The best of furniture suits various situations, supporting our lives and tasks from dawn to dusk. The best furniture offers us an ergonomic place to work, but at the end of the day, retires eloquently into the home interior. Interior designer at the Artek Helsinki store Erika Jokelainen has helped numerous customers combine work and living at home by designing functional furnishing solutions.
“Good design makes a room functional yet attractive. These two features are not exclusive. A home office does not have to be a separate room nor a work station like the traditional desk unit. A functional work station can take place in the living space without compromising its flow or comfort.
An ergonomic work station does not require a separate desk. A good alternative is Artek’s Kaari Wall Console that can be mounted at any height. The Kaari collection also includes wall shelves, the lowest shelf of which can be used as a counter. One counter can be positioned at chair height and the other to use standing up, so that you can change your position during the day. The String Book Shelf, too, can be annexed with a counter.
A work station can take place by the kitchen table, too. If you do this, then make sure it is easy to hide your individual work items – for example in a Vitra Toolbox – at the end of the day. This helps you make it known that the work day is over.
Your work chair must be of good quality, but that does not translate into traditional. Recommendable alternatives include Domus by Ilmari Tapiovaara and Rival by Konstantin Grcicin. They both have back rests at optimal height, padded seats and short arm rests; all of these are features of a good work chair.
Regarding lighting, a spot light suits the character of a living room better than a traditional desk lamp. For example, the wall version of the Golden Bell by Alvar Aalto or a pendant light exactly over the work station. Most importantly light must come from above directly and at a relatively short distance.
Good design stands the test of time. It is better to build the interior of your home layer by layer instead of acquiring everything at once. You can mix old and new items and different styles. By only choosing items you like, you cannot go wrong. Never settle for a temporary solution but try and find an item you will want to keep with you year after year, from one home to another.”
- Erika Jokelainen, interior designer at Artek Helsinki
No wish or challenge is too small for us, and any new purchases can be matched with your existing furniture, materials and colours. You are welcome to contact and book Erika by email at erika.jokelainen@artek.fi or by telephone +358 50 3372474.
Artek Helsinki
Keskuskatu 1 B
00100 Helsinki, Finland
tel. +358 10 617 3480
artekhelsinki@artek.fi
Mon-Sat 10:00 – 18:00
