| A home office that means business Joseph is a successful investment adviser who occasionally works from his home office. An elegant and feminine white chair adds that extra touch to make this space all her own. To invoke a masculine influence, I introduced leather pieces. Instead, we sourced out a polyvinyl fabric that, I must admit, I was totally prepared to dislike. The homeowners provided us with oak French doors for the room, but they were too wide, so we had to customize them to fit the doorway. Even better, those doors now open onto a property office space that is both practical and elegant. Its timeless appeal really works for both occupants. My challenge was to design an office that would allow both of them to get declining to business. With a high ceiling, lots of light from five tall windows and a beautiful hardwood floor, I could there and then see that this room had a lot of potential. First, I took stock of the space. A custom-designed pin board runs the length of her workspace, and the cabinets surrounding her desk provide ample storage space. His wife, Nicole, also works on her own household projects in the same space. We topped off Joseph's old desk with a brand new white quartz work surface, and we placed it in the center of the room, facing the doorway. But it was certainly worth the time, effort and funds. We mounted a TV on the wall for presentations (and the odd hockey game) and behind Joseph's desk antique mirrored doors conceal a pin board. One of the most unusual touches in this room is the black-and-white bookshelf wallpaper. Since Joseph's desk is the focal point of this room, we positioned a brand new chandelier directly above it, to provide lighting for his work surface, but also to add a touch of understated elegance. But the popcorn ceiling had to go –– easier said than done, because it had been painted with an oil paint, making it impossible to scrape off. After we added some gorgeous moldings, recessed pot lighting and fresh white paint, you'd never know that a dated old popcorn ceiling lurked beneath that polished new exterior. After we added some gorgeous moldings, recessed pot lighting and fresh white paint, you'd never understand that a dated old popcorn ceiling lurked beneath that polished new exterior. The two of them were tripping over each other in a main-floor study that was crammed with files, papers and general chaos. But, due to the extra work on the ceiling, we had to make budget cuts elsewhere –– and the leather got the chop. Here at least, that's what it was originally supposed to be. But this sofa certainly proves that you can never say never Joseph is a successful investment adviser who occasionally works from his home office. It looked good! I have never ordered a vinyl couch in my more-than-20-year career. Joseph, whose clients sometimes visit him in the property office, wanted a strong, masculine room, but Nicole envisioned more of a lighter, feminine feel. To accommodate storage needs, I designed custom-built-in cabinetry to run down one entire wall, with another file cabinet positioned behind Joseph's desk. In addition to holding the printer, books and other occasional pieces, the full wall of cabinetry also incorporates a long, built-in work surface for Nicole. In addition to holding the printer, books and other occasional pieces, the full wall of cabinetry also incorporates a long, built-in work surface for Nicole. . |
Thursday 8 March 2012
A home office that means business
