Kourtney Kardashian's entire Calabasas abode exemplifies monochromatic minimalism – but how does this aesthetic impact productivity in the room where it matters the most?
Naturally, the socialite nailed a functional workspace without sacrificing aesthetics, alongside celebrity-favorite designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard, no less.
Kourtney's home office exhibits a timeless black-and-white palette, interrupted only by pops of pink in her roses and artwork – creating a brighter workspace that emphasizes productivity*, but there's more to this space than its color. When curating an effective home office setup, designers explain that lighting and furnishing choices can be just as influential.
Firstly, we should take a lesson from Kourtney's lighting arrangement. She has a large domed that's large enough to illuminate the entire room after sundown – but designers urge us to follow the tall task lighting by her desk.
'Working from home has obviously had a massive acceleration over the last couple of years, and the integration of a home office is still an important part of interior design,' comments Scarlett Hampton, the founder of lights&lamps.
'From a lighting aspect, we are working on solutions that mean task lighting doesn't have to be so utilitarian. A light or lamp that can adapt or reposition from a practical use to a more home-focused and considered design item.'
Along with Niki Wright, UK-based lighting expert, Scarlett Hampton, founded lights&lamps to bring innovative, design-led lighting solutions to the lighting market.
Martin Waller, the founder of Andrew Martin, agrees. 'A desk light is a good way to add style and design-led angles to an office as well as being imperative for spotlighting,' he comments.
However, aside from lighting, our furniture choices can similarly make our home workspace more productive. Kourtney's gallery wall makes an impactful statement in her space – a look that hasn't gone unappreciated by the experts.
'A home office must be designed as a space to induce thought. It wants to have crisp, clear lines, comfort, and creative inspiration by way of artwork or patterned wallpaper,' Martin says.
Martin Waller is the founder of the globally renowned design house Andrew Martin, and he remains at the heart of the brand to this day. The London-based designer has shaped furniture, fabric, and wallpaper trends through his experimentative designs – based on a variety of cultures. At the turn of the millennium, he published his bestselling design book Fusion Interiors (now available on Amazon).
'A chair has to be comfortable, but it is important to get the level of comfort right. A leather armchair, for example, would fit in a library feel, acting as a sanctuary to read and reflect, whereas an upright swivel chair [like Kourtney's] suits written desk work,' Martin explains.
'And do not be condemned to a black foam seat; go for a chair in mid-century velvet upholstery or a cantilever with interesting lines.'
Shop the Kardashian-inspired home office edit
*Color study by K2
-
I tried the 50% decluttering rule, and it gave me the ruthless push to clear the clutter in my cramped kitchen cabinetsI can now find my dinnerware much more easily
-
Andrew Walker's wooden cabinets have made me rethink the concept of a classic neutral kitchen – they're simple without feeling overly minimalRaw, pared-back cabinetry has never felt so sophisticated – designers say they're a 'smart, long-term investment with lasting style'
