This NYC Couple Fit 2 WFH Spaces in Their Studio Apartment — with Room to Spare

When Peggy and Anthony moved in together, they knew they needed to get creative to make their alcove studio work as both a home and a co-working space. That’s right: They both work from home, and home is one big room. In a studio apartment. In New York City.

To help them make the most of their space — while giving each other space — Peggy and Anthony made some smart design moves. They opted for hard-working furniture and decor that could make their daily lives easier (and more stylish) without crowding their apartment.

With The Home Depot online collection, they found pieces that suited both of their aesthetics. The Home Depot has a vast selection of affordable designs plus free and flexible delivery, so Peggy and Anthony could get exactly what they wanted delivered right to their door. Here’s how they made the ultimate space-saving office.

Suit your space to your needs, not the other way around. Peggy and Anthony have both worked from home long enough to know what sets them up for success. “We share similar must-haves, like ample space for multiple monitors, good natural light for on-camera meetings, and storage for our notebooks and files,” Peggy says. “I also like some open shelving for fun decor.”

With these musts in mind, Peggy opted for a tall, slim desk with a combination of surface area and open storage, plus a luxe executive chair that offers plenty of support. For his desk, Anthony chose a wider minimalist design. It looks great with his space-saving armless desk chair.

It’s time to play Tetris: Laying out Peggy and Anthony’s WFH setup involved some life-sized puzzle-solving. They knew they wanted to be close to the windows for natural light. But with space at a premium, they also wanted to cluster their desks into one office area, not two individual ones. By fitting their desks flush along two walls, they achieved both goals without feeling like they were sacrificing personal space.

“It’s very satisfying that the desks fit so well in that corner,” Peggy says. “We each have our own designated space without feeling like we’re on top of each other.”

It also helps that each desk has its own lighting: A clamp-on desk lamp and a clear table lamp give them each focused light without adding clutter. A muted modern rug delineates their office from the rest of the apartment, preventing “work creep” into the living area.

Space-saving design needs to be efficient, but it shouldn’t feel totally utilitarian. Peggy and Anthony made room for a chic gold bar cart, which can keep snacks and drinks within reach during the work day (and can turn into a cocktail bar at night). “We both enjoy a healthy midday snack, so having a cart filled with fruit, granola bars, chocolate, and seltzers is a huge plus,” Peggy says.

Next, they added a few faux plants, which lend a natural touch while keeping water away from electronics. Metallic decorative boxes keep papers and office supplies out of sight in style. And because the couple chose items that complement their apartment’s decor, everything feels cohesive and homey, even when they’re “out of office.”

Visit The Home Depot online to make your WFH space work better.