In p lain sight
D e s ig n e r A m y M e ie r s q u e e z e d a
fu lly f u n c tio n in g o ffic e in to h e r S a n
D ie g o d in in g a re a . S h e s t a r t e d w ith
a n IK E A b o o k c a s e a n d s h e lv e s a n d a
m e ta l d e s k . N e x t s h e o r g a n iz e d fa b ric
s a m p le s a n d p a p e r s in to a c a r e f u lly
p la n n e d m ix o f b a s k e ts , b in s , a n d
b in d e r s . F in a lly , A m y a d d e d v in ta g e
a c c e s s o r ie s a n d to u c h e s o f a n tiq u e
b r a s s , r e p e a te d f r o m th e a d ja c e n t
liv in g r o o m , to h e lp th e s p a c e s b le n d .
T r y h e r a d v ic e fo r m a k in g y o u r o ffic e
lo o k a n d fe e l lik e h o m e s w e e t h o m e .
C on sid er h o w you w o rk . "I need easy access to
lots of things, so a wall of open storage cubbies is per-
fect,” Amy says. “Each cubby has a theme so I know
where to look for things and where to put them back.”
T h in k in m u ltip les. A group of identical objects
always looks orderly. To unify and dress up a dozen
three-ring binders, Amy covered them with seersuck-
er fabric,
left.
Six fabric-covered albums,
to p rig h t
,
hold before and after photos of her design projects.
M ix op en and clo sed sto ra g e. See-through
containers, like the wire locker baskets that hold
Amy's fabric samples, center
rig h t
, keep bulky items
organized but accessible. Tuck away less-attractive
things such as office supplies in sturdy baskets.
U se you r w a ll sp a ce. “To maximize a small
space, I put the walls to work,” Amy says. In addition
to the trio of shelves, she hung a three-pocket file
holder,
b ottom right.
It stores sketchbooks but would
also work for mail, magazines, or files.
Pay a tte n tio n to lig h tin g . A traditional task
light isn't the only option. Choose a pretty, shapely
lamp, then put all lamps and overhead fixtures on
dimmers so you can have a high level of light for
work or a cozy glow when you're off duty.
V ary you r m a te ria ls. “Offices can tend to look
heavy, but the right mix of finishes can help,” Amy
says. Her formula: 50 percent slick white (bookcases
and shelves), 25 percent woven baskets, and 25 per-
cent brushed metal (desk and sconces).
