Lighten up your home/work zone with a stylish desk that's up to the task - be that business or leisure. The latest designs accommodate both.

Not so long ago, the average home office was dominated by a hulking great desk of corporate proportions - block-like designs in heavy timbers or veneers. Technology has changed all that and desks have been slimmed down and jazzed up in direct proportion to the computers they hold, creating a world of choice, says Adelaide interior designer Carmel Siciliano.

"Today, it's common to find a pull-out desk integrated into a cupboard, or one that is built into a storage wall behind closed doors," says Siciliano. "Bifolds are great as they open up quickly to reveal a study nook then retract into what looks like a wall of storage."

Andrew Watkins from Melbourne furniture retailer Destination3000 says the question of space is key. "Not many homes can cater for the old leather-inlay desk," he says. "And, in fact, the older demographic, who you might think would covet this look, don't necessarily want their home to look like their grandparents' home did."

This means freedom to explore many exciting combinations, says Siciliano. "A desk made from reclaimed timber might look great teamed with an Eames chair; a super contemporary white-glass desk can offset an antique wingback chair," says Siciliano. "It's about claiming the desk and making it yours. Choose a desk that you love and you won't mind spending so much time there."

And what of the more practical requirements? Wilhelmina McCarroll, a furniture designer for Zuster, says a good desk should have a solid top, plenty of storage and a beautiful finish. "A desk will see a lot of use, so it needs to stand up to a fair bit of wear and tear," she says. "It needn't look solid, but it should feel sturdy."

In general, slimline, lighter-looking desks are leading the market today, says McCarroll - and for good reason.

"This style of desk doesn't overwhelm the room. They leave it feeling airy, which I think is important in a home office."

McCarroll says critical questions to ask yourself when you are shopping for a desk are: how will the desk be used, what are your storage needs and where will it be positioned. "Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Is there a powerpoint close by and do you require cable holes to be drilled through the desktop? A great desk should be both beautiful and functional," she says.

Of course work deadlines can play havoc with style and we all know that maintaining a clean desk space can be difficult - which is where solutions from experts, like Nicola Evans from Sort It Now, come into play.

"Start by clearing everything off the desktop and then add back the essential items - your computer, phone, an in-tray for bills and pressing paperwork - one at a time," says Evans. Keep a small stash of spare stationery in your desk drawer so it is at hand but not cluttering up your work space.

"Keep photos and sentimental items to a minimum - any that you simply must have could be hung on the wall or arranged on a shelf. Finally, try to spend five minutes decluttering before you leave your desk each day to help keep your work space tidy and organised."

Lighting up
When it comes to desks, overhead lighting is simply not enough, says Peter Rees from ECC Lighting+Furniture.
"A direct-point source is recommended for task lighting as the concentrated beam allows you to see in greater detail," says Rees. Lights with an adjustable arm are fantastic as they give you the flexibility to bring the light closer (brighter) or further away, depending on the task.

The colour temperature of the light is also an important consideration. "The colour temperature will have a real impact on the appearance of the desk," says Rees. "A warm white light is best for timber desks as they accentuate the tones in the wood. Go for cool white light with metal and glass."

Tidying the tangle
A spaghetti-like tangle of cables can ruin the look of that expensive desk says Sort It Now's professional organiser, Nicola Evans. She recommends investing in a cable management system - even the simplest solution will make a world of difference. There are many ready-made options available, but cup hooks and velcro straps can work just as well. Colour-coded cable labels, such as the Dotz system available from Howard's Storage World will help make sense of what belongs where - a blessing when you need to change its location.

Looking for more indoor inspiration? Check out our Indoor section.