Expert Trends to Give your Home Office Decor a Traditional Touch

Are you looking to revamp your office in a style that will be as fresh and relevant tomorrow as it is today? Or do you want your workspace to sport a classic decor, in colours and materials meant to last? The answer to both is to consider doing up your office in a traditional style. A traditional office is quietly understated, simple and sophisticated yet adaptable and outlasting. It can even promote good work habits and productivity. Worked your way to the upper level of your company, or tasted splendid success at work in the past few years? Then an office with a traditional touch can serve as a distinguished reminder of your achievements. We bring you the latest expert trends that will help you to create an office that is timelessly traditional yet functional too.

1. Go sober with the colour palette

When aiming for a traditional-style tone in your office, you should opt for hues that will make your space look timeless and distinguished, yet not too formal. Neutrals such as beiges, greys and off-whites can accentuate your space without overpowering it. What’s more, such soothing hues can help you focus the bulk of your attention at the task at hand. Think a sofa upholstered in a leather-finish fabric with matching chairs in soft hues of cream. Or opt for draperies in calming beige with traditional valances that frame the view of your office window with your glossy antique desk in the background. You can also opt for classic colours like black, navy blue and warm browns that are often complemented by these neutrals. For example, chairs upholstered in rich tones of caramel and wheat, when placed against a grey backdrop, can be the perfect complement to old world charm.

2. Keep it classic wood

Vintage-inspired furniture and accents in rich, dark wood can go a long way towards creating a traditional vibe in your office. Think aged cabinets, built-in mahogany bookshelves and sturdy wood desks for a sense of belonging and serious style. For example, more than 200 years after its 18thcentury heyday, the secretary desk can still be a statement piece, with tons of storage to boot. For a clean, classic look, opt for one which is hand carved and hand painted, and comes with sharp brass hardware. Another good bet is to incorporate polished hardwood floors and gleaming wood-panelled walls into your office decor. And if you’re feeling bold, try a coffered ceiling, which features multiple flat panels (or coffers) recessed between decorative ceiling beams in a grid pattern. It works great for adding depth and detail overhead.

3. Add an element with textures

A traditional office suggests a quiet confidence. Steer away from oversized couches and chairs as well as those that appear to be overly streamlined. For a space that’s neither over the top nor boring, employ the aesthetic power of textures and subtle tones. A traditional office decor, though reflective of the past, can become timeless when you pair it with other styles and furnishings. For fabrics, use textured natural materials in your office—lots of linen, wool, cotton and leather. For example, think an elegantly appointed seating area with armchairs upholstered in a leather-finish with metal frames that leaves all who enter feeling cosy and inspired. When choosing patterns, avoid those that are overly decorated and busy. Instead opt for simple, classic patterns such as stripes, plaids and checks. For example, throne-like chair in black-and-white chevrons when paired with an intricate wooden desk makes for a quiet reading spot.

4. Accent with personal belongings

Your personal belongings and vintage objects can be charming touches that add warmth to your traditional office. Consider incorporating elegant details like framed black-and-white photos, faux mounted taxidermy or dark floor lamps for old-fashioned elegance. Love to travel to new and interesting places whenever time permits? Then opt for topiaries, old books and a map to set the mood for creative exploration. For a masculine touch, pair original mahogany furniture with vintage car prints and cool grey wallpaper. Want your office to embody a feminine vibe? Consider opting for tufted chairs and sofas, along with refreshing art and traditional traditional rugs.

5. Incorporate plenty of storage

Your traditional office should aim for simplicity, subtlety and elegance. Therefore, steer away from clutter and incorporate plenty of storage solutions. Built-in bookshelves are a good bet for offering ample space to store supplies, with drawers to provide hidden storage. All you need then is a comfortable leather chair situated between the built-ins and a polished wooden desk. For a simple and pretty way to deal with cabinet clutter, hang dark curtains in simple plaids on the inside of your bookshelf’s glass-front doors. If it’s an open bookshelf, fill it up with interesting accessories and artefacts, and pair it with a dark striped wallpaper for a dramatic flair. You can also use a large bookshelf structure to create an accent wall spanning the full length of your space. Or make your traditional office a quiet retreat by opting for classic library design, complete with warm walnut panelling, top-to-bottom bookshelves and light filtering in through the window frames. We hope these bright ideas will inspire you to create the traditional office of your dreams. Whichever way you go forward, ensure that your furniture, decor and setup are all conducive to productivity while still making you feel comfortable and creative.