i+D - September/October 2018 - 62

Living by
Design
Home
Offices

Sleek, easy to use, and comprised of sustainable
materials, Humanscale's QuickStand Eco sit/stand
desk line features simple setup and affordability.
(Image: Humanscale)

Sit/Stand Desks
While standing desks have been around since the 17th century, today's products are
getting an inordinate amount of attention. Notes Taft, they're "an evolving trend, the
key aspect being the addition of form to function, with technology starting to play a role.
Sit/stand desks are connecting to networks and adding automation. They can now
recognize who you are through your phone and adjust to your personal settings. They
can also suggest when you should stand or sit."
Richardson believes sit/stand desks are "great if easy to use and the client understands
the principles of how to use them properly. I think they're here to stay because of the
increased awareness among the public of our health and what we can do to be healthier.
Also, they're becoming more financially accessible."

Furnishing Forward
The biggest trend, agreed on by all, is that technology
continues to get smaller and more portable. For example,
says Slagmolen-Flores, "Wire management is no longer an
issue because everything is becoming wireless. Equipment,
such as printers and laptops, are becoming smaller. This makes
it easier to design the space and make it less office-y."
Somers adds, "The home office has evolved and can be ideal
for conference calls, reading, or focused work. A technological
device is all one needs...along with the perfect chair. It's a
complete transformation from offices of old with a large desk,
storage unit, and bulky computer."

Vardar says Humanscale is "seeing an increase in people implementing sit/stand solutions
in their home office. Because they can be expensive, there's been an increase in
consumer-friendly options...such as our QuickStand Eco, an easy-to-use, retrofittable sit/
stand workstation; it's affordable and anyone can set it up themselves."
Indeed, the need for more residential-looking and multipurpose office furniture is
being answered by these and other companies. From timeless classics-think Herman
Miller's Eames lounge chair, to such new introductions as Knoll's Muuto collection, to
Humanscale's Horizon 2.0 light fixture and Trea chair-furnishings are available that work
with any décor, every personality, and the full scope of business and personal needs.

The Trea chair offers intuitive comfort
by mimicking the instinctive recline
of the human body.

Taking cues from the professional workplace,
ergonomically correct furnishings, proper lighting, and
other influences have made their way to the home office.

(Image: Humanscale)

(Image: Monk Office)

Augment this with the customization offered: Knoll's portfolio
includes the KnollStudio furniture, Spinneybeck leathers, and
FilzFelt architectural products; Monk offers a variety of finishes,
such as a new formcoat and wood and veneer surfaces; and
Humanscale is continually improving such items as its new
QuickStand Under Desk that allows users to alternate between
sitting and standing without interrupting workflow.
As for aesthetics, Richardson says, "Clients now desire more
style in their home office. Before it was functional utility in the
approach with minimal expenditure. Now, there is more focus
on creating a special place that is conducive to productivity and
looks great."

MICHELE KEITH
is a New York-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times,
ASPIRE Design and Home, Luxury Listings NYC, and DESIGN, among other
magazines. She also has written two coffee table books for The Monacelli Press:
Designers Here and There and Designers Abroad.

Numbers Tell the Story
* The average telecommuter earns
a higher median salary than an
in-office worker.
* 100% telecommuting is the most
preferred type of work flexibility
among flexible-job seekers.

* 53% of women and 48%
of men telecommute.
* It is predicted that 38% of
full-time staff will be working
remotely in the next decade.

* Benefits of remote work
include increased worker productivity
and efficiency, reduced employee
turnover, and greater employee
satisfaction.

* Top reasons for remote work
include work-life balance, family,
and commute stress.

Source: FlexJobs

i+D - September/October 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of i+D - September/October 2018