Software
Houzz Logo Print
webuser_684371897

Advice using old map as office decor inspiration

3 years ago

I have a vintage map from the 60s or 70s that is a reproduction of a 1650 map. It’s something I found in my grandparents closet as a child and I always liked.

I would like to put it over the fireplace in my home office. The room serves as my office, and is also where my dog is kept during the day.

I’ve installed a gate so her crate will be removed, but she spends her days in the pen area with the rug and loveseat.

For now, I’d like to paint the walls, replace the loveseat (what’s there now is from the patio) and add curtains.

The wood furniture in the room needs to stay for now, but I plan on eventually refinishing it to a more natural tone.

I’d rather keep the brick unpainted.

I was thinking about painting the fireplace wall a darker color than the other walls, and I would like to have color in the room (not all neutrals). Any suggestions for colors for wall, loveseat and curtains would be appreciated!





Comments (27)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Get the map matted and framed; a black frame would be nice to complement the fireplace insert. I would take inspiration from cozy libraries and maybe lean into the academic, eclectic vibe--brown leather chairs, reading lamps, and beautiful Persian style rugs. Or maybe put in some bookcases with some Arts & Crafts wallpaper. A few inspo pix:



    Offices · More Info


    Library · More Info


    Gabriel Builders · More Info


    Indecisiveness thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
  • 3 years ago

    I'm not a fan of accent walls in general, but if you do go with one, the fireplace wall seems an odd choice. Why not find a color you like and envelope the entire space with it? It is really a huge room with tons of light and I think it could take a saturated color.


    Can you say more about what colors appeal to you?

    Indecisiveness thanked Kendrah
  • 3 years ago

    I Love maps for wall art.

    the framed map will look better on the wall color you already have above the fireplace.

    if you want a colored accent wall, I would paint the window wall. The trim around the large windows will enhance the accent color you choose.

    Drapery panels hung high (at theceiling height) in the same color as the wall color on that wall, in a texture rather than print (unless you want the drapes to be the accent).

    Art should be framed to enhance the art, not match anything in the decor... well framed, it can be moved to most locations and work anywhere.

    Center the rug in front of the fireplace and create a seating area around it.

    even Two seating areas would be nice... a reading spot near the natural light?

  • 3 years ago

    After reading the comments, I should probably clarify that im notso much looking for a theme around the map, as i am for items that will create a cohesive looking space with the map.

    For colors, I like the blues and greens in the map, I would consider a ”pop” of the orange from the map. But im just not well suited to picking out specific items that work well together. I feel like im always just a little bit off with my selections and i cant get things to turn out well.

    And noted, ill kill the accent wall.

    @Sabrina Alfin Interiors Those inspirations are lovely! For this room, im budget conscience of the rug and loveseat as my dog will be the main user/occupant.

  • 3 years ago

    Paint just the section of the wall with the fireplace, paint it black so the fireplace becomes 1 with the wall. Hang the heirloom map over the fireplace only if the heat won’t ruin the delicate paper.

    Indecisiveness thanked marylut
  • 3 years ago

    It looks as if the map may be wider than the space above the fireplace. Can you give us the dimensions of both? Since the couch will be used mainly by the dog, I’d look for a used couch that can be covered with a throw that’s easily washed, and use the saved money on other items for the room. Do you have a budget in mind? That info would help us suggest pieces for you.

    Indecisiveness thanked ffpalms
  • 3 years ago

    This is the walls, baseboard, ceiling all painted SW Watery (do a lighter color of the green in the map), and the section of fireplace wall painted black.

    Indecisiveness thanked marylut
  • 3 years ago

    This piece is not worth the trouble to refinish or keep. When Id get allows, buy IKEA Billy bookcases for each side of fireplace - take advantage of the wall height. Measure first to make sure it will fit on both sides. Paint them same color as the walls.
    https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/billy-bookcase-white-s49217734/

    Indecisiveness thanked marylut
  • 3 years ago

    *budget

    Indecisiveness thanked marylut
  • 3 years ago

    Here’s a nice, soft color palette that references the map.



    Indecisiveness thanked ffpalms
  • 3 years ago

    If you are replacing the desk, is 48” big enough? Do you just need a flat surface? little drawers for supplies? Keyboard pullout shelf? Ledge for monitor? Place for CPU or router? Place for printer? Letter size filing drawers? Do you want traditional or rustic style?

  • 3 years ago

    Skip the drapes with a dog in the room, do inside mount shades, either cordless fabric Roman shades to add softness or bamboo shades to add texture

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    The map is smaller than it looks, total size is 24” wide compared to the 45” wide brick.

    Total budget for loveseat, paint, curtains and new rug if needed would be $1000ish, But would prefer to go less expensive for a dog couch. :)

    I agree that setting up chairs in front of the stove/fireplace would look nice, but i dont run the stoveoften anymore as it bithers my allergies.

    The last 5-10 years i think ive become more minimalist. Ive gone from shopping hime goods stores to preferring less stuff around and using sentimental items or a few things a really love.

    @ffpalms i like that color combimation :) Where is that orange throw from?

  • 3 years ago

    Do you need a love seat, or would a low profile arm chair and ottoman set for outside the pen work? (microfiber or performance fabric is important upgrade with pets)

    Indecisiveness thanked marylut
  • 3 years ago

    Give Sasha her own upholstered storage bench inside the pen under the windows, if she will fit.

  • 3 years ago

    Storage bench (no tufting or channels)

    Indecisiveness thanked marylut
  • 3 years ago

    @marylut The desk and all of the furniture other thsn the green loveseat stay. The desk is larger than i currently need, but its solid maple and stores all of my paperwork. It was originally ”unfinished furniture” that i stained years ago. I plan on refinishing to a more natural color eventually.

    Sasha is 60 lbs so a loveseat gives her more room to stretch out.

    I feel silly saying i want to buy a loveseat for my dog, but i rarely use that room.

  • 3 years ago

    The throw is from Amazon.



  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Here’s a few Studio McGee pillows from Target. Most are $22.



  • 3 years ago

    The things we all do out of pure pet love, and they love us back! Sasha might like a firm single cushion love seat, no tufts or channels, with padded arms. Or does she prefer over stuffed?

  • 3 years ago

    If the loveseat is just for the dog, why not keep the one you have and put a throw over it in colors you like? Or, because it is an outside furniture piece, can you just get new cushions for it in colors you like?

  • 3 years ago

    Love that you are designing a room that is primarily occupied by your dog. Lucky Sasha!

  • 3 years ago

    Bamboo cordless Roman shades

  • 3 years ago

    And plenty of cash left in budget for framing the map, wall paint, doggie toys, orange sofa throw, supplies to strip and refinish furniture someday.

  • 3 years ago

    I came across this photo which gave me the idea that you could paint the body of your desk to match whatever color you decide to paint the walls. This would make it less prominent and make the room feel more spacious.


    Sears Kit Home · More Info

    I also think it’s important to bring in a little black to tie in the fencing and fireplace. This wall mounted lamp might work for your desk, or for a reading lamp next to your love seat.


    Lighting · More Info


  • 3 years ago

    chaoticallyyours.com has a tutorial on how to make small sihouette portraits, which would be a nice way to add a bit of black to the room.