The office of Ausma, Executive Director of the Latvian Publishers Association, is ready for a much-needed transformation. Ausma notes that the space feels outdated and lacks essential elements for a productive work environment, including adequate lighting, practical workstations, and a proper display area for showcasing beautiful books. IKEA interior designer Ilga is determined to breathe new life into the office, creating a modern, comfortable, and brighter space.
Before
Before the makeover, the spacious office felt oppressively dark, with daylight entering through a single courtyard window—insufficient for such a large area. The outdated bookcases, with their dark wood finish, added to the room’s gloomy feel. Additionally, the layout of the shelves and cabinets was impractical, making it difficult to organize work materials and books or to showcase the most beautiful volumes.
After
The transformation has given the space an entirely new look. Although it wasn’t extensively renovated, the overall atmosphere is now fresh, significantly brighter, and worlds apart from its former state. The interior designer has succeeded in creating a light, welcoming environment while also establishing a functional workspace where one or more people can comfortably work together. Additionally, a cozy seating area with soft armchairs provides a spot to relax or hold informal work conversations.
Convenient work area for several people
Where once stood an oversized desk—so large it lost its practicality—now sits a spacious table with seating for four, perfect for working comfortably on computers or holding meetings. Nearby, a smaller table along the wall provides a dedicated space for everyday tasks. A functional combination of BILLY shelving units, featuring both open and closed compartments, makes it simple to keep items neatly stored or beautifully displayed as needed.
Tips for organising storage
To accommodate the room’s extensive book collection, Ilga designed an even larger BILLY shelving combination along the opposite wall. Adjustable shelves make room for both larger and smaller books, while storage boxes hold assorted items and essentials. A small yet practical addition is a foldable step stool, perfect for reaching the top shelves and cleverly designed to hang compactly on the wall when not in use.Bookcases & shelving units
BEKVÄM stepladder
How to make an office seem cosier
Since long hours are spent in the office, it’s essential that the space is not only functional but also inviting, so people feel comfortable and enjoy being there. This welcoming feel is created through thoughtfully placed decor, like framed pictures displayed on shelves and picture ledges. However, the real heart of the room is the cozy seating area, with soft STRANDMON chairs, warm lighting, and even a table that cleverly doubles as an air purifier. This hidden feature ensures fresh air in a room full of books, adding both comfort and a touch of rejuvenation.Decoration
"When planning a makeover, don’t hesitate to refresh the interior, even if budget constraints or rental agreements prevent changing the walls or floors. A significant transformation can still be achieved simply by updating the textiles, furniture, and their arrangement in the space."
Previous makeovers