Work from home in style: desk inspiration from 10 boutique hotels

The outbreak of Covid-19 has seen more people work from home in 2020 than ever before, and with a second wave of national lockdowns keeping many of us from returning to the office, our remote working set-ups are in need of a refresh. Here are some designer desks in stylish situ to draw inspiration from and keep your creativity flowing from home.

For the artisan…Castello di Reschio, Umbria – Italy

Blacksmiths, carpenters, and upholsters working in a rustic array of carefully sourced materials – each and every bespoke item at Castello di Reschio is handcrafted by Count Benedikt Bolza and his B.B. For Reschio team, based in the estate’s converted Tabaccaia. Curated antiques and freshly picked flowers sit prettily on oak, brass, and Italian leather writing desks within the farmhouse suites dotted across the Umbrian countryside.

For the eclectic aesthete…Altstadt Vienna – Austria

A lesson in the art of contemporary Viennese living, the individually decorated rooms and suites at Altstadt Vienna have been styled by world-renowned architects like Matteo Thun and fashion designers including Lena Hoschek. Spread across five floors, modern works of art by Gilbert & George and Andy Warhol decorate the walls throughout this 19th-century townhouse situated in Vienna‘s artistic quarter. Vintage upholstery, antique wooden writing desks, and retro music albums sit alongside burnt orange egg chairs and statement lighting.

For the naturalist…Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort – Portugal

Working from home doesn’t necessarily mean working from a desk. For more laid-back days, a comfortable sitting area can be just the change of scene you’re craving – without needing to leave your house. The suites at Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort have been serenely styled by renowned Portuguese architect Miguel Câncio Martins, with rustic-style furniture drawn from a natural colour palette to create a luxurious beach hut feel. Rattan chairs and woven wall décor meet clear glass lamps and neutral textiles housed within sun-bleached woods.

For the bibliophile…Ett Hem, Stockholm – Sweden

All the rooms at Ett Hem possess a warm feel with a sophisticated blend of contemporary and vintage materials such as cane, wood, leather and velvet in gold, brown and cream tones, inviting guests to make themselves at home in an atmosphere of lived-in luxury. While antique writing desks can be found in some of the stylish suites, a selection of peruse-worthy books have been artfully displayed on statement shelves in the hotel’s cosy library, complete with vintage Kaare Klint chairs.

For the aristocrat…Schlosshotel Kronberg – Germany

A fairytale castle laden with history, Schlosshotel Kronberg was built in 1893 and was home to Empress Victoria Friedrich, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria. Today, guests stay here surrounded by many of the empress’ original antiques and paintings, including works by Rubens, Titian and Gainsborough. The gilded desk in the Royal Suite overlooks the castle’s enchanting grounds through stain-glass windows, reflected in the Venetian mirror and intricate chandelier.

For the antiquarian…Kristiania Lech, Lech am Arlberg – Austria

An exquisitely decorated Alpine retreat with the feel of a private residence rather than a hotel, the 29 bedrooms and suites at Kristiania Lech are individually and charmingly decorated with original pieces of art and antiques, inspired by the ‘Grand Tour’ of the 18th and 19th centuries.