Office spaces, and more specifically desks, can be a challenge because there aren't a whole lot of designer options that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I typically custom design these type of items for my projects so I can hide items such as the printer and unsightly cords. The Modena Vanity Desk which was shipped to a high profile entertainment office in the Tribeca building in NYC is the newest addition to my custom furniture line.
As a general rule I prefer not to enter a room and walk right into the front view of a desk. The first thing a vistor sees should not be legs, trash cans, handbags, and other random items stashed under your desk. I also don't like to have my back to the door (It's just creepy and I am Italian, after all).
But in certain cases, such as my Tribeca Installation where there were no other options other then a door facing desk, here are my top three tips to accommodate this positioning:
1. Make sure there is a sufficient modesty panel to hide what needs to be hidden. So using a standard dining table as a desk may sound like a fun and convenient idea...but NO….MESSY! Look for visually appealing designs to keep your focal point interesting. A simple slab style panel can work but isn’t the most exciting look. 2. Consider other options other then a plain wood desk. For the Modena design, I used a high lacquer body combined with faux-python upholstered details for the drawer fronts. Varying textures and finishes are great techniques to create interest. 3. Make sure it is serves it purpose. There are many technical things to keep in mind when putting a desk in the center of a room. All electronics and gadgets should be hidden. Outlets should be installed in the floor below so that all cords can run through a grommet hole in the desk top. There’s nothing less fun and less cost effective then having your floors done before installing the outlets.
