A multi-purpose room is, for many of us, a godsend. If you're short on space, combining the functions of two rooms within one can be not only efficient but stylish.
Case in point: Ashley Park's 'cloffice.' Yes, it's a hybrid closet-home office, and it's making us rethink our own workspaces (because why not surround yourself with handbags while you're working your 9-5?).
The Emily in Paris star recently shared a photo of her cloffice, and we were drawn to how effortlessly the two spaces blended into one. Set against a neutral backdrop, the room features a soft beige sofa for lounging, plenty of dressers and vertical storage for clothing and accessories, and a vanity/desk.
According to experts, the 'cloffice' increased in popularity due to work-from-home culture becoming more prevalent, but it has stayed in the interior zeitgeist due to its timeless benefits.
'The 'cloffice,' a hybrid of a closet and an office, has become a popular solution for modern homeowners looking to maximize their living spaces,' says designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'This design trend started gaining momentum in the mid-2010s, around the time when small-space living and remote work began influencing design choices. With many people working from home and urban dwellers contending with limited square footage, the need to create efficient, multifunctional spaces has only intensified (especially since the pandemic), and the cloffice has quickly emerged as a stylish solution.'
Clutter can gather easily in small spaces, so Lichtenstein says that combining two spaces into one is a fantastic way to create more room in a home or apartment (and just a great closet storage idea).
'One of the primary advantages of combining a closet and office into one is the clever use of available space,' she says. 'Instead of dedicating separate rooms for each function, a cloffice turns an underused walk-in or spare closet into a chic workspace while still serving its storage needs.'
For those in smaller homes or apartments, it’s an excellent way to free up other rooms for living or leisure. The cloffice also promotes organization, as it inherently encourages the user to keep things tidy—working amidst clutter isn't conducive to productivity, and closets by nature are designed to store and conceal items.'
Balance is essential to a cloffice looking tidy. Too much of one element (i.e. clothing or office accessories) and the cloffice becomes something else entirely.
'The key to a successful cloffice is ensuring it feels cohesive and doesn’t become overrun by either clothes or office supplies,' Lichtenstein says. 'Start with a well-planned layout that prioritizes function. Built-in shelving, for instance, can double as both storage for clothing and a space to house office supplies. Use containers, baskets, or bins to keep everything organized and visually uniform. A folding desk or a shallow work surface can help keep the office area compact while still providing room to work comfortably.To prevent the space from feeling too cramped, ensure that the office section is clearly delineated from the closet. This can be as simple as using different storage systems for each area or incorporating visual elements like a statement chair or distinctive wallpaper that sets the workspace apart.'
Shop H&G's Cloffice Edit
Keep desk supplies tidy with this gorgeous, scalloped tray.
Every closet needs a shoe rack, and this wood one is a great size for sneakers or slippers.
Keep clothing organized with these classic, thin velvet hangers.
Overall, we love how a cloffice uniquely blends two separate spaces into one, and would highly recommend anyone with extra closet space consider placing a desk in their closet to preserve other areas in the home.
