A Breakdown of My Home Office Design

My home office is one of my favorite rooms in the house. It’s where I do most of my design planning and liaising with clients. I love the work I do, so it’s important for me to have a space to focus and get everything done! Keep reading to learn about how I designed it and what materials I used.

The Layout

The first step I tackled was how I wanted to layout my home office. Because my work is creative, it was crucial that my office catered to that. I wanted it to be a relatively large open space so that I could lay fabrics and create boards with plenty of floor space. For this reason, I kept the majority of the furniture up against the walls to make the space as big as possible. The size also allows me to lay some samples out and view them from afar to get a better idea of the designs I create. I also have a lot of fabric samples and materials that I use, so I custom-designed a large built-in unit with plenty of shelf and storage space. It extends from the door, into the left corner, and all the way to the back wall. This way all of my materials are organized and easy to access while I’m working. I’m not the tallest person in the world, so I added in a small and stylish step stool to reach the higher shelves.

Because I’ve built my business up from scratch, it made sense to have two separate desks to accommodate both my creative designing and business running. One of my desks is where I keep my computer and printer and do all my administrative work. The other desk is where I do more of my creative work, looking at samples, and drawing up designs. Having two separate desks helps me switch from a business mindset to a creative mindset easily. I decided to also add in a settee to take breaks, meetings, and calls, as well as an armchair for when I need a slight change of scenery or when someone is visiting my office. 

The colors

It was important to me that my office was a relatively neutral room that would allow plenty of space for creativity and inspiration. For this reason, I decided on a neutral color for the walls, bookcase, floors, and desk. Rather than painting, I decided to upholster the walls for a cozier and better-insulated space. I upholstered the walls and the desk skirts with a taupe linen fabric from Pindler. I then painted the wall-to-wall built-in unit with a Farrow & Ball color called String. I really liked the subtle contrast it provided with the taupe linen walls, to have some dimension and make the space appear larger. I chose simple dark wood flooring and a neutral trim.

If you’ve been following my work for awhile, you know that I absolutely love red. It’s bold, energizing, and passionate. I knew I needed a neutral space, but if it was too neutral, I wouldn’t want to spend any time there. So I upholstered my two office chairs and my settee in a beautiful red and black striped fabric from a British brand called Hodsoll McKenzie. I love the pop of color it provides! I also love the design of my desk chairs: the perfect combination of a comfortable armchair and a traditional office chair. It’s incredibly comfortable and cozy but is mounted on wheels for swiveling and ease. If your job requires you to sit at a desk for a while, I definitely recommend these! I upholstered the other chair in a red and tan leopard spot fabric from Rose Cummings. I added a few more splashes of red like the red tones in the step stool, as well as my Georgia Bulldogs pennant and art! 

Finishing Touches

To finish the room off I added a few orchid plants, which is one of my favorite flowers to decorate with. There’s one on my bookcase and one on my desk. I added in a fun zebra skin rug to tie the space together, as well as a beige throw pillow and wicker baskets for extra storage. I put one of my favorite paintings of a cheetah above the settee for some inspiration. Last but not least, I added a picture of my beloved dog Dunkin on my desk to keep me company throughout the day! I opted for a glass door so the space didn’t feel too closed off, as there are only a few small windows in this room.

More inspiration

Overall, I am super happy with how my home office has turned out, and it’s been serving me and my work well. I can’t recommend enough investing in your home office space for prime productivity and efficiency! Check out my other articles on home office design:

Designing your home office: Tips, Ideas, & Inspiration

The Three Best Lighting Types for Your Home Office

Designing Your Home Office: Window Treatments

Designing Your Home Office: The Perfect Paint Color


Designing Your Home Office: Window Treatments

We’re back with another installment of tips and inspiration for designing your home office! A well-designed home office is a perfect example of when functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand. As discussed in a previous article, it’s best to choose a room with a lot of windows for your home office to allow you to work in natural light. But what happens when you have an important meeting and there is a terrible glare on your computer? That’s where window treatments come into play.

If you’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of interior design, you may be surprised to discover how many different curtains, shades, and draperies exist, and how they each have a specific function and look. You may feel overwhelmed at first, but we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out the 3 best window treatments for your home office!

Top Down Bottom Up Shades

Top Down Bottom Up Shades are perfect for any home office. As suggested in their name, they allow you to bring the top of the shades down and the bottom of the shades up, and even do both at once. This provides the most flexibility in how you position them against the light. It allows you to block out any direct sunlight that is interfering or distracting you from your work, while still letting enough natural light in. If your home office is facing the street, top-down bottom-up shades are great for giving yourself some privacy without blocking out all the light.

Roman Shades

Roman Shades have a beautiful shape that cannot be denied! They add beautiful texture and shape into a room when they are pulled up. When they are down, there are no creases and they are visibly smooth. Roman Shades are great if you have narrower windows or window panels. Having separate Roman Shades again provides you with some more flexibility. You’re able to bring some of them down and leave some of them up whether you’re seeking to block out direct sunlight or get some privacy. Unlike Top Down Bottom Up shades, it’s easy to get your Roman Shades lined with a black-out material, meaning that no light will get in when they’re pulled down. Black-out lining is typically white, which pairs well with all colors and tones.

Pairing Roman Shades with a matching valance adds additional texture to the overall design…especially when the Roman Shades are down. It prevents the windows from looking flat.

Drapery Panels

Drapery Panels are a gorgeous and luxurious choice for your home office. Floor to ceiling drapery panels makes your ceilings look higher, due to the vertical folds in the material. These work very well for larger and wider windows, especially when there isn’t a deep window sill at the bottom. For deep window sills, I would recommend Roman Shades. Drapery Panels are also easily lined with black-out material, which is perfect for keeping the sun out during all those important Zoom calls when you don’t want a glare on your computer screen. Additionally, I like to interline my drapery panels with English Bump Cloth, which insulates and keeps out the cold during the winter and the heat during summer.

Mix and Match!

Out of all the different types of window treatments, my favorite is to mix and match! Having Top Down Bottom Up shades is great for during the day. Pair them with some floor-to-ceiling drapery panels to pull closed during the evening. This is advantageous during both winter and summer, as they’ll help regulate the temperature of your home office overnight so that you’re ready to work in the morning! Layering or even using different types of window treatments on different windows in a room adds a beautiful dimension to your home office.

This room was designed to be both a living room and a home office. On the right-hand side of the room, the built-in fixture was designed with 2 desks for a home office behind the double sets of retractable doors. The desk chairs were also designed to fit behind the double doors! So the room has a double purpose, a family or hearth room with four big club chairs in front of the fireplace and a home office. We used the floor-to-ceiling drapery panels for the larger windows opposite the built-in fixture, and roman shades for the smaller windows on either side of the bespoke fireplace.

Having Trouble Choosing? We’re here to help!

Make your home office uniquely your own with custom-made draperies and shades made in our workroom. This combination of unique textiles and custom designs allows each project to have its own aesthetic, pairing form with functionality based on the room function. From measuring the windows to designing the window treatments to the installation we are truly a one-stop-shop.


The Three Best Lighting Types for Your Home Office

With so many working from home these days, home offices have never been more important. You not only need a space of your own, but it’s important that that space is optimized for your best performance since working from home is already distracting enough on its own!

In this blog, we want to focus specifically on lighting in your home office. Often overlooked, lighting is one of the key components for your office productivity and can be the difference from a happy, productive day and a dreary, unfocused, slog in the office. Today we will look at the three best kinds of lighting you can put in your home office, how they all work together and which ones may be best for you based on your home. The three we will be looking at include:

  1. Recessed Lighting
  2. Pendant Lighting
  3. Chandeliers

Each has its own merits and we look forward to helping you find out which is the right mix for your space!

Recessed Lighting

Recessed-Lighting-Full-View

Recessed lights, also known as downlights or can lights, are a type of lighting fixture installed into the ceiling or wall. They are designed to sit flush with the surface for a sleek and polished finish and are the most common light fixture used in home offices. This is not a coincidence but rather a reflection of the reasons why recessed lighting is so beneficial in office spaces. In this blog we will walk through all aspects of this lighting, why it is best, the parts that comprise it, what is needed for installation, the best kind for your space, and LOTS of examples along the way. Let’s dive in! 

Components of Recessed Lights

There are typically two key pieces to a recessed light. They are the housing and trim. The housing and electrical wire along with it is not typically thought about very often because the components are hidden, and the bulb appears to glow from within the opening. It is hidden in the ceiling, or wall, and holds all of the necessary electrical components. 

The trim is usually white, or a color to match the space, and is the decorative molding that covers the opening of the light, it can be seen from the room below. 

Note: If you are working with incandescent lighting, you have a third piece, the lightbulb.

Is Recessed Lighting Appropriate for My Home Office? 

Recessed-lighting-in-home-office

Before we get too far into discussing specifics of recessed lighting in your home office, we should take a step back and discuss if it is a good fit for your home. Because the lights need to go into the ceiling or walls and deal with potential changes in electrical wiring, it’s crucial to plan everything ahead of time and ensure it works with your home.

Always consult an interior designer, General Contractor or electrician, someone who is familiar with residential lighting before you start in on your lighting plan. He or she can talk you through the process of a lighting plan. They can ensure your lights are meeting any local codes and of course install the fixtures for you.

Three Purposes of Recessed Lighting

Now that we know how the lighting is made up and if you are able to install it where you live, let’s discuss the purpose around why these fixtures are excellent for office spaces. Their purpose includes:

  1. Providing lighting over an entire room.
  2. Spotlighting or highlighting architectural details or features, for example, a painting or sculpture.
  3. Washing a wall with light to create a dramatic effect.

In a home office, the first purpose is always crucial, as you want to have lighting that allows you to feel alert in your workspace. It’s also likely that you may have a lovely bookcase or collection that you’d like to highlight and the second purpose perfectly aligns with those desires.

What Size of Recessed Lighting Do I Need?Formal-home-office-with-bookshelves-stacked-all-the-way-up-to-the-roof

There are a range of sizes on the market for recessed lighting, and the size of your trim really depends on your application.

When we look at trim sizes, we are generally looking at the measurement from side to side of the actual inside of the trim. This is the opening through which the light shines. 

Note: Keep in mind that this dimension is not the overall dimension of the trim.

The standard size recessed light used in many residential applications at one time was 6 inches. Because of the popularity and widespread usage by contractors and builders, this size can look dated. Newer trends seem to suggest that a 3 to 4 inch recessed is the new standard.

Choosing the Right Housing and Trim

As we discussed, recessed lights are made up of a variety of parts but there are two main components you should be aware of from a homeowner’s perspective, they are the housing in the trim. When thinking about the best type for your home office, these are the things we would consider for each.

Recessed Lighting Trim

In non-technical terms the trim refers to the visible parts of the fixture and include such things as the trim ring, a reflector, or baffle, and any other parts that serve to focus or direct the light source. They’re usually referred to as “baffle trims”, “reflector trims”, “eyeball trims” and “wall wash trims” among others.

Trim serves both functional and decorative rolls and since the trim is a large part of a recessed fixture that you see, it’s an important feature from an aesthetic point of view.

The reflector is a cone shaped part that surrounds the lamp and helps direct and focus the light. Reflectors come in a variety of finishes and colors that include black, white, and polished metal treatments.

Baffles are similar to reflectors except they are ribbed instead of smooth. These ribs help to defuse the light and reduce glare.

The trim ring is part of the trim kit that’s most noticeable because it sits on the surface of the ceiling. Whether it’s a circular or square fixture, the trim ring provides the finishing piece that covers the rough cut out in the ceiling.

Other trims like eyeball, eyelid, and wall wash trims serve to position the lamp at various angles and or restrict the direction of the lighting to accent features in the room or other architectural items.

Housing

The housing is the primary structure of a recessed light fixture; it houses the electrical components including the lamp and provides the means for attaching the fixture to the ceiling structure. It also provides the platform for mounting various trim components. There are two basic categories of recessed fixtures and they’re classified by the type of housing in the application.

New Construction: As the name indicates, new construction housings are meant for spaces for the ceiling line, i. e. sheetrock/drywall, has not been installed or has been removed. These housings are designed to be installed between the ceiling joist.

Remodel Housing: These are for installations with an existing ceiling. They enter the ceiling through the hole cut in the drywall or sheetrock and are held in place using clips.

This choice will be much easier to make than the trims, as they’re essentially decided for you based on your home!

What Type of Recessed Trim Is Right for Me?

The trim you choose should be determined by the application and your design aesthetic. Round trims have predominated for sometime, but square designs are becoming more popular. Some options even include a decorative flange or lens that can be glass, metal, or even crystal.

Trims are also defined by function:

  • If you’re trying to light a specific object or feature in a room, go for an adjustable or gimbal trim. These are designed to provide control and aim the light.
  • If you need a recessed light for a shower or outdoor space, make sure you look for a wet-rated or shower trim. These are designed to keep the fixture safe and functional in a wet space.
  • If you’re using recessed fixtures for general lighting, even with down light, you can keep in mind the color and shape of the baffle, which helps diffuse light better than an open trim

Should My Recessed Lighting be LED?

The simple answer to that question is, yes. They are the new wave of lighting, providing the most efficient and long lasting light available. LED’s will have a higher initial price point due to the technology involved. But keep in mind that, while they are more expensive to purchase, they also require much less energy to run and far less maintenance since they have incredibly long life spans.

Pendant Lights

Pendant Lighting

Pendant lights can be a wonderful addition to a home office! Commonly used as accent lighting, pendant lamps add direct light to whatever space they are hung. Most commonly used over a kitchen island or bar, pendant lights and the many shade options that come with them look like hanging jewelry when installed.

Sometimes called a drop or suspender, is a lone light fixture that hangs from the ceiling usually suspended by a cord, chain or metal rod. Pendant lights are usually used in multiples, hung in a straight line over kitchen islands or countertops and sometimes bathroom vanities.

Components of Pendant Lighting

As serious eye candy for designers, selecting pendant lighting can be fun. Think beyond aesthetics and make sure you know exactly what you want your lighting to do. The key components of pendant lighting include the pendant itself and the shades for it.

Light Fixture

While pendant lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all models serve a fairly similar purpose – they are decorative while doubling as an excellent lighting source. That said, certain design specifications will be more appropriate than others depending on the priorities that you have laid out for the ambience, appearance and energy performance of your space. There aren’t right or wrong answers for what the fixture should look like, as they all need the same components for hanging and use, so this is truly a style preference.

Shade Material

The most common shading materials for pendant lights include glass, metal, and plastic, however other options include fabric, wood, and stone. Clear glass naturally diffuses light in all directions, and is thus a great solution for areas that must be well lit like kitchens and bathrooms. Metals such as chrome and satin nickel can help create more dramatic light. Plastic is usually the cheapest option on the market, however it is prone to cracking and discoloration over time.

At What Height Do I Hang my Pendant Lights?

Pendant Lighting With Shades

The general rule of thumb is that it should hang 30 to 36 inches above the height of the counter or table. So sit at your counter and see where your eyes hit, which will most likely be your measurement. Another rule of thumb is 60 to 66 inches above the floor.

Chandeliers

Chandelier Lighting

Chandeliers take on a new meaning when hung in unexpected places, like a home office! Chandeliers are conjurers of decorating magic they not only produce light but they also reflect, magnify, and transform it. The word conjure means to evoke, stir… so wherever you hang a chandelier your eye will be raised to that spot. 

Chandeliers, Then and Now

With their opulent appearance … think Versailles with its magnificent, grandiose, chandeliers, they were once reserved for a very formal space, say dining room or entrance hall. However, today’s designers are taking the chandelier out of the dining room and adapting them to a range of different settings. Removing something from its original use and environment tends to make you look at it with a fresh eye. Anytime you create a contrast it captures people’s attention. 

What is the Purpose of a Chandelier?

The key is to think of chandeliers not so much for providing light but more for creating intimacy and glamour. Instead of hanging a chandelier in the middle of a room, ignore the architecture and track the future plan. Find a table in the room where you want lamplight and drop a chandelier there. It’s like pinning a brooch on a dress; it shouldn’t necessarily be right in the center of the room.

I personally like to use chandeliers in almost any room as long as the room has a high enough ceiling. Library‘s, powder rooms, family rooms, kitchens, master bedrooms, hallways, entrance halls and bathrooms. In the large houses built today, with double height entry foyer, great rooms, and kitchens, you often need a big chandelier or oversize lantern. Always air on the side of bigger. Small scale fixtures can look too precious. If you go back to the 17th or 18th century, things were much larger than people realize. Playing with contrast and scale is another way to create a bold juxtaposition. It’s always fun to use an oversize chandelier in a minimal space to make a statement.

Where Should a Chandelier Be Placed?

When evaluating where to place a chandelier, consider two elements: 

  1. The first look: How does it look from the front door of your home, from any adjacent rooms, and when you enter the room?
  2. Ask the task: Does it provide down light on the table or whatever you want to illuminate? We will often install downlights around the chandelier so that the silver and stemware glisten, the white tablecloth is brightened, and the fixture itself sparkles.

Another great way to get the feel of a chandelier in the space is to make a cardboard mock up of the fixture (of the same height and diameter)and try it out in the space. Even though I have been buying chandeliers and hanging light fixtures for clients for years, I always make a mock up before hanging anything.

How High Should I Hang a Chandelier?

When measuring for a chandelier, don’t think about it from the perspective of inches from the ceiling, but rather inches from the ground as ceiling heights always vary! A chandelier that people will walk under needs to be hung at least 6‘8“ off the floor. This has always been a safe rule.

Chandeliers over the dining table should typically be hung between 30 inches and 36 inches above the table, but it can depend on variables such as ceiling height, doorway height, and any artwork on the walls.

Which Bulbs Should You Use?

There are a lot more components to chandelier bulbs than you might expect! Because they are exposed, there are a few things to consider:

Wattage

Most experts advise using 25 to 40 watt bulbs and then putting them on a dimmer, an absolute must for a chandelier. A rule of thumb is that the total wattage of all bulbs should equal 200 to 400 watts for general illumination.

Tint

The choice between torpedo – or flame – tip, clear or frosted bulbs is a matter of taste. A frosted bulb provides softer light, but modernists tend to prefer clear bulbs.

Sockets

While most chandeliers come with smaller candelabra base sockets, if you were having the fixture re-wired, medium base sockets are more rugged and will stand up to the heat better. 

Note: Always check the maximum wattage restrictions.

Shades

One way to make a traditional chandelier work in a more relaxed interior is to dress it down a bit for example that might mean adding graphic lampshades to each candle, whether a gingham check, or a silk stripe, natural woven paper shade or plain paper shades. All of these shade choices will tone the actual look of the chandelier down.

Honorable Mention: Lanterns

 

Beyond the three key kinds of lighting you can have in your office, there is one more that is a favorite of mine in the right space: lanterns. 

Once used in old railway stations and front porches of older homes, lanterns add charm to any room. Not at all as serious as chandeliers, they can be made of newly made of glass and chrome for a more modern look or glass and zinc, a weathered gray metal for a more transitional look. Or if you are lucky enough to find an old lantern, say in an antique shop or flea market, maybe weathered oil rubbed bronze or brass you can have it rewired. Lots of lighting stores will rewire old fixtures for a very reasonable fee and the look when it is hung, is amazing.

I have purchased light fixtures all over the US and Europe when re-wired and installed they add character to any room.

Conclusion

Whether your taste and needs lead you to recessed lighting, chandeliers, lanterns or pendant lights or a combination, each serves a purpose and all add character to your home. All create a specific atmosphere and it is important to consider both your space as well as your style when making your selection.

Sometimes this task can feel daunting, especially when the space is completely blank, or so outdated it’s difficult to picture what it could look like. This is where consulting with an interior designer, like us, can help take what is in your head from a style and preference perspective, and apply it to your space with ease.

If you are struggling with lighting in your home office, or any space in your home we would love to discuss with you! Fill out the contact form and we will be in touch.


Kelley Astore Interiors

Expert Interior Design & Renovation Services of Every Style.

Where We Work

Northern Virginia, Washington, DC,
and the Greater Washington Area

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