A photographer, Kate, decided to transform her under-used en suite bathroom into a home office during the lockdown. She shares her story of how she turned the space into a functional and inspiring workspace.
From Bathroom to Home Office
The room, which was previously an en suite, was replastered after Kate sold the bathroom suite online to fund the project. She then bought two rolls of peel-and-stick wallpaper, which she found easy to put up with no mess.
Kate, who lives with her two daughters in a three-bedroom Victorian terrace in Stroud, needed a quiet space to work on her photography projects. With her daughters using the dining area for home schooling and Zoom lessons, Kate had to find an alternative space to meet her deadlines.
Kate’s daughters, Poppy, 13, and Lola, 15, were using the dining area, which made it challenging for Kate to concentrate on her work. The family had moved to their current home in 2016, and the under-used en suite bathroom presented an opportunity to create a dedicated office space.
Decorating the Space
Kate painted the walls with a £10 tub of pink paint from B&Q, creating an interesting effect using masking tape. She also added a strip of wallpaper and an off-cut of carpet, which she found for £30.
To complete the space, Kate commissioned a bespoke desk made of birch ply and Formica from a local kitchen maker. She spent a day at IKEA, stocking up on storage solutions, including IVAR cupboards, which she customized with a geometric design using tester pots.
Kate’s favorite part of the room is the walls, which she finds inspiring, and her bespoke desk, which she designed to meet her specific needs. She also appreciates the storage solutions, which help keep her workspace tidy and organized.
Creating a Functional Workspace
Kate emphasizes the importance of having a well-designed workspace to encourage good working habits and productivity. She recommends investing in a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a tidy desk with storage solutions, such as a pegboard and pinboard. A comfortable chair that protects your back is key, though don’t forget to move around every 20 minutes.
The black handles, just £4 each from IKEA, finish the look. Kate attached hairpin legs to turn the cupboards into floor-standing cabinets, adding a touch of elegance to the room.
