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How we work from home: Elissa Greer on blending family and work in home office design
Elissa Greer is a work from home veteran. She has been working with her husband, Darren James, in their award-winning interior design studio for more than 20 years. When Elissa joined the business, the couple sold their house and moved into a warehouse that served as both a design studio and a home.
The pair now have three children and, like so many of us, have endured the challenges of working from home while balancing home schooling. But that balance has always been a priority for Elissa and Darren.
“We’ve always tried to keep a real flexibility around work and the kids,” says Elissa. “Darren and I really value being hands on with the kids. Having that flexibility and versatility to work in both the studio or at home has always been high on the priority list for us.”
The pair excel in designing homes that cater for a balanced lifestyle where luxury and functionality come together.
Elissa shares her key considerations when designing a versatile home office that allows you to blend your work and home life.
The home office space also serves as a multi-purpose room with the Eto Dining Table functioning as a space to lay out plans or for a family board game.
Space for the whole family
What struck the family as their kids have gotten older is the need for the home office to also suit the needs of the family. It’s not just about working from home anymore.
“The kids have individual desks in their rooms but we found that they actually wanted to be around us,” Elissa explains. “They want to feel like they are part of something. In designing the space, we had to make sure it was quite multi-purpose to cater to the different ways we would use it.”
The Eto Dining Table serves as the space to play board games on the weekend or lay out plans and samples during the work week. The round table is also a space-friendly option in a room that Elissa admits “doesn’t have a huge amount of space.”
It’s not just for her own family that Elissa takes this approach. She recommends anyone who is designing a home office space to first envisage who will be using the space.
“We have a space that functions really well as a home office but then converts really easily to allow us to do other things as a family,” says Elissa.
Elissa values natural materials and clean simple lines, like the Eto Smart Desk.
Timeless aesthetic
For Elissa, it’s all about classic pieces made from quality materials, such as marble and timber. With a neutral and clean palette, these pieces add subtle touches of minimalism to create a modern yet timeless aesthetic.
“We really value pieces that stand the test of time and last,” she says. “Knowing that a home shouldn’t always be changing things over every season when they’re trending in and out - it’s about buying beautiful quality pieces and using good quality materials.”
Elissa loves the slimline designs of the Amara Dining Chairs, Quay Armless Dining Chair, and Eto Desk, as well as the convenience of the integrated Smart Accessories.
"I don’t like big chunky, traditional desks,” says Elissa. “I love the beautiful slimline design of the Eto Smart Desk. It’s super functional and it’s got everything you need in the little Smart Charge Table. It’s the same with the Lume Smart Light. You can have one on either side of the desk depending on how you’re working or what you’re working on.”
Every piece in the home office is considered for its versatility and functionality. The Zaza Sofa is a favourite piece for the whole family.
Versatility and functionality
With the open shelves of the Dainelli Libreria Bookcase, Elissa prefers a minimalistic style.
“With open shelves, you can easily put some nice books, folders, samples or pens,” she suggests. “When it comes to storage you definitely need to have some nice little styling elements that are functional but also look great.”
Another functional consideration in Elissa and Daniel’s home office is the addition of the Zaza Sofa, Seymour Midback Chair and Medium Crescent Ottoman. While you might not traditionally associate a sofa with a home office, Elissa says these pieces are probably the ones they use the most.
"It’s great for when you just want to stand up and move away from your desk or you want to read something on your phone,” she explains. “The kids also lay down and read on the Zaza Sofa so it’s one of the most used pieces.
“Stylistically it’s also beautiful. It’s exactly the right size and not bulky or chunky. When you need to fit quite a few pieces in a space to work in different ways, slimline is important so the space doesn’t feel over-furnished.”
Follow Elissa @darrenjamesinteriors
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