Not everyone seems to have gotten the back-to-the-workplace memo. There was plenty to like about working from home, even as we suddenly obsessed over designing attractive Zoom backgrounds for endless online sessions during the pandemic.
Offices remain mostly empty in cities nationwide; in fact, according to security firm Kastle, office occupancy in 10 cities has been stuck in the 45-50% range since 2023. Nobody is sure when or if that will change. Even while many companies plan to implement return to office policies by the end of 2024, a five-day work week seems done.
During the pandemic, home remodeling became popular. No surprise. Top of list besides outdoor living spaces? Home offices.
Gensler was all ears. At the High Point spring market, the award-winning global architecture, planning and design firm teamed up with Baker Furniture to launch its first residential office collection.
“This project, first initiated in 2020, was a direct result of the pandemic,” said Scott Star, director of product development for Gensler.
Star said its team realized many would like to up their home office experience. So they applied “everything Gensler knows about creating great commercial offices to creating more inspiring and productive residential work environments.”
The BXG collection features 14 pieces including home office desks and cabinetry designed with “comfort, functionality and visual elegance.” The design-forward collection addresses the evolving needs of remote workers. Rich details, including bronze reveals and cast bronze pulls, easy-to-live-with rounded edges and layered materials lend sophistication that easily allows moving between living spaces. The designs also configure with hospitality and corporate settings.
“Inspired by Baker’s iconic style,” said Project Design Director Troy Grichuk, “we created pieces that embody versatility and sophistication, that blend effortlessly into both dedicated home offices and multifunctional living spaces.”
Features include elegantly curved edges, jewelry-like hardware where each design element adds refinement and a layered-in material palette invites tactile exploration.
“Our added focus on practicality extends to integrated technology,” said Grichuk. That includes convenient desktop power access and wire management solutions, to help ensure a clutter-free workspace conducive to productivity. “Beyond mere furniture, our designs symbolize a commitment to empower individuals to excel professionally, with style and comfort.”
Erica Wingo, senior vice president of merchandising and marketing for Baker-McGuire, said Gensler’s “fresh perspective and modern approach” created a common goal of designing a collection “that delivers a more productive, comfortable and enjoyable experience for people working from home.”
Home office furniture has been around for at least 30 years. But often desks were too dainty, sometimes merely an add-on to a particular style group. Secretaries were a popular category but also small in scale — though there’s still a need in space-challenged apartments. Modern secretaries tend to be transitional pieces that perhaps live in a kitchen or family room. Up until recently, most lacked amenities expected today, like charging stations and filing space.
Interior designers specifying home offices often turn to contract furnishings for answers. And they often end up going the custom route, since scale always seems to be a hot button.
“There is a wealth of products available in the contract market,” said architect/interior and furniture designer Lauren Rottet. “But few translate to the home office either due to their size, style, function or a combination. Cramming all the conveniences available in a corporate office into a small home office is a challenge, especially if your goal is to create a comfortable space, void of clutter.
“You can customize contract furniture, but scaling down large, contract desks into more compact sizes often results in awkward proportions and a stumpy or crowded look,” she said, “especially if you want to incorporate additional seating. Then there is the issue of storage. Cantilevered workspaces with a sideboard often are an ideal solution as they offer a convenient worksurface and storage without taking up much additional square footage.
“Ergonomics also are important, but a beautiful sit-stand desk for the home office simply does not exist, and few home office chairs offer both beauty and function. The best solution is choosing a comfortable chair with enough support.”
Besides Baker x Gensler, Bernhardt Workspace has a growing home office collection with minimalist profiles and sophisticated finishes with a chic, modern feel. The collection is about layering, with pieces easily fitting into common as well as dedicated spaces. Also clever storage conceals cords and gadgets for clean, uncluttered surfaces.
Four Hands added several desks, chairs, bookcases and filing cabinets to its respectable home office line, as well as a few pieces from a new collaboration with Los Angeles-based designer Amber Lewis.
Known for its modern aesthetic, BDI, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has long addressed office solutions, even standing desks.
By the way, that desire for cool Zoom backdrops is not at all silly.
“A nice backdrop is more important now than ever before,” said Rottet, “as virtual meetings have become the norm, whether working from home or the office. Virtual meetings offer the most flexible scheduling, and a well-curated backdrop can help provide an unspoken introduction to you as a person, based on what is displayed — your aesthetic, interests, hobbies.” Besides, she said, those artificial backgrounds tend to vibrate “and make your hair look funny.”
In spite of the trend to work remotely, Rottet still feels there’s an argument to be made for being in the workplace.
“The problem of convenience persists,” said Rottet. “While a commute may seem cumbersome and an easy excuse to work from home, working from the office still has many benefits…tools and materials, comradery, teamwork, mentorship. (Plus) the ability to present yourself as a leader amongst your peers—it shows a certain level of dedication and respect that senior team members appreciate. There is also a measurable level of productivity at the office that is greater than working from home. As a designer, it is essential to be in the office to use the resources available. Seeing and touching physical samples from a resource library is something that cannot be replaced at home through a computer screen.”
The BXG Baker x Gensler collection will be available to the trade in early fall 2024.
And Rottet Studio is working on a line of home office furniture to debut later this year.