Pretty Inspirational: Can I Work There?

Is one of your new years resolutions to become more organized? What better way to start by revamping your home office or study to keep better organized but also create a space that is so cool you can't wait to work in it! It just so happens that I'm very excited about a recent opportunity to turn a client's under used living room into a beautiful and functional study. The project is exciting to me for many different reasons. First, the new study will be the first room you see when you walk into the house so we definitely want to make a great first impression. Second, the space will not only accommodate home office functions but will include space for entertaining and reading...I'm thinking cozy wing chair to curl up to read a book and a beautiful table and chairs for playing cards! And lastly, I will design the built in cabinetry, wainscoting, and a coffered ceiling! Wish me luck...still waiting for my client to sign on the dotted line!

While preparing for the first client meeting, I found some wonderful inspirational pictures of studies that I wanted to share. Enjoy!

Here's a more traditional look with the stained wood cabinetry and trim. I like how the designer balances the dark wood with the light drapery treatments, wall color and rug. The light fixture makes a great focal point. Most great rooms vary shapes. Adding curves to rooms (in this case to the bookcases) makes it more interesting because most rooms and furniture are either squares or rectangles.

Veranda Ph Credit Thomas Loof

A more transitional look that is very peaceful with the monochromatic color scheme.

Veranda Charlotte Moss

An all black study with pops of red with lots of glass and natural light. Wonder what the room is like at nighttime. Another great light fixture as a focal point and a more contemporary interpretation of a coffered ceiling.

Elle Decor Mark Cunningham

Great to have a seating area if you meet with clients at your home or just a great place to read with your significant other. Interesting how they filled the fireplace with wood for decoration.

Elle Decor Malcolm James Kutner

Another seating area with a larger table which can be used for card playing, an intimate dinner, or for after dinner drinks and a cigar!

Elle Decor Madeline Stuart

This room is so light and airy with the all the white. If you don't need files at your fingertips, it's so nice to have a writing desk in front of the shelving. Looks like another great light fixture and more curves at the top of the shelves. Also loving the herringbone wood floors.

Elle Decor Lee Mindel

This is the look my client is interested in...warm, inviting, and masculine! I like how the oversized mirror reflects the light.

Elle Decor Kerry Joyce

This one has a lighter more feminine feel. I'm liking the medium stained wood with the crisp blue fabrics. They went with a shade that filters light versus one for privacy which lightens up the room too.

Elle Decor Jeffrey Bilhuber

This study could be found in downtown Annapolis 150 years ago but looks great today too! The curved hepplewhite desk is fantastic. This room is edited, clean lines, not fussy...a modern feel.

Elle Decor Hugh Newell Jacobsen

Galleries of pictures and art look great in studies.

Elle Decor Jane Scott and Philip Hodges

From one of my favorite designers Darryl Carter. He makes furniture look "sculptural". Love the curved desk. Check out my very first blog post to learn more him...Darryl Carter.