Create an Open Office

Featured Pro: Kristan Cunningham
Category: Home Décor
Time: 1:41


KRISTAN CUNNINGHAM: Hi. I’m Kristan Cunningham. Attention to detail in an interior space is something that the designers at GMC really understand. Just take a look. Well, in this next GMC Trade Secret, I’ll show you how to create a great-looking open office space. So come on.

What makes this open office work is that same level of attention to detail. And when you think about an office within a living room, there’s a few things to keep in mind. For instance, this desk has a finished back. I love this one from Raymour & Flanagan, because it’s also got the inset leather blotter and extra workspace, as well as storage all in the same space. But most importantly, it’s got a finished back. So no matter what side of the room you’re standing on, you’re still looking at a finished piece of furniture.

The same is true of your lamps, of your accessories. Don’t put picture frames on a desk if it’s going to be floating in a space, because from the living room, who wants to look at the back of a picture? See how the lamps are the same on this side as they are on this side? And basically every other accessory, same is true – finished on all sides. That is one of the most important things.

But additionally, everything that’s utilitarian is in a decorative item. So paper clips are in a pretty little thing, cups, little dishes. Everything is decorative and everything is uniform. So if you’re going to buy pencils, buy all the same kind of pencil. If you’re going to buy pens, buy all the same kind of pen. And once you decide what your file folders are, keep buying the same ones and put them in a decorative box.

Lastly – and this is one of the most important things – these lamps. Where are the cords? You can’t even see them, can you? That’s because they’re running straight down the legs. They’re tacked in place, running under the rug, and then plug into the wall, which means all those messy cords are out of sight.

I’m Kristan Cunningham, and that’s your GMC Trade Secret.