Several weeks ago I was contemplating the placement of the home office. My dilemma? Have a home office combined with a guest bedroom in a location downstairs that was more convenient to my bedroom and the rest of the family? OR Have the office where the actual office is built, WAAAAAAY far away from the rest of the world upstairs overlooking the pool and backyard? See that discussion we had HERE. Well, I have decided.
So this is BEFORE. The walls are a mossy green and the window treatments have that Ralph Lauren feel from back in the day. Clearly, I designed this 16 years ago for The Mister. However, we both have discovered that none of us loves coming up here. And, I also examined my habits and how it is that I work. Truly, I work mostly standing up at the kitchen island using my laptop. However, for the times I need solitude, this is the ideal place to go and have all my office goodies here. It will be MY space. {happy dance!!}
So, what needs to happen? Well, a couple of things. I have tossed and turned and tossed and turned over this brown woodwork business going on. The pictures don’t do it justice, however the wood truly is beautiful, and all the wainscot it has as well. However, brown is just not my thing. But I hate to ruin the lovely wood that’s there.
So, my first attempt in making this office MY oval office, is by trying to keep the brown (please don’t cringe!) and changing up the wall color. …. If I don’t like it, I can always paint the wood later. Right? If I hate it, let’s paint the sucker all over…. Then the window treatments need to go, as does the sofa and extras in there (yes that would mean all the autographed sports memorabilia, too!) I have a new chandelier (as you have discovered nothing better than a ray of beautiful light, right??) Even thinking about lining the back of the cabinets as well to soften it up.
Here’s the palette that I’m thinking of right now…
I know it’s hard for you to see the shimmer on any of these fabrics, but there is. Take my word for it! And those are GOLD square splotches on a blue-ish silver fabric… magnifique! These are just my thoughts, but for now, I say lets slap on some paint (more towards the grey-ish white) and see how I’m feeling this brown thing. And we’ll go from there. Accessories and art will always bring the room to life, plus some other fun touches I have up my sleeve!
What do you think?
As always your decor ideas are Exquisite! Excited to see your take on blending the two concepts together and make it YOUR own space! I’m thinking a lucite chair??!?! Example: Kartell Louis GhostChair
Also, check out materialgirls.com they have great photos of office decor.
Irene…I have faced the same dilemma with our home office/study….it’s a beautiful man cave with the most gorgeous deep walnut wood walls with intricate details etc….the entire house is all white oak ( California look ) except for this room. We changed the carpet to a gorgeous sleek looking soft looking sisal in a varying hues of camel colors…that made a huge difference and the woodwork really was highlighted…still have to paint the celing and release chandelier and add new sleek L-shaped office desk..we have tow Herman Miller chairs for comfort and recovers the traditional Henreden hand carved office chair cushion ( back when H was a top brand) in a new fabric..
I think many are facing this same dilemma when it comes to home offices…with mobile devices and laptop becoming the norm or preference of choice for ease and convenience…we are having to rethink our work spaces and what works best for us and the new technology.
It all looks fabulous and I love the slight shimmer in the fabrics too…you will be amazed when th e green carpet is gone and new lighter fabrics in place..the woodwork will look absolutely beautiful….I love your newest chandelier and I have a feeling another in is looming in your future for your new office…Congrats ..it’s going to look great!
Great post!!
Hi Irene!
I remember this beautiful study! I think you will have so much fun redecorating it. I have a tip/ suggestion about the dark but beautiful wood; If you don’t want to take the plunge and have everything painted over, you could lighten it gradually by first just painting the backs of the bookcases and the recessed parts of the coffered ceiling and leaving the rest alone. You could even put a wallpaper in the backs of the bookcases, and you could just attach it temporarily if you didn’t want to permanently alter them. Just some ideas… I will look for some pictures and send them to you.