OFFICE MAKEOVER
An unused room is now my creative haven Lisa Thompson transformed a neglected dining room into a calming office filled with a mix of vintage finds and budget-friendly buys Rich chocolate walls teamed with a hint of pink, plus a tactile mix of metallic and timber tones, ensure Lisa’s new-look office is a warm and welcoming place to work
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espite having lived in their threebedroom, Kent home with daughters, Milly and Daisy, for nearly two years, Lisa, 44, and Graham Thompson, 49, had never quite got around to decorating their dated dining room. ‘When we first moved in, our priority was a large kitchen-diner extension, so, with the dining room pretty much redundant and more pressing updates required elsewhere, it was far too easy for it to just become a dumping ground,’ explains Lisa. However, having opted to work from home, her attention soon turned to the dining room when looking for much-needed workspace.
STEP ONE Lisa’s first task was to strip the room of its drab wallpaper and dingy carpet. ‘Sadly, removing the old painted wood chip paper took its toll on the ageing plaster – especially around the bay window,’ says Lisa. So, rather than spend days trying to make good the crumbling walls, the couple decided to simply re-plaster throughout. They also took the opportunity to add a few extra power points, before laying smart, hard-wearing, timber flooring. ‘We have the same floor in the hallway and new extension, so thought it would be nice to carry it through,’ says Lisa. STEP TWO Not usually one for neutrals, the inspiration for Lisa’s bold chocolate-hued walls was all down to her favourite online
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Smart shutters ensure privacy while still allowing light to flood the room for a well-lit workspace. The couple saved money by buying online, at a discounted price, and also took advantage of the measuring advice for a bespoke fit
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For flowers sting dried displays verla n check out e -made bouquets for a , y a d a is L re ke – buy ement or, li m g n a r r a t n o insta d stems fr gather drie rden. the ga store, Rockett St. George. ‘Their Instagram is full of dark, moody colours and eclectic pieces – and, while I hadn’t been brave enough to replicate the look in the main family rooms, I thought the office would be the perfect place to experiment!’ she explains. The result proved even better than Lisa imagined and gave her the confidence to paint the skirting boards to match. The tired bay window and surround were refreshed with a lick of light-enhancing white paint and finished with practical shutters, which the couple fitted themselves.
