"Design Happens"

You’ve never seen a happier girl than the day I brought home my white, vintage desk with red pulls. After a few fresh coats of paint, it became one of my favorite pieces of furniture. (It doesn’t hurt that I found it for $20 on Craigslist, either.) I love it so, but it never gets used. Not once have I sat down at my beautiful desk to work or read. I head straight to the sofa and never look back. I thought I would just have to continue in my productivity struggles on the sofa until I saw this space-saving floating workspace. It’s still a desk, but it doesn’t feel so desk-like. Plus, you can tuck it in ANYWHERE (under the stairs, in a closet, by the kitchen, etc.). And when you’re not using it, it disguises as a floating shelf. Genius!

Design Happens featured blogger Brian Patrick Flynn created this flexible workstation as the perfect solution to small-space dilemmas. Floating-style furniture can be found in many rooms of the house to create the illusion of more space or keep everyday items nearby. “By applying this same principle to a workspace, the same light, airy, space-saving illusion can be achieved to support multiple functions, including working from home,” Brian says. We like that idea. Because who has extra space to spare these days?

We love that this built-in has a flip-down door front to store laptops, books and other desk accessories. But when it’s not in work-mode, the door can be closed to turn it right back into a functional wall shelf. Get the Full Step-by-Step Instructions >>

For more small-space solutions, from hiding clutter to finding the perfect furniture, check out our Small Space Design Guide.

Kayla is an assistant editor for HGTV.com. When she’s not scouring the internet for delicious design inspiration, she’s shopping for home decor to spruce up her apartment, spending quality time with D'Artagnan, her adopted cat, and finding any reason to be outside. Her favorite design style: eclectic with a vintage, retro vibe.