This was an especially fun project - a surprise for a very dear friend! It was her birthday gift and truly a group effort as 20+ friends contributed to the newly decorated office (some even rolled up their sleeves and helped me paint!). I had a crazy amount of fun stretching the budget and doing my best to create a place where she could be productive as well as feel relaxed.
Here's the office before...
She recently moved into some new digs and hadn't had the time to decorate it herself. The plan was to keep it mainly traditional but with a few unexpected elements. A fairly calm color scheme to set the tone for a relaxing work space, but with some punches of color.
One of her daughters helped me out with some amazing and special family photos - both recent and old ones. My favorite part of the project was adding these final touches to personalize it and really make it feel finished.
We removed the old desk (it was taking up more than half the office!) and after a few weeks of scouring Craigslist, this replacement desk was the perfect find. It's Crate & Barrel and a really solid piece of furniture - also the perfect color, size and so classic. It was tricky to find a desk with clean lines that also had some storage, so was very happy with the three drawers in this one!
I wish I had a better photo of the paint color used for the trim and door. It's an awesome darkish gray with the faintest blue tint - really beautiful. The walls also look a little yellowish in some of these photos, but the actual color is a pretty, soft ivory.
As you can see, it's a small space. One practical consideration was to fit at least one chair in addition to her desk chair, so that two people can meet comfortably. I also knew there needed to be one statement piece in the office - kind of the equivalent of a funky pair of shoes or piece of jewelry that might complete any given outfit of hers - and when I spotted this chair, I knew it was that piece!
Ha - I really do have so much fun with the details and although this isn't the greatest photo, I just have to share! Don't you love gold paperclips?! :)
Family photos all around, as she would want it!
I was so antsy last week, wrapping up the finishing touches and knowing she would see it soon, and the big reveal last weekend did not disappoint. :) I'm thrilled that she now has a well-functioning, relaxing space to work...success!
In case you're curious....
Sources:
Desk: Crate & Barrel via Craigslist
Desk Chair: Ballard Designs via Craigslist
Side Chair: TJ Maxx
Rug: Overstock
Roman shade: Overstock
3 side tables: Craigslist
Trays/organizers: West Elm
Desk lamp: Lowe's
Mirror: Ross
Art panels: Thrifted
Misc. accessories: Thrifted, Ross, Flax
I have availability for projects this spring and would love to work with you!
Contact me at katiegaviganinteriors@gmail.com for rates & package options.
