Perhaps you only work from home every now and then, or maybe you don't have the luxury of a designated study? Don't just revert to the dining table for your set-up. Consider using your hallway to create a 'sometimes office' with the help of sleek console tables with drawers.

​Here, our stylists Vanessa Colyer Tay, Allira Bell and Drew Lewis share three different looks to show the potential, plus top tips for an occasional workspace. 


Who will love this sometimes office?
Someone who appreciates simple elegant pieces with a hint of luxe. They enjoy the simplicity of clean lines, but they also like to have fun - enter tactile velvet and the tongue-in-cheek phrenology head sculpture.  

What's in your mood board and why?
In keeping with the simple lines, I've chosen a black Hamptons-style desk with two wide drawers that could house a laptop or stationery. When dressed as a hall table, this desk is also the perfect catching point for keys and other accessories. To create the bright aspect of a conservatory, I've selected a botanical print, an olive velvet chair and a glass cloche wall light which also coordinates with the desk. To enhance the brass finishes in the wall light, I've added a stylish brass storage box with a quartz stone handle, while pairing things back with a simple fringed runner, which is a great choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways. 

Top tip for setting up an occasional workspace.
Make sure you set up both ambient as well as task lighting, so you can alternate the mood depending on how you're using the space.


Who will love this sometimes office?
Someone who's a fan of India Hicks's Bahamas style with its colonial influences, coastal elements and neutral colour palette, but also someone who appreciates interesting sculptural shapes.   

What's in your mood board and why?
The bamboo and rattan console desk doubles as both a workstation and pedestal for ornaments, and sets the elegant plantation-style vibe. To complement the look, I've included a porcelain table lamp with an intricate petal pattern and a bronze oyster shell ornament, which also acts as the perfect vessel for keys or bits of stationery. A shapely upholstered stool with iron and antique gold finishes provides seating for when this space functions as an office, and tucks neatly underneath the desk when it's not used to make way for hallway traffic. Faded indigo hues in the runner work with the island theme, as does the metal vase with its mottled sea colours.

Top tip for setting up an occasional workspace.
Surround yourself with beauty to spark joy when you're working - your productivity levels will thank you for it!



Who will love this sometimes office?
This is for someone with a real individual sense of style; someone who is comfortable mixing old world with new world, and has a fun, playful and cheeky personality. (Hmmm, sounds familiar…)

What's in your mood board and why?
Grounding this space is a slim mid century-style desk which doubles as a hallway console. To complement it, I've added a curved timber chair inspired by the same era. A set of Picasso-esque ceramic table lamps and some cheeky artwork showing the mix of street art and classical art give this space its fun personality. To add to its arty appeal, I also couldn't resist this gold side table inspired by the elongated faces in the art of surrealist painter Marc Chagall. This table adds another layer to the space and also provides an alternative seat or surface if required, making it a versatile piece. And, of course, since this isn't about being pigeon-holed, I've thrown in a few bits of summer decor that evoke memories of lazy beach holidays to allow for daydreaming while working.  

Top tip for setting up an occasional workspace.
Choose a console or slimline desk with drawers, so you can store office accessories, and quickly make the transition back to hallway dresser with a stack of books or a gorgeous bowl.