Before & After: Home Office Makeover

You know how much I love a good makeover. Well, when I saw what that talented twosome over at Ramblings of a Renovating Couple did with this unremarkable little space in their house, transforming it into a cheery and functional at-home office, I asked if I could show it to you, and they graciously agreed.

Home offices can be one of the more difficult rooms to get right, since there are storage and computer issues to address. The Rambling Renovators also had a narrow room with an off-center window and radiator to contend with. Take a look at how they made the room work.

They say they’re only 90% done, but it looks like a 100% improvement to me. I love the way they worked around the radiator, keeping that wall from being lost work space by extending the desk across it. The fun black and white curtain fabric is from IKEA. Notice how they ran the rod so it frames that entire wall instead of just the narrow window.

I know this color might be too much for some people, but I love it (you may recall my story about trying to get a color like this to work in my mudroom, but it turned out more “Shrek” than “green apple”). I think it works really well when it’s paired with lots of crisp black and white.

Even their file folders are pretty!

You can read more details about this makeover at Ramblings of a Renovating Couple, as well as their plans for future improvements that include recovering the desk chair and painting the radiator. Be sure to visit their site to see their dramatic dining room makeover, too, while you’re at it, and check in on the progress of their kitchen renovation.

If You’re Hooked on Before & Afters:

JackieWks:
April 12th, 2008 at 9:45 am

YUM !

That looks so lickable.

Don’t ask me why.

Lynn:
April 12th, 2008 at 10:56 am

Wow, what a great job! Only thing I would suggest is a new office chair. The blue just sticks out. I am known for being picky about my colors having to match just right. Point in case. I bought new furniture. Loved the pillows that came with it. Problem? I have blue carpet and it clashed with the khaki and orange. I went and picked out a fabric that has that blue in it and had them recovered. My friend just kept saying “Ignore the carpet.” Not in me.

I would love a little room like that. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

Lynn

hookedonhouses:
April 12th, 2008 at 11:18 am

Lynn–
They’re not entirely finished yet, but I couldn’t wait to show you the photos until they were. They have plans for a few more improvements in the room, including a new or recovered desk chair. -Julia