Welcome to the grand unveiling of our dream home office! This project has been a labor of love, countless hours of planning, and meticulous execution, but the breathtaking results speak for themselves. We are beyond thrilled to finally share this beautiful, functional space that perfectly captures our vision for productivity, comfort, and inspiring aesthetics.
To truly capture the essence and beauty of this transformation, we had the immense pleasure of collaborating with the incredibly talented team at Fielding Films. Their expertise brought our office reveal to life in a stunning video, showcasing every carefully chosen detail and the vibrant atmosphere we’ve created. It was such a fun and memorable morning, and we’re already dreaming of having Beth back to create a cherished family video for us.
As you embark on this visual tour with us, don’t forget to follow our journey on Instagram at @ohsweetbasil! We’re excited to announce a special giveaway – you could win the very same gorgeous chandelier, valued at $900, that graces our new office. Stay tuned for details!
Designing a Functional and Inspiring Home Office
Creating a home office that is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing for the entire family was our primary goal. We wanted a space that could seamlessly transition from a productive workspace for us to a creative hub for our children. This ambitious project required thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships to achieve the perfect balance of form and function. Every element, from the foundational cabinetry to the smallest decorative accent, was chosen with purpose to foster an environment of creativity, focus, and comfort.
The Canvas: MasterBrand Cabinets & Diamond Cabinetry
A cornerstone of our office design was our collaboration with MasterBrand Cabinets. We envisioned a bright, open feel, and the decision to go with exquisite white cabinetry was pivotal in achieving this. The white cabinets from Diamond Cabinets, a MasterBrand brand, serve as the perfect luminous canvas, allowing all the vibrant colors, diverse textures, and personal touches throughout the room to truly pop. Beyond their stunning visual appeal, these cabinets boast an exceptional quality that is evident in their touch. It might sound unusual to describe cabinetry as “silky smooth,” but that’s precisely how they feel – a testament to their superior craftsmanship that enhances the overall tactile experience of the room.
To complement the pristine white cabinetry, we carefully selected gorgeous Champagne accents from Atlas Homewares. These hardware pieces add a subtle touch of luxury and warmth, acting like delicate jewelry for the furniture and elevating the sophisticated feel of the space.
One design choice that initially gave us pause was extending the cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. Given that it’s a relatively small room, our fear was that this might make the space feel even more confined. However, the outcome was quite the opposite! This vertical extension dramatically elongates the room, drawing the eye upwards and creating an illusion of greater height and spaciousness. Furthermore, it offers a brilliant practical advantage: no more dusty cabinet tops to clean! This clever design choice maximized storage, enhanced the room’s grandeur, and reduced maintenance, proving to be an absolute win-win for our home office design.
The Perfect Hue: Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
The journey to selecting the perfect paint color was an adventure in itself, involving much deliberation between various shades of white. Ultimately, we settled on Sherwin-Williams, Alabaster, and it was undeniably the right decision. What makes Alabaster truly special is its inherent warmth. Unlike many stark whites that can feel cold or sterile, Alabaster offers a soft, inviting glow that makes the office feel cozy and welcoming, rather than resembling a hospital environment – a feeling we were keen to avoid. This subtle warmth ensures the room feels bright and airy without sacrificing comfort.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the quality of Sherwin-Williams paint is exceptional. It has proven to be incredibly durable and resistant to dirt, which is a major advantage in a high-traffic family space. Moreover, its beautiful, gentle white tone creates an ideal backdrop, allowing our carefully chosen pops of color and textures to truly shine without competition. Sherwin-Williams provided the paint for this project, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with how perfectly it sets the stage for our vibrant office decor.
Thoughtful Touches & Unique Decor Finds
Our design philosophy for the office centered on blending functionality with meaningful, unique elements that tell a story. We believe that a truly inspiring space is one that feels personal and lived-in. To achieve this, we embraced the charm of vintage finds. We discovered a collection of old books at our local DI, similar to a Goodwill, which proved to be an unexpected treasure. These weathered books, with their rich textures and varied hues, immediately added depth, character, and a sense of history to our shelving, contrasting beautifully with the crispness of new decor items. They infuse the room with a unique feeling that modern, shiny books simply couldn’t replicate, contributing to a cozy, curated atmosphere.
Among these old books, we stumbled upon a truly special find: a darling, handwritten letter tucked neatly inside one of the pages. There’s something incredibly personal and evocative about a handwritten letter, and this one, beginning with “Dear Mother,” immediately captivated us. It felt like a little piece of history that deserved to be saved and cherished. This letter has become a fantastic talking point in the office, with everyone curious about its origins and the story it might tell. It’s these unexpected, sentimental discoveries that truly transform a house into a home.
Curated Comfort: A Deep Dive into Our Favorite Office Pieces
Every element in our new office has been carefully selected to enhance both its beauty and its utility. We believe that thoughtful details are what elevate a space from merely functional to truly inspiring. Here’s a closer look at the key pieces that complete our dream home office:
1. Golden Field Art Print
This stunning art print brings a serene burst of color into the room without overwhelming the calm aesthetic. Its soft hues and gentle subject matter contribute to the overall peaceful yet inspiring atmosphere we aimed to create in our home office.
2. Perla Chandelier
The Perla Chandelier is more than just a light fixture; it’s a statement piece that adds an undeniable touch of elegance and sophistication to the entire office. We’ve previously raved about Lighting Connection for their exceptional selection and quality, and this chandelier perfectly exemplifies why we’re such devoted fans. Its intricate design casts a beautiful glow, transforming the ambiance of the room. As a special thank you for all your support, we’re hosting another exciting giveaway where one lucky follower will win this very chandelier! Stay tuned for how to enter.
3. Flower Band Giclee Print Framed
Currently, this piece holds the title of my absolute favorite artwork in our entire home. It effortlessly combines lightness, freshness, and simplicity, making it a versatile and captivating addition to any space. The way it brightens the wall and complements the surrounding decor is simply delightful. Be sure to check out the related photos on the product page; they showcase other equally lovely options.
4. Peach and Gold Elephant Graphic Art
We believe in involving our children in the design process to make our home truly a family space. For the office, we presented them with various prints in our chosen color palette, and this sweet Peach and Gold Elephant graphic art was an instant favorite! It adds a playful yet sophisticated touch, reminding us that this is a space for everyone.
5. Bernadette Embroidered Pillow
No comfortable space is complete without a touch of softness, and the Bernadette Embroidered Pillow delivers beautifully. Its unique embroidery and rich texture set it apart from ordinary pillows, adding a layer of visual interest and tactile comfort to our seating area. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact on the overall coziness.
6. Pink Peonies in Glass Vase
It sounds almost absurd, but this exquisite artificial peony arrangement is undeniably one of my top purchases of the entire year. I know, that’s quite a claim, but it’s absolutely true! These stunning pink peonies look incredibly realistic and bring an unparalleled vibrancy to the room. I adore them so much that I envision them adorning every corner of my home – and I fully intend to make that vision a reality!
7. Over-dyed Turquoise Rug
This magnificent over-dyed turquoise rug from RugsUsa is an absolute marvel. While Cade and I often gravitate towards neutral tones, our daughters were eager to contribute their ideas to the decor. We let them help select this beautiful rug, which brilliantly incorporates a hint of blue – a color we strive to carry subtly throughout our home to create a harmonious flow between rooms. The rug’s super-saturated color instantly adds depth, warmth, and a unique focal point to the office. If you’re looking to revitalize your space, I wholeheartedly recommend replacing an old rug with a vibrant, characterful piece like this.
8. Champagne Hardware
As we mentioned earlier, the Champagne hardware from Atlas Homewares plays a crucial role in the office’s refined aesthetic. These seemingly tiny details possess the power to transform a merely lovely room into a truly polished and sophisticated sanctuary. Think of it like applying a touch of mascara: while we are naturally beautiful without makeup, a hint of mascara subtly enhances and draws attention to one of the face’s most captivating features. Similarly, well-chosen hardware acts as the perfect finishing touch, highlighting the beauty of your cabinetry and tying the entire room together with understated elegance.
9. Erin Tufted Arm Chair
The Erin Tufted Arm Chair is not designed for sprawling out all day, but rather to inspire engagement and introspection. With its elegant high back and supportive arms, it’s the perfect companion for deep conversations, immersive reading sessions, or quiet moments of contemplation. Adding a soft pillow behind your back makes it an inviting spot to lean in and truly connect with your thoughts or a good book.
10. Ojai Pouf
Perhaps it’s a sign of age, but for me, elevating one’s feet is an absolute necessity when settling into a reading chair. The Ojai Pouf not only provides that essential comfort but also introduces a wonderful layer of texture to the room. Its presence enhances both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of our cozy reading nook, inviting relaxation and ease.
11. Diamond Cabinetry
Our stunning Diamond Cabinetry serves as the backbone of our office design, providing both exceptional storage and a sleek, modern aesthetic. For a more in-depth exploration of why we absolutely adore our cabinets and the detailed selection process, we invite you to refer back to the earlier sections of this post. Their quality and beauty truly elevate the entire space.
12. Connelly Dining Chairs
When selecting seating for the office, comfort was Cade’s paramount concern, and these Connelly Dining Chairs exceed all expectations! We are particularly fond of their inviting color, the warmth of their natural legs, and their surprising level of comfort. They truly are perfection for our space. If you’re exploring other options, consider these equally lovely alternatives: this white and gold office chair for a touch of glamour, this gorgeous wood chair for natural elegance, this more modern task chair for contemporary flair, or this side chair with pillows for added comfort and style.
13. Roman Shades by Windows By Melissa
The convenience of ordering custom shades online has been a game-changer for our home decor projects. These Roman Shades are incredibly simple yet exude an undeniable elegance that perfectly complements our office aesthetic. They look absolutely beautiful whether pulled up to let in natural light or drawn down for privacy and softness. Working with Windows By Melissa has been a fantastic experience; their consistency and quality make every project effortless. In fact, we’re so thrilled with their work that they are currently creating another bespoke set of Roman Shades for our dining room!