There is part of me as a designer that feels this is true but there is also a practical side of me that still loves the home office. In fact it’s the space in our own home where I spend most of my time (there and the kitchen).

This topic inspired me to see what I could find for the home-office nook to see if it is workable…

Given that most of us use laptops, are no longer paper hoarders, use online banking, and pretty much conduct all office functions in the digital world perhaps all we simply need is a home office station. Somewhere to charge our iPhone and prop the laptop for quick reference. What do you think? Would this work for you?

Me not so much. I still like a place to put a few things and spread out a bit. That said, the kitchen nook designed for the office is a great option.

Or perhaps a cute little closet in the guest bedroom.

Side note: I’m not sure I know anyone that uses antlers to help hold architectural drawings down… but it looks good in the picture.

All we really need is a place to plug in and get online so why not the closet? Personally, we have a dedicated home office but our printer isn’t the prettiest thing and it takes up too much space so we shoved it in the coat closet and connect wirelessly for the rare thing we actually have to print (like random coupons… which is about all we print anymore).

One of the most multi-functioning spaces was the home office built into the laundry and powder room area. Talk about an inspired idea… especially for a home that needs to maximize space.

In conclusion the home office still exists, and perhaps is more present than ever… just not in the traditional sense of a dedicated room with large bookcases and desks. Now they are a multi-functioning technical hub located where it makes most sense for the homeowner. And yes… it is smaller than it once was but that is okay because they are definitely more efficient today than ever before. 

Perhaps not a “new” idea but putting a twist to something we’ve seen before this space really makes a city skyline stand out by keeping the rest of the space simple in just two tones of color. You would think it would be the red that stands out but in this case the wall mural is what makes this living room inspiring.

 Instead of painting a wall a vibrant color in order to create a “focal wall” try the wall mural. It will be the conversation piece of your home. This bedroom alone is nothing unique in terms of design and decorating but it has certainly been spiced up with a collage of murals. Visually interesting and the murals and warmth, a lot of bang for the buck as they say!

One room that has historically been the go-to place for decorative wall murals is in a child’s room. There is no easier way to create a bit of whimsy (HGTV slang) than with a mural. It’s child friendly too! This super sweet graphic would make any tot wake up from a nap with a smile.

If you would rather not commit to a full wall mural that is either painted or applied like wallpaper then maybe mural inspired wall art is the way to go. Easy enough to change once you tire of it but in many cases they are much more expensive than an actual mural. Just a little something to consider…

No matter your preference in style and design. The wall mural can certainly make a statement AND give that designer touch to your home.

When ikat (pronounced “ee-cot”) first hit the home design scene it came in all things expensive. Well, now that it has been around for a bit of course you can buy it for less… kind of like the iPhone.

Love this look?

If you have the cash to splurge then try this gorgeous rocking chair from Anthropologie. It’s available for about $1600 and will be a show-stopper in any space.

Still want a standout piece but not the standout price? Check out the Sutton Settee from West Elm. For about $600 you not only have a gorgeous place to relax and read a book but you also have a very affordable sofa that will last for as long as you like it. By that I mean you get what you pay for… for every $100 spent on a midrange quality sofa you will get one year of fairly regular use before it looks tired and worn. My guess is that ikat won’t be all the rage five or six years from now which will be about the time you may want to replace this piece anyway therefore it is a win-win choice.

Definitely on a budget? Then consider this look. Pick up some ikat fabric via ebay for about $15 and make your own throw pillow (or recruit a seamstress to do it for you). You still have the luxury of a beautiful fabric without the price or the commitment to this trend. All said and done for approximately $30.

You can make this…

Out of this….

No matter your budget your love for ikat can be realized at any price! 

Keep the animal bust in shades of white, black, and neutral creams and tans.

Group them together or use one as a statement piece.

Get inspired by this trend and combine two trends into one by creating silhouette art of an animal bust.

Whether your resin animal bust hangs over your fireplace…

Or above  your bed…

This trend is sure to become an interesting conversation piece in any space. So have fun with it and don’t take it too seriously!