I just couldn’t wait to get the office on the blog, so, here is a Phase I reveal! All sources linked at the end.
When we toured the home for the first time, as I walked in the space, I just knew it would be my office. It was open, yet private due to wall off the arch and had so much potential. I immediately had a vision for a desk that looked out each window and it has lived up to that vision!
I started with the first phase of the fireplace reno that you can read about here. More on that later! After our new White Oak floors were in (read all about them here and here), we moved to painting all of trim work and walls. To see the paint transformation was a moment of all of the dreams coming together! The power of paint always amazes me, just look:
Paint Colors
I’ll do a whole post on how we chose the colors and the other options considered, but the walls are Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover and the trim is Sherwin Williams Pure White. They are the perfect combo for a white feel, with subtle contrast without being a stark bright room. Cloud Cover was the only color without yellow, blue or pink undertones in our home!
Design Direction
I typically pull inspiration for layout only, to make sure that logistically everything is accounted for and would work. With my last home, I really leaned into the industrial modern farmhouse style of it, but in this home, I can fully lean into my personal style. I knew I wanted muted, classic tones that would remain timeless but with a modern twist.
I started with my dream u-shape desk and fell in love with it as soon as I saw it online. In person, it’s everything and more! I did prefer to have a skinny drawer, but other options were either 6-8 months out and not exactly the look I wanted. I knew it would be fine, as I planned to have a storage sideboard right behind me. I was certain on not wanting bulky drawers like my old desk, as I wasn’t able to twist and move all around under my desk to swap between my screens. Sharing all this to say, consider function first!
After the desk, I moved onto the rug. If you’re new here, I always say to use a rug as the base of your space’s palette. At the same time, I make sure that rug palette is flexible over time – giving you the option to pull other hues if you want to switch things up. I partnered with Loloi Rugs, my go-to for affordable, yet timeless patterns and immediately stopped my scroll when I saw this option. The colors are truly perfection – marrying neutrals with blues and greens for a mature, yet fresh look. Here’s an unfiltered view:
I looked high and low for a stationary swivel desk chair, and honestly everything out there looked super cheap with the fabric and/or plain. For now, I’m keeping my old desk chair as it is SO comfortable and honestly, fits the look pretty well. What do you think?
As for the sideboard, I really didn’t want to go with more natural wood. At the same time, I didn’t want a piece that I would get sick of quickly. A muted blue/green/gray would contrast from the walls, stand the test of time and pair well with the rug. I wanted a statement piece that would show a bit of my design eye/personality, especially behind me on all of my client calls! This piece was perfect – from the size to the coloring. The storage is excellent, and features middle pull out shelf drawers.
Lastly, I strived for layered simplicity when it came to the sideboard decor. I didn’t want to just have a bunch of decorative objects, and always knew I’d feature some open decor books. This is such a fun touch to flip through for inspiration, or, when clients/friends come by. I also loved the idea of a tack board for all of the latest inspiration for my own home, personal style and client projects. All of these come together to reflect my true aesthetic. I spent a few minutes putting this together, so I can’t wait to fill it with all of the inspo! P.S., you may or may not see real samples for things coming soon in my home…
Phase II Plans
While so much progress has been made, there are many plans for Phase II that are coming soon! Here is a full list to tease:
- Blind Installation
- Curtains
- Fireplace Phase II – Wash & Log Insert Replacement
- DIY Built-In Storage Bench
- DIY Built-In Shelves
- Chandelier/Sconces Selects & Installation
- Decor Details
Do you have other ideas? Drop them below and be sure to head back for weekly updates on the entire home reno!
Shop the Office
