A statement desk is what you need to refresh your home office decor this autumn

The statement desk trend is here, and with it a whole new way to think about home offices. Traditionally a functional, somewhat sombre space, the new season home office is a space for creativity and fun, perhaps even eccentricity. 

If you want to refresh your home office ideas this autumn, start with the desk. Interior designers give their top tips for choosing one that makes a true statement. 

Afterwards, head to our best desks shopping edit for more stylish suggestions.

1. Go for an impeccable design and finish

Nothing quite makes a statement like great quality and impeccable design. A beautiful, airy home office space needs a desk that will be in perfect balance with it. This requires a design that's distinctive and decorative but not overpowering. Jade Bloomfield, editor of LuxDeco, recommends a modern cross-base design for this reason. These desks 'look less chunky and overpowering than many other styles, which makes them a perfect solution for smaller office spaces. Versatility is also a large part of their appeal, as the cross-base can tap into several looks.'

A chiselled cross-base design is among the best wooden desks and will be equally at home in a Scandi or more eclectic home office scheme. 

2. Break all the home office desk color rules

If you already have a desk and are a little bored by it, make a statement with color. A bespoke paint finish will instantly transform an ordinary work desk into an objet d'art. Steph Briggs, Interior Designer & Co-Founder of La Di Da Interiors, points out that 'we are no longer bound by corporate colours and practical laminate desks. Splashes of colour, unique patterns and prints, beautiful artwork and scented flowers all make for a delightfully beautiful and joyfully personal, individual place of work.'

Moreover, Steph encourages anyone with a home office to think of it as 'an extension of your work wardrobe; a reflection of your style and personality.'

3. Play minimalism again maximalism

Finally, if you're looking at small home office ideas, look for a compact desk with clever details. It can still have a slick shape that won't take up too much room, but will suggest glamour and memories of travel. For example, the Siam Secretary Desk by Jonathan Adler is described as 'what you'd dream of inheriting if your eccentric great aunt had been besties with Tony Duquette.' Inspired by Jonathan's trip to businessman Jim Thompson's house in Bangkok. 

Look for subtle gilded detailing and unusual textural finishes, and even a secretary desk can become exotic and exciting.