When we work from home, our "office" is really wherever the laptop happens to be, and our laptop is partial to the couch. Yet recently we've noticed that many artists, designers and techies are spending a lot of time and effort creating a workspace that doesn't pull double-duty as a living room.

Take, for instance, coder/writer Kathy Sierra's refurbished Air Stream office trailer (pictured here). Parked conveniently next to her home, the set-up features a Formica desk, a retro kitchenette and most importantly a quiet environment that's neither plagued by the odor of co-workers nor rife with the distractions of home (i.e., Xbox).

We've got some similarly swank accommodations in the gallery below. They' re the types of spaces where working 40-plus hours a week would never feel like slaving away ... unless, of course, you weren't getting paid. Then you technically would be slaving away, regardless of the locale.

Posh Workspaces

    This software designer's 12-screen command center has caused so much Web chatter he had to add a FAQ to explain all of it. Like a day trader, he has all those monitors up and running for clear access to a lot of information. The energy requirements also make a good argument for home nuclear reactors.

    Stefan Didak, www.stefhandidak.com

    Outfitted with anti-UV windows, this workspace extends to the left of the photo and morphs into a park bench. Because the office houses an architectural firm, it also has some classic Eames chairs and a dead yet stylistically ocean-bleached tree.

    stewf, Flickr

    The enviable owner of this sunny outdoor resort/office lives in Orvieto, Italy. It's a nice application of reclaimed brick and stunning scenery. Of course, natural issues (bugs, wind, cold, rain, sun spots) might be a pain, but the view would probably allow you to ignore those little inconveniences.

    cityflickr, Flickr

    A designer modified an old X-ray light as a work surface and light table. It's mounted to the wall and painted dark for contrast. The idea was to really increase light to view details for tracing, and give the perception that paperwork is blessed.

    commonhumans, Flickr

    This ultra-airy space in Brooklyn has enormous views of the New York skyline, two monitors and a space for peripherals to be stashed away in the desk. Brainstorming notes can be left on the dry erase windows, giving the impression that the inhabitants have totally lost their minds.

    rephlektiv, Flickr

    The Red Light office includes two separate machines, each with a Cinema Display. The red backlighting provides a danger room feel, and keeps snoopers from knowing how many Microsoft programs are running.

    tipclapper, Flickr

    If you've got $1,800, you can borrow somebody else's originality and work from in inside a steamer trunk. Holes for cables and peripherals are pre-drilled, and the unit comes in various colors. It has substantial shelving and a fold-out desk and is mounted on casters if you want to zoom around the room for inspiration.

    tuexperto, Flickr

    You might think you're original for bringing in an old school lamp to decorate your cubicle, but Jared Nielsen has beat us all. His Extreme Cubicle Makeover has red mahogany panels with dark cherry hardwood flooring. Pretend to scheme to make billions while you file TPS reports.

    NielsenData.com

    Lenovo executive Scott Di Valerio likes to give his his home office a playful feel: He commutes to the tree house in his back yard. It's attached to the main house with a suspension bridge, so once you make it across you'll feel confident to start the day.

    thevarguy.com

    This workstation has been fitted with all the Steampunk trappings, including the carefully hidden scanner which has been disguised as the leather album on the right. All the details have been thought out, including a glass porthole for the DVD-ROM and the Underwood typewriter hiding the actual keyboard.

    Datamancer.net