When I transitioned to working from home, I realized I needed a dedicated space to focus and be productive. This spare bedroom wasn’t cutting it—it lacked the atmosphere and functionality I craved in a workspace. I wanted a home office that was entirely my own, where I could immerse myself in my work and feel inspired daily. I transformed this spare room into a dark and moody sanctuary designed for productivity, creativity, and comfort. We turned a simple guest bedroom into the perfect home office.
Be sure to read Betrayed by Integrity Development: My Costly Design Ordeal
Paint
The color I went with is Sherwin-Williams After The Storm, with a matte finish for the room and a satin finish for the built-ins.
Custom Built-In Desk, Cabinets, and Shelving
The foundation of my new home office design was the installation of a custom-built workspace, cabinets, and shelving. This addition by Custom Woodworks Plus provided ample storage and workspace, creating a streamlined and efficient setup. The cabinets are a great place to keep things out of sight, like my printer and scanner. The dark wood finish of the built-ins added to the overall moody atmosphere, offering both functionality and style.
Closet Conversion
One of the most innovative aspects of the redesign was converting the closet into a dedicated workspace. This involved David Koon Inc applying geometric wallpaper to give it a unique and luxurious feel, setting up a stand-up desk and a supportive chair for ergonomic comfort, and installing key lighting to ensure optimal illumination while on camera. This hidden gem of a workspace is perfect when I need to stand and move around while working.
Audio Equipment and Record Storage
As a music enthusiast, I needed a place to hide my audio equipment wiring and store my vinyl records. A wood accent cabinet was the perfect solution, blending seamlessly with the dark decor while providing the necessary storage. I also hide one of my home’s Eero mesh Wi-Fi units here. This piece is both functional and a beautiful focal point in the room.
Lighting
Lighting played a crucial role in transforming my home office. An antique brass and wood table lamp adds a vintage charm, while a striking Sputnik-style chandelier is a centerpiece initially meant for our dining room, but I thought it worked better here. Combined with ambient lighting in the closet workspace, these fixtures create a layered lighting effect that enhances the room’s ambiance.
Window Treatments
I installed custom Bali solar shades to control the natural light and maintain the moody atmosphere. This shade provides privacy and reduces glare, making working easier during the day. Luxurious velvet curtains complement the shade, adding texture and depth to the room.
Décor Elements
Adding personality to the space was essential, and Eric the Hare wall mount did just that. This whimsical piece brings a touch of playfulness to the otherwise sophisticated and dark decor, creating a balanced and inviting environment. I also repurposed an old painting frame with a canvas print of a family portrait for some wall art.
Sound System
For the ultimate audio experience, I equipped the office with a Denon 2-Channel Hi-Fi Receiver, Fluance Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable, bi-amped Klipsch Reference Premiere bookshelf speakers, and a Klipsch 10″ subwoofer. I hid all speaker wires under the carpet and behind the built-in cabinetry. This setup delivers impeccable sound quality, perfect for background music while working and for leisure listening.
Modern Conveniences
To seamlessly integrate into my smart home ecosystem and lighting scenes, I installed black Lutron Caseta dimmer switches, which allow me to control the lighting easily. An Amazon Echo Show also provides voice control for various smart home functions, making the office both high-tech and user-friendly.
Finishing Touches
The final touch was the addition of antique brass hardware, including wall plates, curtain rod, and a doorknob. These elements tie the room together, adding a cohesive and polished look.
Final Thoughts
Transforming my home office from a coastal spare bedroom to a dark and moody sanctuary has been a rewarding experience. The new design meets my functional needs as a home office and creates a space that inspires productivity and creativity. Whether working, listening to music, or enjoying the ambiance, this revamped office has become my haven.
I hope you found this blog helpful. If you have any questions, connect with me on social media. Be sure to check out my other home projects. Thanks for reading!