work here. I feel in touch with my surroundings.

Being able to work with all my surplus equipment packed away underneath my chair clears my head. Even if the entire flat is in a tizzy of creative jumble, this chair gives me the respite I need to focus on creating my organic cotton baby booties (or just have a good nosey outside!)

Emma, maker of baby booties,
www.booties4cuties.webs.com

‘A new (to me) chair fits in with my eclectic style in my own little corner of our home. Filled with wicker baskets, crochet patterns, endless colourful cottons,crochet hooks, and my gorgeous little sewing basket down to my left when I’m sat crocheting. My workspace fills me with inspiration and enjoyment for all that I create here. It is really important to me to work with tools and materials I love in a comfortable surrounding which is exactly what I get to do here every day.’
Sarah, crocheter and Etsy shop owner www.etsy.com/shop/loves2crochetuk

This is the serene home office of Francine Jay, also known as miss minimalist, her blog about living a beautiful life with less stuff. About 18 months ago Francine and her husband sold their house in America, and almost all their possessions, to move to a rented apartment in London. This was the perfect opportunity for a minimalist to find out just how little it’s possible, and pleasurable, to live with. Francine is also the author of The Joy of Less, a Minimalist Living Guide – how to declutter, organise and simplify your life, including your home office and all its contents. I love it and highly recommend it if you’re planning a spring clearout.
Francine Jay, blogger and author, www.missminimalist.com

‘I do have a dedicated office, but the beauty of using a laptop is that I can work anywhere, so my ‘office’ travels with me. My office is in the garden on a hot sunny day and it’s also curled up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold wet day (like today!). When I’m talking to clients, I always use the dedicated office but I make sure that I keep it calm and uncluttered and I always light a candle. This is one of my favourite photos because it shows my ‘lap’ cat Pablo, making sure that I take regular breaks from typing!’
Bridie Nelson, coach-therapist, www.bridienelson.com

‘Judy and I share two characteristics. We both have a destructive influence on web-based technology and we both hate winter. However, even I was forced to admit that Tuesday’s weather was spectacularly beautiful, as depicted in this photograph taken from my office window. Now that I am a free-range business mentor, at this time of year I am inclined to preface meeting arrangements with ‘weather permitting’. So when a friend suggested I borrowed her whippet so that I could enjoy the beauty of walking in the winter countryside, I politely declined. Sounded like a cunning ploy to avoid going out in the cold herself.’
David Wike, business mentor, www.davidwike.co.uk

‘Two years ago, the need for an income boost and a nasty bout of empty nesting prompted my husband and I to start a writer’s retreat in our rambling Devon home. As a working writer, I liked the idea of other writers in the house, and we immediately purchased some white paint, some white cotton bedding and several kettles. My carpenter husband crafted some writing desks for the bedrooms and I put an ad in a writing magazine. The result has gone from strength to strength, providing a peaceful nurturing environment for anyone to wants to write, read, paint, walk or just relax. Guests enjoy homecooking, good wine, a huge log fire, and complete freedom to be sociable or solitary.’

Deborah, writer & retreat owner, www.deborahdooleyjournalist.co.uk

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Home office gallery 1

Home working style 2