Image Courtesy of Crate and Barrel | Pilsen Salt DESKS with Walnut Top, $449 each, Lincoln Round OFFICE CHAIRS, $899 each, Pilsen Salt 2-Drawer FILE CABINET, $299, Pilsen Salt BOOKCASES, $599 each, Yukon Natural Entryway BENCH with Shelf, $1,199, Morgan Black Metal DESK LAMP with USB Port, $299, crateandbarrel.ca.

The Nook Look

A little-used nook can often be transformed into a sweet workspace with minimal effort. Choose a narrow desk, add wall-mounted storage (think up instead of out) and select a small chair (ideally, there should be a minimum clearance of a little less than a metre between chair and wall, but needs must, right?). Ensure you have an electrical socket and good lighting.

Image Courtesy of Ikea | Lillåsen DESK, $179, Långfjäll OFFICE CHAIRS in Gunnared Beige, $149 each, Alex DRAWER UNIT on Casters in White, $149, Dejsa TABLE LAMP, $40, Nävlinge LED WORK LAMP, $20, ikea.ca.

Kitchen Confidential

Just as a party usually ends up in the kitchen, so does a workday. A sizeable kitchen can accommodate business tasks at a counter between two cabinets or a small table as long as there’s enough clearance around it (a drop-leaf table or one on wheels offers flexibility). Set off the area with paint or wallpaper, and personalize it with artwork that complements the rest of the room.

Image Courtesy of Ikea | Långfjäll Conference CHAIR in Gunnared Dark Grey/ Black, $129, Nilsirik Standing Support STOOL in Beige/ Vissle Dark Gray, $69, Odger CHAIR in Green, $95, Gråvel HIGHCHAIR, $159, Kolbjörn Indoor/Outdoor CABINETS in Green, $99 each, ikea.ca.

Behind Closed Doors

If the need for peace and privacy has driven you to set up a workstation in your bedroom, it’s important to maintain a clean desktop so any files, papers and computer notifications don’t counteract the serenity you need to get to sleep at night. Pretty boxes and bins can help store clutter, while inspirational moodboards and sayings may even help you get out of bed in the morning!

Image Courtesy of Bouclair | Veneer & Metal 2-Drawer CONSOLE, $300, Wood CRATES with Lids, $30-$40, bouclair.com.

Under the Radar

Working in the basement can come with the quiet required for concentration, but it also has its drawbacks, one of which is typically a lack of good light. If your space doesn’t have windows, you’ll benefit from using a variety of lighting sources, including ambient light the same strength as the light of your computer screen, task lighting and wall lights.

Design and Photography: MelyssaRobert.com

Growth Opportunity

Creating an enticing area for kids to focus on homework involves applying all the guidelines for lighting, posture and privacy, while providing an environment for them to express themselves. Chalkboard paint, corkboards, string lights, artwork and mementoes offer visual cues to keep young brains busy, while using favourite colours and themes makes the space uniquely theirs.

Image Courtesy of Ikea | Micke DESK in White, $129, Örfjäll Child’s DESK CHAIR, $49, Hårte LED WORK LAMP in White/Silver, $20, ikea.ca.

Convert Behaviour

Ingenious ideas for pieces that transform from desk to table, say, or office to wardrobe have picked up steam in the last couple of years. Other furniture, as well as accessories such as chargers and printers, have been rethought in order to provide compact solutions for small-space homes. Adding swivels, wheels, foldaway surfaces and adjustable pieces are just some of the innovations.

Image Courtesy of m2go.ca | Lila Swivel DESK in Natural Oak and White, $619, m2go.ca.