Office Space: A home office before and after

Conference area after.
Our client was a successful business woman in the construction supply business who works from a home office which occupies most of the ground floor of her home. Clients and vendors frequently visit her office, so it was important that it look polished and professional. Many of the clients are contractors who visit fresh from building sites, so it was important that the fabrics and finishes used be durable and easily cleanable. Since the space is in her home, especially since it adjoins her guest area (her own living area is upstairs), it was also important that it be a warm, inviting space that welcomed friends and family.

In order to stay on both time and cost budgets, we worked with several existing elements, including many of the client's furniture pieces, the earthy and stain concealing tile floor, and the neutral wall paint. Our main focus was to add personality and functionality.

We wanted to ackowledge the client's industry by including some touches that referenced the wood products she sells, so we used these create wooden plaques as an art installation on the long wall by the work area. They add interest and warmth without being distracting during the work day. New task and ambiant lighting supplement the overhead lighting and give the client much more flexibility. The mask and earthen ware lamp give the African influence the client requested.

A large graphic tree mural again speaks to the client's industry as well as giving a major focal point to the room and highlighting the beverage station, which we fleshed out with open shelving, an undercounter refrigerator, and coffee bar.

In the conference area, we added a modern version of a wingback in an easy care leather/fabric mix for their comfort and style. We also brought in another piece of the client's modular office furniture to serve as an additional work surface, as well as to display accessories.

Washable sheer linen panels hung as long cafe curtains, provide privacy and sun protection, while still allowing in plenty of natural light. Potted plants provide interest and a splash of color.