It’s been a long time coming, but I finally have a dedicated space to call my own! Previously, I’ve operated my business from the corner of a 525 sq.ft. condo, to the junk room sunroom of our previous home, and now from the “study” of our current home. It’s been almost 3 months since we’ve been here and I have yet to hang one picture on the wall. I’ve got to get started especially since a few clients have already come to the house for meetings. My space is a total embarrassment.
The space is quite generous measuring at 15 x 10. The ceilings are about a story and a half. I’m playing with the idea of painting or wallpapering accent walls, but can’t seem to make up my mind.
There is so much wall space that I could do just about anything: hang a framed bulletin board, stencil a inspirational quote, or design an art installation.
My husband has claimed this chaise lounge for his domain once we finish the basement. Until then, it remains here and is the perfect spot for taking a power nap or reading with the kids. It looks a bit shabby in this photo, but is actually in good shape.
The only thing I think I am committed to in this room is this mirror. It belonged to my Grandparents and I just love the detail and its scale. I’m open to spray painting it. Do you have any suggestions on what color?
I know my office design will not be completed overnight. Patience is a must. Please know that I am open for suggestions as well. Journey with me through the process, let’s learn from each other, and delight in the final reveal! Any thoughts so far?
October 22, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Good luck! I've been working on my space for about a year and it's still a work in progress. I found an inspiration pic at Real Simple that has been my roadmap. Instead of doing EVERYTHING like RS had, I removed some of the pressure and focused on enhancing my work area with similar pieces that I love. Oh, and did I mention that I'm trying to do it on a budget? Yeah. That. LOVE your blog.
October 23, 2009 at 5:57 am
you could do some great things with that space girl. the mirror could be your inspiration piece. I would spray it hiiiigh gloss white. get the chair redone in a rubie green looking fabric…i said looking fabric…hint hint..get a cute desk with sexy legs. and bam. paint color…hmmmmm i gotta think.
October 23, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Black or white are always great colors, at least for me when it comes to spray painting. I recently painted my office, keystone gray by Sherwin Williams, I hae white crown molding but decided that I loved the contrast of black with the color as well. I collect shot glasses, it is an easy way to remind yourself of where you have been, anyways it was a natural cherry & I spray painted it a satin black, it is amazing the difference that it made!
October 23, 2009 at 5:39 pm
@ The Broke Socialite: I love Real Simple also. Your process makes a lot of sense too…thanks for the blog love!
@ TamStyles: I love the mirror (been around since I was a kid) and I like the idea of the high gloss white. Still contemplating wall color or even a wallpapered wall!
@ Tricia: I'd love to see your desk if you have a pic…email me
October 23, 2009 at 9:01 pm
This looks exciting! I'll be watching the progress so that I too can catch a few ideas for my home office (and playroom). I love Real Simple; it's the only magazine I subscribe to. One of the recent issues (I think October) had an article on setting up your home office.
Aisha
October 27, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Erika, you should totally do wallpaper and a big inpiration bulletin board. I agree with painting the mirror a high gloss white. You should do the same with the desk and then paint the chair an different colour, maybe something to match the wallpaper. Have fun with it! And remember, it's where you'll be viewing many of your clients samples so I always find a neutral palette works best so it doesn't distort other sample colours.