Office.
Example of a tuscan built-in desk home office design in Santa Barbara

When my client had to move from her company office to work at home, she set up in the dining room. Despite her best efforts, this was not the long-term solution she was looking for. My client realized she needed a dedicated space not on the main floor of the home. On one hand, having your office space right next to the kitchen is handy. On the other hand, it made separating work and home life was not that easy. The house was a ranch. In essence, the basement would run entire length of the home. As we came down the steps, we entered a time capsule. The house was built in the 1950’s. The walls were covered with original knotty pine paneling. There was a wood burning fireplace and considering this was a basement, high ceilings. In addition, there was everything her family could not store at their own homes. As we wound though the space, I though “wow this has potential”, Eventually, after walking through the laundry room we came to a small nicely lit room. This would be the office. My client looked at me and asked what I thought. Undoubtedly, I said, this can be a great workspace, but do you really want to walk through this basement and laundry to get here? Without reservation, my client said where do we start? Once the design was in place, we started the renovation. The knotty pine paneling had to go. Specifically, to add some insulation and control the dampness and humidity. The laundry room wall was relocated to create a hallway to the office. At the far end of the room, we designated a workout zone. Weights, mats, exercise bike and television are at the ready for morning or afternoon workouts. The space can be concealed by a folding screen for party time. Doors to an old closet under the stairs were relocated to the workout area for hidden storage. Now we had nice wall for a beautiful console and mirror for storage and serving during parties. In order to add architectural details, we covered the old ugly support columns with simple recessed millwork panels. This detail created a visual division between the bar area and the seating area in front of the fireplace. The old red brick on the fireplace surround was replaced with stack stone. A mantle was made from reclaimed wood. Additional reclaimed wood floating shelves left and right of the fireplace provides decorative display while maintaining a rustic element balancing the copper end table and leather swivel rocker. We found an amazing rug which tied all of the colors together further defining the gathering space. Russet and burnt orange became the accent color unifying each space. With a bit of whimsy, a rather unusual light fixture which looks like roots from a tree growing through the ceiling is a conversation piece. The office space is quite and removed from the main part of the basement. There is a desk large enough for multiple screens, a small bookcase holding office supplies and a comfortable chair for conference calls. Because working from home requires many online meetings, we added a shiplap wall painted in Hale Navy to contrast with the orange fabric on the chair. We finished the décor with a painting from my client’s father. This is the background online visitors will see. The last and best part of the renovation is the beautiful bar. My client is an avid collector of wine. She already had the EuroCave refrigerator, so I incorporated it into the design. The cabinets are painted Temptation Grey from Benjamin Moore. The counter tops are my favorite hard working quartzite Brown Fantasy. The backsplash is a combination of rustic wood and old tin ceiling like porcelain tiles. Together with the textures of the reclaimed wood and hide poofs balanced against the smooth finish of the cabinets, we created a comfortable luxury for relaxing. There is ample storage for bottles, cans, glasses, and anything else you can think of for a great party. In addition to the wine storage, we incorporated a beverage refrigerator, an ice maker, and a sink. Floating shelves with integrated lighting illuminate the back bar. The raised height of the front bar provides the perfect wine tasting and paring spot. I especially love the pendant lights which look like wine glasses. Finally, I selected carpet for the stairs and office. It is perfect for noise reduction. Meanwhile for the overall flooring, I specifically selected a high-performance vinyl plank floor. We often use this product as it is perfect to install on a concrete floor. It is soft to walk on, easy to clean and does not reduce the overall height of the space.

Dining room - large transitional light wood floor and beige floor dining room idea in New York with white walls

Peter Medilek
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Joseph Deats Photography
Transitional dark wood floor dining room photo in Denver with gray walls

Example of a classic bedroom design in Miami with blue walls

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Example of a transitional living room design in Dallas

Morgan Howarth
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Example of a mid-sized beach style guest medium tone wood floor and brown floor bedroom design in New York with white walls and no fireplace

The new front door and sidelight give ample light and privacy. The clean style suits the architecture. A built-in storage closet keeps clutter to a minimum. Integrated mirrors in the doors solve an issue of wall space. Photos: Dave Remple

Some spaces are best understood before and after. Our Carytown Kitchen project demonstrates how a small space can be transformed for minimal expense. First and foremost was maximizing space. With only 9 sf of built-in counter space we understood these work surfaces needed to be kept free of small appliances and clutter - and that meant extra storage. The introduction of high wall cabinets provides much needed storage for occasional use equipment and helps keep everything dust-free in the process. Photograph by Stephen Barling.

This is a bedroom for a tween girl. We wanted it to be fun and playful but also sophisticated enough to last until she goes to college. She loves it and so do we!

A home office space for the work from home man. The brown and beige palette create a masculine space. Photography by: Peter Rymwid
Example of a transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor study room design in New York with beige walls

Yonder Farm Residence Architect: Locati Architects General Contractor: Northfork Builders Windows: Kolbe Windows Photography: Longview Studios, Inc.
Example of a farmhouse master light wood floor and beige floor freestanding bathtub design with open cabinets, white walls and a vessel sink

Mariko Reed
Mid-century modern patio photo in San Francisco