MASCULINE HOME OFFICE DESIGNS

We are switching things up a bit at home: moving the guest room, currently downstairs, to an empty bedroom upstairs.  In its place, will be my husband's new home office.  While trying to come up with some design ideas, it's always helpful to look for inspiration online.   The way I envision the space is dark colored walls, cognac or whiskey leather seating, animal hide rug, metal baskets and men inspired accessories.  Of course, my husband has a big say in the design but I'm just throwing my ideas out there!

Here are some great looking home office designs, full of masculinity and class.

Image via DigsDigs
The navy walls set the theme for this masculine space.
Love the mix of metal finishes and lighted colored wood of the desk.

Image via Carla Aston

Image via Apartment Therapy (Scott and Kristan's Inspiring Arts District Loft)
This color wood is something I had in mind

Inspiration pic for the perfect color scheme.

This space is bad ass!

Image via Heather Scott Home & Design
Nice rustic touches

Image via DigsDigs

How cool is this space?  

Nice contemporary design.  Loving the cognac colored leather chairs

Here's a look I pulled together of items that caught my eye.  I'm sure this will be the first of many ideas.

1// Interior of Essex County Courthouse Rotunda (Art.com)
2// Nook Tower (West Elm)
3// Prism Pendants (West Elm)
4// Exotic Burl wood boxes (Williams Sonoma Home)
5//  Hair on hide rug, brindle beige (Williams Sonoma Home)
6//  Tom Dixon The Mathematical Tool (ABC Carpet and Home)
7// Ceramic Elephant (love the colors) (Williams Sonoma Home)
8// Stonewashed Moorish Strip Flatweave Rug (Williams Sonoma Home)
9// Wire Mesh Storage Bin (West Elm)

Stay tuned!

 xo,

HOME OFFICE DESIGN UPDATE: PROGRESS PICS!

I'm excited to share with you this stage of my home office.  It's been a long time coming (or what feels like a long time).  What should have been a simple and easy design project, turned into hiccups and delays.  I know things don't always go according to plan, but what I went through was just madness!  From my cabinet order not going in as scheduled; to the first install setup without doors and drawers; with a no show for the next install; damaged doors, missing pieces from the light fixture; hardware order mixed up, followed up with delays, delays and more delays for the deco doors. 

I guess I shouldn't complain . .. it took me well over a year to decide how my vision for this space would become.  I wanted it to be feminine and light; and I knew the main color had to be light grey.  Originally, we talked about Mr. D occupying this space but since it's open (no door but a half wall), I knew it would be a challenge for him to keep it clean and clutter free.  So, it was decided I would have my own little space (doing my happy girl dance)!

Coming up with the design plan was fairly easy, once the ball starting rolling.  I made some minor changes here and there.  I'm a visual person so deciding on the best design plan was eating at me until I could commit to the perfect look.   For the upper cabinets (48 inches tall),  I toyed with the idea of partial glass doors but then it started to look like a kitchen and that, I did not want!  I knew I wanted open shelving to store decorative objects and books, lots of counter space and drawer space.

The jumping off point for this project was the wallpaper.  It had the colors I envisioned for this space.  And, I jumped at the chance to incorporate some gold hardware to my design.  To play up a more feminine look, I also incorporated a blush color. 

While the space is not fully complete, the major work is done.  What's left?  The perfect chair (have my eye on one), a window treatment, an accent chair and table and maybe an accent rug.  Oh, and a new laptop is on my list.

I couldn't be happier with my new home office and enjoy "my feminine space".  I had the pleasure of decorating it exactly how I wanted.  I didn't have to worry about compromising on the look because it's a space I don't have to share (lol). 

Without any further delay, take a tour of my new space!

Here are some of the highlights of the space: brushed bronze hardware from Top Knobs,

feminine prints, decorative objects and books.  I rolled up some extra wallpaper and placed it in a white caged basket.

Mr. D added this trim to divide the different spaces and wall color.  He did a fantastic job!

Champagne finish light fixture with amber colored crystals

fashion illustration (by the talented Anum Tariq) and print with vintage accessories

The larger frame purchased at IKEA, which I painted in soft pink (by Benjamin Moore). 

Ikea magazine holders.  I painted them in Martha Stewart, metallic bronze and one in Benjamin Moore's Soft Pink

Shelves displaying decorative vases, candles, fashion and home books

Mini (18k) gold dot dish in pink via Gretel

Gold and acrylic stapler and tape dispenser via Design Darling

Started my filing (folders purchased from the Container Store)

Cabinets: Closets by Design

Hardware: Top Knobs (Somerset cup pulls in brushed bronze; pulls in Additions collection; bronze collection knob).  I ordered them from Kuche & Cucina in Paramus, NJ

Wallpaper:  Astek Wallcoverings/Mood Living (370326).  Purchased from Eades Discount Wallpaper (best price I found)

Light Fixture:  Savoy House 4-light in oxidized silver finish (designed by Federico Martinez).  Purchased from Krell Lighting in NJ

Fashion Illustrations:  Anum Tariq (love her designs!)

Telegraphic print: Glitter LOVE print by Prettychicsf; Coco Chanel quote print via Glitz Papier

Accessories:  White ceramic SALONG vases (IKEA); ombre pink vase (Urban Outfitters); gold vase (Marshalls); white porcelain jar (on desk) via H&M Home; white metal wire basket (via H&M Home); round gold mirror tray (HomeGoods); pink speckled drinking glass (antique store in PA)

Books:  Fashion and Home books via Barnes and Noble

If you have any questions regarding any other items or further details, please feel free to reach out to me.  Thanks for stopping by.

Stay tuned for future updates on my home office.

xo,



SIMPLE AND EASY DIY PROJECT: ACCESSORIES FOR HOME OFFICE

While I don't want to jinx myself, I'm in the home stretch of completing the install of my home office.  When I finally do a post for the reveal, I'll share with you the frustration and delays involved. 

In the meantime, I've been busy being creative with some accessories to help decorate the space.

For this easy DIY project, I found decorative pieces of wood and letters at my local Jo Ann's store. You can be creative with letters and display them in a family room or child's room.   For this simple project, I started by lightly sanding both pieces and primed both.  I had to sand again to make sure the wood was smooth.  Next, choosing paint colors.  For the decorative plate, I painted a high gloss in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.  For my initial "J", I used Martha Stewart's Metallic paint in Vintage Bronze.  I didn't bother with painting the backs since no one would see them (see below).  I finished the look by gluing same and displaying it on a small picture stand.

This is a glimpse of my color palette for my home office.

xo,

HOME OFFICE: DECISIONS, DECISIONS . . .

So, with my home office project in the works, I have some decisions to make and, well . . . I'm still deciding.

Here's what I have so far . . .

 

 

Yep, that's all I have so far.  Now, I'm in panic mode.  My BIGGEST block is figuring out the hardware.  I do know I want satin brass or something similiar.  Should I go with pulls and knobs? Just pulls? How about some bin pulls? What style?  I've looked online at hundreds of hardware options and trying to narrow things down.  It's so hard to shop online because the color isn't picture perfect. I've ordered a few samples and still waiting (ugh).  Here are some hardware options I'm considering.

The HardwareHut Brushed Bronze collection is a favorite on my list

Century Hardware

Here are some cup pulls:

I have to make a decision ASAP.  I hope I make the right one.

xo,

HOME OFFICE PROJECT: PHASE ONE . . . THE WALLPAPER

I can't tell you how excited and nervous I was when the van pulled up Saturday morning to our house.  It was an appointment for the wallpaper install. 

I never had anything wallpapered in my life so I was beyond excited  . . . and nervous.  After staring at the rolls of wallpaper, ordered months ago, phase one of my home office design was finally happening!

John Kelly was recommended to me by my local Benjamin Moore paint store.  They gave me two business cards and he was the one I picked.  We spoke on the phone a few times to talk about what I wanted. We then met in person for a free estimate and scheduled the appointment.  Mr. Kelly (although he prefers to be called by his first name), an Irish fella, is a very nice, personable, professional and courtesy man.  When we met three weeks ago, he advised me he was having some minor surgery and wouldn't be able to start right away.  I was fine with waiting because listen . . . I have waited months and could wait a little more.

Now, let's talk about the wallpaper!  Did you ever find something you LOVE but just to make sure, you look at other similar items?  Then you keep thinking about the first item.  It was just that with this wallpaper.  I fell in love with the color and design after seeing it on Houzz.  It wasn't the full design but still captured my interest.  Here's the image:

The wallpaper is by Mood Living.  The design is Astek MC10405.  So, I ordered a sample and when I saw it in person, I knew I had to have it.  I tried finding it at local stores but no one carried this brand.  So, I searched and searched online for the best deal.  Each roll is purchased as a double roll. The dimensions are 27inches x 324 inches and the repeat of the design is 36 inches.   My wall is roughly 9 feet x 9 feet and I had to figure out how many rolls I needed (with the help of my friend Brenda and my hubby because I'm horrible with math).  Prices online for this wallpaper were quoted at around $103.00+ for a double roll.  The best price I found was through Eades Discount Wallpaper.  Their price was $44.95 per single roll.  I purchased three double rolls, just to be safe.  Mr. Kelly said I wouldn't need that much.  But, better to be safe than sorry. And, a good thing I did because one of the rolls was damaged (colors were smudged).

Can I tell you how anxious I was . . . I didn't want to get in Mr. Kelly's way but I wanted to see the first piece being put up and hoped I still loved it (lol).  Mr. Kelly didn't mind me watching and wasn't bothered by the camera.  I didn't go into any explanation about posting this on my blog, etc.   He doesn't advertise . . . doesn't have to. He gets his business by word of mouth.  Crazy when you think about it (no advertising on the web) yet, a great accomplishment in this day and age.  Currently, he's booked through August. 

Now, take a look at the first piece being installed. . .

And the third . . . I didn't capture the second piece because it was a little embarrassing, even for me, to be behind him while he worked (lol).  At one point, I started ironing to keep myself occupied.

Mr. Kelly advised it takes three days to dry. He recommended we add some trim to the end of this wall.  It will protect the wallpaper, in case anyone rubs against it and it start to peel.  I like his recommendation and it will definitely define the space.

Finishing up . . .

 

Terminado ("Finished")!

 

 

Oh, how I love this wallpaper!  As soon as it was complete, it was a "Wow" factor.  Even Mr. D (the hubs) was impressed. 

 

 

 

Here's a close up of the design.  The gold damask shimmers ever so slightly and goes so beautifully with the creaming white and gray colors.

 

If you live in Northern, New Jersey, I highly recommend John Kelly.  He's very professional and courtesy and I just love his accent!

 

Phase two will be the install of the cabinets.  Ugh! I hope they don't rip the wallpaper.  I will be watching them like a hawk that day.

 

In the meantime, I'm searching for hardware (satin brass), a new light fixture and office chair.  It will be fun to accessorize the space once the main pieces are up.  Stay tuned!

 

xo,

GATHERING MY THOUGHTS . . . WITH NOTEBOOKS/JOURNALS

 

Lately I've been feeling a little overwhelmed with my thoughts.  Okay, that statement sounds a little crazy (lol). I think I have too much going on at work and in my personal life.  I'm trying to remember everything, and I should be writing it down.  

I will say, with work, I'm pretty organized.  Since moving to my new floor, I did purchase a notebook and have been diligent about jotting things down.  I don't have to search through folders on my computer; I can quickly look in my notebook.  You can check out the snapshot of my desk area at work below:

I found this great notebook at a HomeGoods store in NJ. 
It pairs nicely with my new space and desk set up.

There's nothing like a good old fashioned, notebook.  Yes, I do jot appointments and reminders down on my iphone but I still like a hard copy of certain things.  And, my biggest fear is one day losing what's on my computer or phone. And, I don't feel 100% safe storing certain information on a computer.

Having a notebook or pad is still a useful tool; no matter how advanced we are in technology.  It's a great resource, especially for blogging.  I'm constantly writing down ideas and topics on little pieces of paper; which tend to get cluttered in my purse.  And, I hate clutter! I write down "to do" lists, shopping lists and project lists. Sometimes writing things down, is a constant reminder to get it done. And what a nice feeling to check it or cross it off in the end. 

How about those that keep journals?  It's nice to read back on what you wrote.  And, when I really think about it, it's a great form of therapy. 

On a side note:  Getting organized at home too.  If u ever came into my house, everything is in its place except my paper work and files.  I'm finally getting my home office done!  If you follow me, I've posted my plans for a home office months ago.  But, with a minor set back, I had to put it off for a bit.  I'm back on track and that ball is rolling; install is scheduled the end of this month.  Of course, I'll be sharing that post with you!  Having said that, I've been on the hunt for desk accessories and a notebook is on my list.

While searching, here are some great notebooks/journals I found online (and of course fashionable and fun):

Loving these Notebooks from Sparrow & Wolf (via Notonthehigheststreet.com) 
You can choose from silver or gold designs.

For an artsy look, Mara Hoffman Journal are sure to please.  Anthropologie

This is a lovely yearly planner, agenda, calendar and organizer from whitneyenglish via Etsy 

 

Classic Kate Spade's striped notebook (Beeyond Paper)

 

If you just want a notebook, how about this gold and white Cabana Striped Notebook
 via Sugar Paper Los, Angeles

 

How fun are these polka journals!  (via Sugar Paper, Los Angeles)

What a lovely set of journals from paperblanks (Ori collection). 
I have a couple of notebooks from paperblanks, purchased years ago from their Brocade collection. Such a luxury book with beautiful designs and parchment paper. 

What are some of your favorite notebooks?  Feel free to share.

xo,