Classic-Boho Office Space
Goals for the office space: Make the space multi-functional (use it for more than homework and bills) Maximize the front area for ample seating Update the style of fixtures and office chairs Bring in some warmth and texture
Challenges: Size of the space Limited space from floor to bottom of window for arm clearance (26.5”) Want the door to fully open (takes an additional 32”) Whether to utilize existing wall color or not Want to avoid being too “chair-y” with the desk chairs & additional seating
The layout I most recommend is the Sectional Style Layout. Why? More seating, breaks up the amount of chairs in the space, creates a clean visual line that wraps the space. Doorway
Left Arm Sectional
Coffee Table Rug
Per our discussion, I’d love to see this sofa in a navy velvet. It will make it feel more special/customized and would add that punch we need in an otherwise straightforward space. Since the sofa itself is affordable, with $700 in labor, we’d be able to recover, change the legs or remove them if you’d like, and even change the shape of the cushions to a more clean look (see the gray sofa on the right, for example). Fabric cost would range depending on your choice, but would likely require 15-20 yards. I have a great upholstery swatch I’ve used in the past that I can share that is only in the $20/yd range.
Sourcing for this sectional has been more of a challenge due to the height of the window and where the door hits from the entryway. We have only a 26.5” clearance from the ground to window and are left with only 99.5” on the 131.5” wall once the door is open. The BEST sofa I have found in that size is the 95” Left-Arm York Sofa from Room&Board. Although the overall height is 29”-36” with cushion, the arm height, which is the line we’d worry about underneath the window, is only 25” high.
A light-color rug should be added to the floor in a comfortable, cozy material (like a Moroccan or shag style. The light color will brighten up the space with the taupey-gray “Silver Mink� paint on the wall. Rug should be approx. 9x5 or 8x5.
A coffee table should be added for function and style. It should be round or oval to counteract the amount of hard, square edges in the space. It should also be something in a non-wood material to add an air of lightness. This could be metal/ glass, lucite, etc.
Two new office chairs should be added to the desk. They should be substantial enough to also be pulled up for chats around the sectional as regular seating. This is a great place to add in some personality, so we can discuss more in person the route you’d like to go. I would also recommend that these have a round back or some type of curve to them to again, like the coffee table, break up the hard angles in the space. It would be great, too, if these chairs were vintage or vintage-style to add visual interest. If you are feeling bold, a timeless leopard print could be redone on a pair of office chairs, too. They would look great in a gray or black as well to keep things classic.
A large scale piece of art (either abstract or photography) should be centered above the sectional. This is something we will need to work closely on together to see if you want to go more bold/interesting or more muted/calming. The large scale is what’s most important. It should be at least 5’ tall and 6’ wide. It should make the strongest impact. Additionally, two pieces of framed art should be added where the existing framed pieces are. These can be more muted.
A ceiling flush light fixture should be changed out for function purposes. It should be close to the ceiling to allow for easy view of the television. Additionally, two sconces should be added on either side of the wall art for task lighting above the sectional. They should be swing arm or have some organic shape to them, Additionally, they should somewhat match the material in the coffee table. This should be honed in on (both lighting options) after coffee table is selected.
Finally, shelves on the right side of the desk should be removed, and a television should be added with a swivel wall mount. Additionally, the shelves should be restyled with some new elements added for style, but this is all in the final styling stage.
Note: I can provide alternative layouts if you want to explore other options, and I can provide a different color pallet if you’d like to paint the walls white (per our conversation). I picked elements that provided a moodiness with the color of the existing walls and kept a lot of the corresponding items neutral knowing that the sofa color and art will really make the room vibrant. This can be further developed as we discuss â˜ş
So, what’s next?
Whew! That was a lot of information. Now that you have seen the inspiration/recommendations, soak it all in. Let me know if you have any questions. After processing the information, please do the following: ü Take note of what you like and don’t like from each section ü Schedule a time to discuss with me your likes, dislikes, and final planning (especially what I should be sourcing locally- have a budget for this in mind) ü Finally, remember that this is the starting off point. We can refine due to budget or taste. Remember that the WHY is more important than the WHAT. Can’t wait to hear from you! Hopefully we are on the right track. I can’t wait to see your space come together.
Kelley Howley Senior Designer