Guest Picks: Million Dollar Decorator's Glam Office
In Honor of the Season Finale, an Inexpensive Alternative to One of Their Pricey Designs
We have all been watching the TV summer hit Million Dollar Decorators. I love the work of all of the decorators, but I am particularly drawn to the work of Mary McDonald, because I see some ways we mere mortals can use some of her fabulous ideas. The black and white office she recently designed on the show is the inspiration for this ideabook. — Valorie from Visual Vamp
French IV Print
A gallery wall was created behind the desk. Most of the prints used were black and white photos with black frames. An iconic glam photo was used as the centerpiece.
On the show, McDonald seemed to be having some issues getting her photo framed. This image from All Posters.com is the same classic image by John French she used. All Posters will ship it framed in 2-3 days.
A gallery wall was created behind the desk. Most of the prints used were black and white photos with black frames. An iconic glam photo was used as the centerpiece.
On the show, McDonald seemed to be having some issues getting her photo framed. This image from All Posters.com is the same classic image by John French she used. All Posters will ship it framed in 2-3 days.
Cottage Colors White Desk & Hutch
McDonald used a vintage white lacquer desk that cost thousands of dollars. I found this stylish stand-in at Room To Go Kids! It has adult-size proportions, and the sophisticated campaign desk style and white lacquer-like high-gloss finish makes it a perfect and affordable choice.
You can purchase it without the hutch on top, which I prefer, and it is $100 less, coming in at a glam $399.
McDonald used a vintage white lacquer desk that cost thousands of dollars. I found this stylish stand-in at Room To Go Kids! It has adult-size proportions, and the sophisticated campaign desk style and white lacquer-like high-gloss finish makes it a perfect and affordable choice.
You can purchase it without the hutch on top, which I prefer, and it is $100 less, coming in at a glam $399.
Faux Leather Caprice Black
Fabric.com is a site you should know about. It has thousands of designer-style fabrics. Choose from one of many of their faux black leathers to cover the desk top, as McDonald did. Use a yard-and-a-half of fabric with a thin layer of batting underneath. Use square upholstery tacks to finish the look.
Faux black leather fabric from Fabric.com starts at $6.98 a yard.
Fabric.com is a site you should know about. It has thousands of designer-style fabrics. Choose from one of many of their faux black leathers to cover the desk top, as McDonald did. Use a yard-and-a-half of fabric with a thin layer of batting underneath. Use square upholstery tacks to finish the look.
Faux black leather fabric from Fabric.com starts at $6.98 a yard.
Decorative Square Upholstery Nails Square 3/4" Head
Nickel-plated square upholstery tacks will play back to the hardware on the desk — the perfect finishing touch for the DIY black leather desktop.
Nickel-plated square upholstery tacks will play back to the hardware on the desk — the perfect finishing touch for the DIY black leather desktop.
Pair of Black Velvet French Chairs
McDonald used two velvet armchairs facing the desk. To get a similar look, shop your local flea markets, Craigslist, eBay, and antique stores for a French-frame chair you like.
You can paint the frame any color you like, including white, like Mary's chair's. You will have to invest in reupholstery services, unless you are handy in that department.
All rooms on a budget have high- and low-priced items. Choosing one or two vintage pieces contribute to the collected look of a room.
McDonald used two velvet armchairs facing the desk. To get a similar look, shop your local flea markets, Craigslist, eBay, and antique stores for a French-frame chair you like.
You can paint the frame any color you like, including white, like Mary's chair's. You will have to invest in reupholstery services, unless you are handy in that department.
All rooms on a budget have high- and low-priced items. Choosing one or two vintage pieces contribute to the collected look of a room.
Red Bolster Pillow
McDonald used red as an accent color. Choose any color you love, since the black and white color scheme acts as a neutral.
She used red bolsters like this one on the armchairs facing the desk.
McDonald used red as an accent color. Choose any color you love, since the black and white color scheme acts as a neutral.
She used red bolsters like this one on the armchairs facing the desk.
McDonald designed this $8,000 hand-painted chevron pattern floor. LOVE it, but not the price.
Zigzag Rug
McDonald is famous for her hand-painted floors. She often chooses oversize graphic designs. The floor she created for the office on Million Dollar Decorators was a gorgeous chevron pattern in black and tan.
This well-priced 8' x 10' rug has a chevron pattern that would work for the look we are going for. Remember we are not trying to do an exact replica of the room — just the same feeling.
McDonald is famous for her hand-painted floors. She often chooses oversize graphic designs. The floor she created for the office on Million Dollar Decorators was a gorgeous chevron pattern in black and tan.
This well-priced 8' x 10' rug has a chevron pattern that would work for the look we are going for. Remember we are not trying to do an exact replica of the room — just the same feeling.
This black French-style armchair is done in patent leather. I found one for our Mary McDonald–inspired project that is similarly upholstered.
French Style Black Leather Chair
This French Louis-style chair from Zentique is perfect for the desk chair.
This French Louis-style chair from Zentique is perfect for the desk chair.
Black and White Ticking Pillow
An accent pillow made from black and white ticking was placed on the desk chair.
An accent pillow made from black and white ticking was placed on the desk chair.
Presidio Faux Stripe Silk Taffeta Curtains
McDonald used black and white striped drapes for this office project. These good-looking and high-quality off-the-rack faux silk panels start at $79 per panel.
Tip: If you don't want the pole-pocket look, use rings with clips or sew on pleat tape (see next photo).
McDonald used black and white striped drapes for this office project. These good-looking and high-quality off-the-rack faux silk panels start at $79 per panel.
Tip: If you don't want the pole-pocket look, use rings with clips or sew on pleat tape (see next photo).
Universal Tempo Tape
Do you have a flat panel that you want to hang with style? This product is like magic! Sew on Tempo Pleat Tape and create a soft shape to your drapery heading. The tempo tape will force your drape into soft S-shaped folds. Wonderful!
Do you have a flat panel that you want to hang with style? This product is like magic! Sew on Tempo Pleat Tape and create a soft shape to your drapery heading. The tempo tape will force your drape into soft S-shaped folds. Wonderful!
Two Prong Curtain Hook
Get these drapery hooks to use with the pleat tape. The price is for a bag of 25.
Get these drapery hooks to use with the pleat tape. The price is for a bag of 25.
96" Extra Long Zeno Black and White Striped Waterproof Shower Curtain
This cool black and white shower curtain looks just like the drapes McDonald used. If you are really on a budget, use a pair of them as curtains!
This cool black and white shower curtain looks just like the drapes McDonald used. If you are really on a budget, use a pair of them as curtains!
Classic Lateral File Cabinet
Every office — even a glam one — needs some practical storage. This good-looking file cabinet from West Elm is perfect.
Every office — even a glam one — needs some practical storage. This good-looking file cabinet from West Elm is perfect.
Black and White Pen and Pencil Holder
Let's add some more glam accessories to the desktop. I love these pen, pencil and paperclip cups!
Let's add some more glam accessories to the desktop. I love these pen, pencil and paperclip cups!
Interiors: The Allure of Style by Mary McDonald
Designer Mary McDonald also has a great book out, and you can get more great ideas from it.
Next: More guest blogger product picks
Next: More guest blogger product picks
The inspiration: a black and white glam office designed by Mary McDonald on Million Dollar Decorators.