before + after--the power of an hour: masculine office

the last week has been a blur! 

the kids started school yesterday, and i have to say that the rushing around, the driving, the parent  meetings, the forms to sign and checks to write really made me miss the simplicity of summer days! although yesterday was a mad house because it was the first day of school, (and we have decided to put our kids back in their "old" schools, which means a 20 minute ride in the morning and afternoon), i am really looking forward to the next few weeks as we settle into a routine and things get a little more... predictable.

i wanted to share with you another pinterest board + phone consultation success!

my client contacted me, needing help rounding out an office redesign project that she had begun.

she admitted that she was "stuck" and needed some ideas to make the room feel more polished and functional.

before:

here is what we started with:

 as you can see, she already had a wonderful deep color on the walls. (sherwin williams granite peak),
but she was struggling with layout, lighting, and wanted the room to feel more cozy.

here are the things that we talked about during our one hour phone call:

*shifting the desk to one side of the room to allow for an office zone and a lounging zone. (her husband likes to escape here to read any watch tv)

*adding a comfortable chair to the lounging zone with a table and a lamp.

*bringing in some storage to the back wall of the room---office storage behind the desk and media storage for the lounging zone.

* adding some simple drapes (store bought), and adding some dark banding on them

*replacing the light fixture.

*adding art

after:

as you can see, a slimmer desk in wood tones was purchased and placed to one side of the room.

this really opens up the room, and allows a lounging area near the window.

storage, accessories, and a new desk light really add to the eclectic, collected masculine feel of the room...my client did an amazing job of styling the room, don't you think?

a new light fixture really changes the feel of this room!

notice the simple banding on the drapes? little addition like this can take something that is very ordinary and make it feel custom.

a cozy, simple chair, new drapes, and some art bring on the COZY.
i don't know about you, but i would love to curl up with a book here!

i know i always say this, but it REALLY is amazing what a little bit of professional design guidance can do!

are you interested in working together on a room in your house?
i will have openings for full room designs starting in mid-october, but i am available anytime in september for a pinterest board + phone call or a "regular" phone consultation!
contact me at autumnclemons@yahoo.com.