When product and interior designers Shiva Farooqi and her husband Hahamanesh Mashaek were redesigning their industrial-style apartment in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood, they needed a space that could accommodate all aspects of life, including work. did.
Shiva knew a single blank wall in her home would be perfect for a custom desk area for two people, but she couldn't find a traditional desk tabletop that fit her budget and wall dimensions. Until you think outside the box.
“I noticed that the depth measurements of the table matched the depth of a standard countertop,” Siva wrote in an email. “So we looked into the most affordable wood countertops and IKEA was high on the list.”
Shiva chose an IKEA KARLBY kitchen countertop (priced at about $300) for the desk slab. Available in birch, oak, and walnut, she chose the brand's durable walnut finish. To expand her office space, she purchased two IKEA ALEX cabinets (each cost her $150) for additional storage. (Although unconfirmed, Shiva may have read her 19 IKEA desk hacks for creating the perfect workspace.)
“It's fairly heavy and durable, has a nice wood block look, is easy to clean, and is very affordable. It also comes with a 25-year warranty, so I felt confident in the quality and It's also a sustainable choice (IKEA's website has a detailed explanation of the manufacturing process and the types of wood used in its production),'' says Siva. I will explain.
Using your kitchen countertop as a desk may not be the most immediate option, but Shiva's solution proves that it looks natural and not just something you should have in your kitchen. When you write or type on the keyboard, you don't have to worry too much about damaging your desk thanks to its durability. Plus, there's enough space for two separate work spaces.
However, this is not the only hack in the apartment. If you'd like to learn more, check out our complete home tour.
