Project showcase: How I refreshed my home office

I live in a side-split home and my office has always been located in the basement. It started out as a small desk pushed up against a wall. Over time I made little changes — built a faux wall to add privacy using a couple of book cases, added wall decor and hung up my diplomas, brought in additional storage, and later an additional desk to create more work space. My little office grew and took up more space in the basement, but that also meant we had less room for our home gym and there was no clear demarcation between the spaces.

So why the refresh now?

Well there are a couple of reasons for that — first, I needed to separate my “home gym” space from my office; second, for privacy so that both spaces can be used at the same time; and finally, because I am a newly minted Designer who needs a space to explore my design skills and I decided to create a “Designer’s Studio” where I can make magic. This was not only a test of my design skill but also an exploration of my own design style, to see what I am drawn towards and how I put the different elements together. After all, if I didn’t trust myself with my space, how can I expect you to trust me with yours?

I had a certain idea in my mind going into this project but I was unable to find any inspiration pictures anywhere that truly showed what I was looking for. My walls were taupe and made the space look quite dull so I initially thought that I would create a light and airy design with floral wallpaper. Then a thought came to mind — what if I go dark? What if I take a risk and paint the walls black? So I ran with the idea and put together a design to see if it would make sense. Of course I had to work with the blue-green drop ceiling that I could not change. I started with a mood board to see how I could bring my concept together. One important consideration was that I could not put up a permanent wall or divider because of the drop ceiling I had in the space so I have to use a temporary solution to create privacy. After some back and forth, I decided that the hero element of the design is going to be the material library and sitting nook.

I have laid out the office to create two zones — a working zone with my desk and computer setup and a casual zone where I have a wall of built-in material library and comfortable armchair that both provides a space to relax and add a pop of colour to the space. I started with a rough sketch and then created a scaled 3D model using SketchUp to ensure that the scale and dimensions were accurate. It was perfection!

Choosing the Right Furniture

Now let’s talk about the furniture I used in this space. Much of my desk setup was already in place as I added them over time, including an ergonomic swivel chair. And I had the original dividers I created using white IKEA Finnby and a panelled privacy screen. The only new additions to the space were the 4 black IKEA Finnby bookcases, the mid-century modern style armchair from Wayfair, and an IKEA Micke drawer unit. I also needed a new larger rug to cover the entire space which I sourced from IKEA, new drapes for the window from Amazon, and a picture ledge to put up my diplomas, also from IKEA. These items were chosen with both cost effectiveness and style in mind.

My primary goal was to create something cozy and welcoming as well as to add storage for my material samples and I think through the addition of the armchair, extra drawer unit and the built-in wall, I have accomplished those objectives. I use MyDoma studio to manage my projects as well as to create proposals, specifications, and other related project documentation, so I used my standard process to complete this project even though I was my own client in this case. I think having a process and adhering to it is key to accomplishing project objectives and being able to identify and address risks quickly.

Personalizing the Space

I am quite sentimental and like to hold on to knick-knacks that have sentimental value and so I was able to utilize a lot of the things I already had on hand so this is what I used to personalize my space. I collect shot glasses from my travels around the world and I have displayed that on one of the shelves. This serves as a reminder of the beautiful places I have visited and the experiences I have had. I also have family photos and keepsakes that inspire me and make my workspace feel more like home.

For artwork, I wanted to incorporate something that portrayed the “water” element and I found this perfect depiction of a waterway. The colours were stunning and was just the right size for the space. I also wanted to add something that showed a piece of stunning architecture and chose a photograph of buildings from Jaipur, India that proves why it is called the Pink City. I also wanted to add a floral oil paint like art to bring a little old-world charm to the space and have hung it above my orange armchair to create finish the space.

Final Thoughts

The office refresh has invigorated my love for creating beautiful spaces that also function well. I find myself sitting in my armchair and thinking about how to take my company forward. I think it is a wonderful “musing” space and feel like I have travelled to another place. The entire vibe of my office has changed and I absolutely love how it has turned out!

If you are thinking about refreshing your home office — whether it is a small nook in room or a fully dedicated office, my first recommendation would be to start by identifying the most important function of this space. Next, think about how you want to feel when you are in this space and possibly even create a mood board to bring it all together. Then create a sketch, even if it is a basic hand drawn one to create a basic floor plan with measurements. This will give you a sense of what works and what doesn’t. Next you should sample the finishes and materials you want to use in the space such as fabrics and paint before you make your purchases. The most important tip I can give you is — if the scope of the work seems to be too large and something you may not be able to do yourself, or you are unable to visualize how the space will turn out, then consider hiring a Designer to help you achieve your vision. It will be well worth the investment. Happy designing!