With social distancing implemented and stay-at-home orders mandated in many countries, the notion of the office has certainly changed in recent months. In this four-part series, designers give HD a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what working from home has been like.
Robert Polacek, RoseBernard Studio
Where: I love being at home in San Francisco at the ‘Bohemian Carnival.’ It was envisioned for experiencing the ultimate live, work, and play lifestyle. My favorite spot for sketching is the fireplace nook full of pillows. I have a great view of our art wall of curiosities and collections from our world travels. It’s the best place for inspiration.
On retaining normalcy: I maintain [the same] sense of focus and cadence with my work ethic as I would in the studio. Working at home brings business and personal aspects of life together under one roof, so it’s easy to get distracted. Or, as I like to say, inspired.
What’s missing: Daily routines that happen commuting between our home and the studio. Popping in a shop delighted by the window display, grabbing a handful of fresh veggies from the market for dinner, bumping into our local merchants on the street. You realize the beauty in the everyday when it is abruptly taken from you.
Olga Polizzi, The Polizzi Collection and Rocco Forte Hotels
Where: In Sussex, I have taken the best room in the house with a door onto the garden filled with light, color, and space. There’s a comfortable desk with a lamp made by Quentin Bell, and the room has a large verdure tapestry and a wooden Madonna given to me by my husband, photos of the family, cushions stitched by my mother, and many other memories.
The upside: I am enjoying seeing summer slowly arriving. When we came down the beech hedges and trees were still brown and dry, now, four weeks later everything is greening, blossoms are out, and the first roses have appeared. Normally, I am only here on weekends and have never been so in touch with the garden I love and designed.
Simple pleasures: A glass—or three—of wine at 6:30 p.m., along with daily chats with my daughters, is what I most look forward to.
Mark Zeff, MARKZEFF
Where: My vinyl collection room in East Hampton, New York. It’s a full of treasures, which I’ve had in my life for a long time. And it has a view of a natural meadow, which is always changing—especially now that spring is on way.
The upside: I don’t usually get to mess around in the garden, so that has been an amazing respite that puts a smile on my face. Pruning is so satisfying—instant gratification has always been my favorite drug.
Inspiring moments: My sister, who lives on a farm in Australia, has set up a farm stand, where she is giving away produce free to those in need. (Bravo, Susie.)
Catch up with the first and second installment in the series.
