Room of the Day: Beautiful Whimsy for a Busy Mother’s Home Office
Gold accents, antiqued mirrors, lovely botanicals and proud peacocks make this room a favorite in the house
This working mom of two wanted a space in the house that was all her own. “This needed to be a place where she not only could get work done and organize the family, but also be a reflection of her,” says interior designer Lori Dennis. “The reflection of her is that it’s beautiful, soft and cheery.” A lovely wallpaper, mixed metallic and mirrored surfaces, comfortable chairs, and even some proud peacocks all come together in the lovely space.
Gold finishes were a big part of the inspiration. “Gold was a consistent accent throughout the home, and we continued it here with the starburst mirror and lighting seen in the lotus blossom pendant and buffet lamps,” She says.
Chandelier: Worlds Away
Chandelier: Worlds Away
Two mirrored cabinets provide an elegant storage solution. “The mirrors on the back wall bounce light throughout the room,” Dennis says. The homeowner uses the consoles to store files, photo albums, wrapping supplies and keepsakes.
Buffet lamps: Worlds Away
Buffet lamps: Worlds Away
The desk’s rubbed silver finish nicely complements the mirrored finishes.
Almost everything in the room is new except for the rug, some favorite objects and artwork.
When arranging a gallery wall like this, Dennis suggests starting with the largest piece and moving out from it. “If you’re meticulous about spacing and need everything to be even and linear, go for it!” she says, “But if you’d like to have a more relaxed, casual feel, don’t stress out about it — just let each piece have some breathing room.”
Desk, tufted chairs and cabinets: Hooker Furniture; accent table: Regina Andrew
Almost everything in the room is new except for the rug, some favorite objects and artwork.
When arranging a gallery wall like this, Dennis suggests starting with the largest piece and moving out from it. “If you’re meticulous about spacing and need everything to be even and linear, go for it!” she says, “But if you’d like to have a more relaxed, casual feel, don’t stress out about it — just let each piece have some breathing room.”
Desk, tufted chairs and cabinets: Hooker Furniture; accent table: Regina Andrew
Dennis used a mix of golds, antiqued brass, silver and antiqued mirror throughout the office. “We have no problem mixing metals — it keeps the room feeling textured and not so matchy-matchy,” she says.
This room, part of a whole-house makeover, wound up being the client’s favorite. (Well, it’s in a dead heat with her Carrie Bradshaw-inspired master closet anyway.)
More
How to get a spotless, beautifully organized home office
Key measurements to help you design a home office
Browse home office photos and save your favorites
This room, part of a whole-house makeover, wound up being the client’s favorite. (Well, it’s in a dead heat with her Carrie Bradshaw-inspired master closet anyway.)
More
How to get a spotless, beautifully organized home office
Key measurements to help you design a home office
Browse home office photos and save your favorites
Home Office at a Glance
What happens here: A working mom of two toddlers uses this office for paying bills, wrapping presents, additional storage and general household organization
Location: San Diego
Size: About 200 square feet (18.6 square meters)
Designer: Lori Dennis
When approaching the layout, Dennis’ most important decision was placing the desk. “We prefer floating a desk off a wall and facing the entry door, which is a power position in feng shui and also gives the person at the desk a nice outward view,” she says. Dennis had two options to achieve this, but though she could’ve faced the desk toward the hall and dining room, she decided that the view through the French doors to the lush central courtyard was better.
Believe it or not, the Lovebirds wallpaper was the final touch and not the first. “The wallpaper was a surprise from her husband and came at the last second,” Dennis says. “It really finished the room, and brought all the colors and whimsy together.”
One favorite accent is the Burma Turquoise fabric on the desk chair. “There is a bird theme throughout the home, and bringing in a peacock for her office chair was the ultimate must-have,” Dennis says.