Steal This Look: A Sunny Work Studio (Fiddle Leaf Fig Included)

If we’re diving back into work this week (and we will, Julie–promise), the easiest way to ease re-entry is with an office that feels like an indoor garden. Enter tropical houseplants.

When we spotted clothing designer Shaina Mote’s sunny LA studio via Need Supply Co., which carries her collection, we suddenly understood the allure of work. Here’s how to recreate the look:

Above: Natural wood, white paint, and sunlight create the perfect backdrop to make green houseplants pop. Photograph via Need Supply Co.

Above: In a pinch you can use two sawhorses as a base for a desk. But even better are adjustable-height sawhorses with shelves for storage. Made of beech wood, a Finnvard Trestle With Shelf adjusts in height from 28 inches to 35 3/4 inches (standing desk, anyone?). They are $35 per trestle from Ikea.

Above: How thick should a glass tabletop be? For the sturdiest work surface, we recommend a 1/2-inch-thick piece of glass. But keep in mind that the thicker the glass, the more it weighs; you may also want to consider a lighter weight 3/8-inch depth (also strong).

You can order a custom glass tabletop from Dulles Glass and Mirror, with lengths of up to 119 inches available. Dulles offers six kinds of glass (including clear); four styles of edging, and four shapes of corner. A standard 1/2-inch-thick rectangular piece of clear glass with a flat polish edge measuring 40 by 28 inches is $247.62.

Above: From Ikea, a sold pine unfinished Ivar Chair is $25.

Above: To throw over the back of the chair, a single pelt Auskin Sheepskin Longwool Rug (available in seven colors, including Ivory) is $89.95 from Sierra Trading Post.

Above: Despite its finicky reputation, a fiddle leaf fig tree can thrive indoors in indirect light; allow the soil in its pot to dry between waterings. If you’re nervous about the undertaking, start small. A Ficus Pandurata Bush In Pot is a relatively inexpensive investment at $16.98 (from Home Depot).

Want advice about caring for a fiddle leaf fig tree? See The Fig and I: 10 Tips for Caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Above: If you opt for a full-fledged fiddle leaf fig tree, support its branches with bamboo stakes. A 25-stake bundle of 6-Ft. Natural Bamboo Poles is $31.98 from Home Depot.

Above: There are many varieties of Dieffenbachia, a tropical plant native to Central and South America. Grown as a houseplant, it prefers indirect bright light, a warm room, and for its roots to dry out between waterings. For one that has a variegated leaf, consider a Dieffenbachia maculata variety. Widely available at local nurseries and floral shops, a potted Dieffenbachia Plant also is available for $74.99 from Ava’s Flowers.

Above: A shiny pot will reflect sunlight and make a workspace feel brighter. A large Polished Aluminum Planter (measuring 20 by 16 inches) is £85 (or £102 including VAT) from Interior Landscaping.  A 17-inch-high buffed aluminum Round Pot Planter is $423.50 from All Modern.

For more of our favorites, see 5 Favorites: Polished Metal Plant Pots.

Above: A happy potted philodendron basks in the sun. Photograph via Need Supply Co.

Above: If your workspace has a sunny windowsill, a cascading philodendron is one of the hardiest plants to place on it. A Heart Leaf Philodendron in a 6-inch hanging basket is $11.54 from Amazon.

Above: Saved the best for last–let’s talk desktop accessories. A battery-operated Beech Alarm Clock from Muji is $34.95.

Above: A Tofu Stationery Set is $129 from Pana Objects. For more of our favorite desktop accessories, see 5 Favorites: The Desk Set, Natural Wood Edition on Remodelista.

Looking for a hardy houseplant for your work space? See Ask the Expert: 10 Tips for Selecting an Office Plant and shop our selection of Houseplants.

Finally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for a creeping fig with our Creeping Fig: A Field Guide.

Additionally, get more ideas on how to successfully plant, grow, and care for fiddle-leaf fig tree with our Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree: A Field Guide.

Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various houseplants with our Houseplants: A Field Guide.

Interested in other tropical plants for your garden or indoor space? Get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various tropical plants with our Tropical Plants: A Field Guide.

Finally, get more ideas on how to plant, grow, and care for various vines and climbers with our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide.