The outbreak of Covid-19 has seen more people work from home in 2020 than ever before, and with a second wave of national lockdowns keeping many of us from returning to the office, our remote working set-ups are in need of a refresh. Here are ten designer desks in stylish situ to draw inspiration from and keep your creativity flowing from home.
For the artisan…Castello di Reschio, Umbria – Italy
Blacksmiths, carpenters, and upholsters working in a rustic array of carefully sourced materials – each and every bespoke item at Castello di Reschio is handcrafted by Count Benedikt Bolza and his B.B. For Reschio team, based in the estate’s converted Tabaccaia. Curated antiques and freshly picked flowers sit prettily on oak, brass, and Italian leather writing desks within the farmhouse suites dotted across the Umbrian countryside.
For the eclectic aesthete…Altstadt Vienna – Austria
A lesson in the art of contemporary Viennese living, the individually decorated rooms and suites at Altstadt Vienna have been styled by world-renowned architects like Matteo Thun and fashion designers including Lena Hoschek. Spread across five floors, modern works of art by Gilbert & George and Andy Warhol decorate the walls throughout this 19th-century townhouse situated in Vienna‘s artistic quarter. Vintage upholstery, antique wooden writing desks, and retro music albums sit alongside burnt orange egg chairs and statement lighting.
For the naturalist…Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort – Portugal
Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean working from a desk. For more laid-back days, a comfortable sitting area can be just the change of scene you’re craving – without needing to leave your house. The suites at Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort have been serenely styled by renowned Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins, with rustic-style furniture drawn from a natural colour palette to create a luxurious beach hut feel. Rattan chairs and woven wall décor meet clear glass lamps and neutral textiles housed within sun-bleached woods.
For the bibliophile…Ett Hem, Stockholm – Sweden
All the rooms at Ett Hem possess a warm feel with a sophisticated blend of contemporary and vintage materials such as cane, wood, leather and velvet in gold, brown and cream tones, inviting guests to make themselves at home in an atmosphere of lived-in luxury. While antique writing desks can be found in some of the stylish suites, a selection of peruse-worthy books have been artfully displayed on statement shelves in the hotel’s cosy library, complete with vintage Kaare Klint chairs.
For the traditionalist…Hôtel Relais Christine, Paris – France
Tucked away down a narrow street beside the Left Bank in the city’s Latin Quarter, Hôtel Relais Christine oozes period charm. Old fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and wood panelling hung with portraits hint at the hotel’s past as a medieval abbey, while sumptuous sitting areas and marble-topped antique desks with ornate lamps complete the classically Parisian aesthetic.
For the aristocrat…Schlosshotel Kronberg – Germany
A fairytale castle laden with history, Schlosshotel Kronberg was built in 1893 and was home to Empress Victoria Friedrich, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria. Today, guests stay here surrounded by many of the empress’ original antiques and paintings, including works by Rubens, Titian and Gainsborough. The gilded desk in the Royal Suite overlooks the castle’s enchanting grounds through stain-glass windows, reflected in the Venetian mirror and intricate chandelier.
For the minimalist…Hotel Haven, Helsinki – Finland
Calming colours meet bold, patterned furnishings at Hotel Haven, a sleek city retreat which is within walking distance of the capital’s Market Square and picturesque harbour. Clean lines blend with soothing, well-lit spaces which have been sparingly decorated with neutral book ends, simple flower arrangements, and subtly stylish stationery.
For the maximalist…Hotel Amparo, San Miguel de Allende – Mexico
Originally a historic home re-modelled in the 1900s, Hotel Amparo’s Spanish-style architecture blends beautifully with the vibrant colours, cobblestone streets and thriving arts scene of UNESCO-listed San Miguel de Allende. Bold prints and patterns, abstract art and bright Oaxacan textiles make up the memorable interiors of this characterful retreat.
For the modernist…The Merchant House, Manama – Bahrain
Just like the colourful markets nearby, The Merchant House‘s interiors are ablaze with local treasures. With local art featuring on the walls and textiles, you’re given a stylish introduction to the creative talent in Manama‘s famous Bab al Bahrain area.
For the antiquarian…Kristiania Lech, Lech am Arlberg – Austria
An exquisitely decorated Alpine retreat with the feel of a private residence rather than a hotel, the 29 bedrooms and suites at Kristiania Lech are individually and charmingly decorated with original pieces of art and antiques, inspired by the ‘Grand Tour’ of the 18th and 19th centuries.