Last year when I embarked on the journey (long, long journey) to transform our rec room into my home office, I had a clear vision of what I wanted the space to look like and what I hoped to achieve storage-wise. At the end of the 1st phase, it was clear that I would have plenty of room to store every tool, paint sample, and swatch that I had accumulated over the years. For several months afterward, I worked out of the newly created computer nook, but I found that it was not enough space to spread out, so I began Phase II.
This phase included the addition of three IKEA HAVSTA bookcases that would not only provide additional storage but offer opportunities for me to display my nicer decorations and knick-knacks. The lighting was also updated in this phase, and I added wallpaper, curtains, and furniture.
To say that this space has come a long way is an understatement. Still, the best part has been to see how the similarities between the semi-final result and the design plan and renderings I created over a year ago when this room’s design was just an idea in my mind.
My plan to create a feminine, bright, and functional home office required the addition of a variety of design elements to soften and add interest, starting with this beautiful NuWallpaper Mirei Peel & Stick wallpaper. My friend installed this paper in her vanity area last year, and I completely forgot that when it came across as a suggestion on the Target website. As I searched for Peel-n-Stick options, I immediately fell in love with the pattern and the combination of soft colors (my subconscious remembered it), and I knew that it would be the most transformative element for my blank walls. Installation could not have been easier; the peel & stick aspect of the wallpaper meant that errors like bubbles and alignment could easily be corrected. I completed the room over three days as I was in the middle of wallpapering my bedroom (more on that in a later blog post), and it was just as fabulous as I expected. At the time, the ceiling light and sconces had yet to be swapped, so it was a bit dark, but already the room felt cozy and a tiny bit “British.”
Once the lights were installed, I added brass curtain rods to match the sconces and layered two different types of curtains on each window. Typically, I hang my curtains to slightly touch the floor, but I wanted a dramatic look and felt that the curtains pooling was the best option for this wall.
On the opposite side of the room, I painted the exterior of the three IKEA HAVSTA cabinets in the same shade as the rest of the cabinets in this room Benjamin Moore’s French Toile. I was surprised by how challenging I found this step (it was brutal). Still, after a week, I had successfully painted the exterior of the cabinets and their doors and replaced the included hardware with these oval brass knobs from Rejuvenation. I like that the cabinets remain white and neutral inside and provide a blank space for me to decorate.
Lastly, I placed a large and colorful rug in the center of the room that tied into the yellow tones in the wallpaper and added a large dining table. I was so blessed that this space allowed for such a large table, as it has been the perfect place to fan out swatches, plans, renderings, and more.
I always look to mix modern and traditional spaces in my designs, and I loved this chair for its simplicity and bright color. It is also super comfortable.
So, what is left? Now that it is fully functional, I plan to slowly add the remaining trim pieces over the next few months. Once that is complete, the office will be officially 100% done; however, I already love this space and feel more inspired than I have in a long time.
Let me know your thoughts or any questions; I would love to hear from you!
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