I've actually never actually had my own office. For years, I've been the queen of makeshift workspaces - sometimes working for hours in a bathroom, more often a closet, always chasing a quiet corner. In our last house, Mad had the office, so this is the first time having a room of my own. I dreamed of a cozy space I could call my own, that really felt like me, even when I was there working late at night. When we bought this house, my “office” was actually a bonus room at the top of the stairs: it was spring green, totally open and definitely not a space for creativity or comfort. I knew I wanted something completely different: a place where my team and I could work that felt warm, inviting, and have privacy but also feel like an extension of the house design. Over the last year, that vision came to life.
Here’s what we did:
Wall-to-Wall Built-In Cabinets
This is truly the heart of the transformation and was also my #1 priority. We designed open shelving that I styled with art, books, and frames from Perigold (and my ever-expanding vintage onyx collection, with a little help from Neighbor Kelly, my unofficial onyx scout partner-in-crime). The closed cabinetry underneath keeps the mess of all my samples, swatches and notebooks hidden, so the creative energy can stay front and center. I can throw it allll in there and not care.
This is truly the heart of the transformation and was also my #1 priority. We designed open shelving that I styled with art, books, and frames from Perigold (and my ever-expanding vintage onyx collection, with a little help from Neighbor Kelly, my unofficial onyx scout partner-in-crime). The closed cabinetry underneath keeps the mess of all my samples, swatches and notebooks hidden, so the creative energy can stay front and center. I can throw it allll in there and not care.
Unexpected Wallpaper Placement
At first I wanted to wallpaper the whole room, but I fell in love with a paper that was way out of budget. So, I shifted my plan and instead of covering the walls, we lined just the trim of the built-ins with this Philip Jeffries Ascot paper. It’s more unexpected and I love how textured it's made the whole room (plus it used a LOT less wallpaper!) I picked this brass hardware and these art lights, and I love how the contrast turned out!
At first I wanted to wallpaper the whole room, but I fell in love with a paper that was way out of budget. So, I shifted my plan and instead of covering the walls, we lined just the trim of the built-ins with this Philip Jeffries Ascot paper. It’s more unexpected and I love how textured it's made the whole room (plus it used a LOT less wallpaper!) I picked this brass hardware and these art lights, and I love how the contrast turned out!
Drapery Details
I quickly learned that the open floor plan meant my kids were going to run in 187 times a day. I am so lucky to get to work from home most days, but there was still the need for privacy for calls and meetings. My solution was to install a set of french doors to really create privacy. We invested in double-sided drapes so the pattern and color are beautiful from every angle- even when you’re walking down the hall. The kids know, when the drapes are closed that mom is in a meeting!
I quickly learned that the open floor plan meant my kids were going to run in 187 times a day. I am so lucky to get to work from home most days, but there was still the need for privacy for calls and meetings. My solution was to install a set of french doors to really create privacy. We invested in double-sided drapes so the pattern and color are beautiful from every angle- even when you’re walking down the hall. The kids know, when the drapes are closed that mom is in a meeting!
Frame it Up
Layering artwork was one of the easiest (and most fun) parts of this room. My oversized Tina Turner print has become a total conversation piece, and I love how the smaller, vintage-feeling prints from Perigold add so much character. On the opposite wall, the Blab art I bought on my honeymoon finally has the perfect burlwood frame and moment it deserves.
Layering artwork was one of the easiest (and most fun) parts of this room. My oversized Tina Turner print has become a total conversation piece, and I love how the smaller, vintage-feeling prints from Perigold add so much character. On the opposite wall, the Blab art I bought on my honeymoon finally has the perfect burlwood frame and moment it deserves.
The Work Table
Rather than a traditional desk, I chose a warm marble table as our centerpiece. It feels less “office” and more “studio” - a versatile spot for team meetings, spreading out design boards, or simply working with coffee in hand. My desk chair matches the built in wall intentionally, with velvet side chairs for when the team is in office.
Rather than a traditional desk, I chose a warm marble table as our centerpiece. It feels less “office” and more “studio” - a versatile spot for team meetings, spreading out design boards, or simply working with coffee in hand. My desk chair matches the built in wall intentionally, with velvet side chairs for when the team is in office.
Warm Anchors
This office wouldn’t feel complete without the hero pieces: a vintage Italian leather sofa I scored at Round Top, the set of burlwood side desks from Perigold, and the printed chandelier that softens the room with a feminine French feel.
This office wouldn’t feel complete without the hero pieces: a vintage Italian leather sofa I scored at Round Top, the set of burlwood side desks from Perigold, and the printed chandelier that softens the room with a feminine French feel.
✨ Take it Home:
Books are the easiest styling tool! There are so many amazing design books on Amazon or used book stores, collect and layer them with flea market or thrift store finds. I love to combine brass with marble, the mix and match is the key.
Family photos don’t have to be boring: I layered different metals, sizes and shapes of frames for a look that feels more collected.
Use wallpaper in unexpected places: even a small amount at the back of a shelf can change a room.
Don’t be afraid to swap “expected” pieces like desks or storage for furniture that fits how you truly live and work.
Don’t underestimate the power of paint! This room went from spring green to cozy library with this Kaffe shade.
What started as a leftover media room has become the place I spend the most of my time: cozy, collected, and creative, surrounded by treasures that keep evolving, one find at a time.
Sources:
TABLE | PAINT | WALLPAPER | ART | ART LIGHTS | CABINET HARDWARE | DESK CHAIR | DRAPERY | DESKS | CHAIRS | FRAMES | ART BOOKS | ONYX |
