Jen emailed us a link to the office she dressed up for her friend Natasha. As a rising star in fashion PR, Natasha needs a space that exudes simple style. So over a weekend, Jen turned Natasha's sad space into a stylish office.
Jen describes herself on her blog as a DIY enthusiast who is "gradually turning into an Asian Martha Stewart". So it's no surprise that when her friend Natasha needed help dressing up her fashion PR office, she turned to Jen.
This project is a wonderful example that it doesn't take a lot of expensive furniture and accessories to dress up a space. Quite the contrary, actually. Keeping the space light and simple creates an elegant and effortless touch. Painting the walls a color similar to the existing carpet creates a wonderful blank canvas effect. Dropping a dark colored rug over the carpet not only hides the stains, it also creates an anchor for the room. Using black and white furniture and accessories completes the effortlessly stylish look. (You'll also notice that Jen built a radiator cover — nice touch!)
Check out Jen's full post on this project over on her blog — Jen Chu Design: Office Makeover for NH Media.
Images: Jen Chu
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Very well done. I like it!
Warm walls, nice curtains and glass furniture. What a difference.
It's lovely. Especially with no computer, chargers, desk lamp, or visible cords to clutter the simple style.
wow! What a major, yet simple transformation! It looks so fun, inviting, and creative! And now, she has all that wonderful natural light directly behind her! :) NICELY DONE!
The desk is exquisite—love glass furniture! This is an office with a lot of personality. Great job!
Beautiful! Great example of how simple changes can create big results.
I think I could get a lot of work done in this office-it's aesthetically pleasing and calming to the senses, leaving your mind clear for work focus-Bravo! I think I need to declutter my desk right now!!
More office posts would be great!
It's fine, assuming the inhabitant hasn't begun using it. Once paper and work detritus begin mounting, it could go back to being a sad space. Some color or artwork, and more storage would add function and life.
It's okay. Empty office get's neutral paint and furniture. Nothing really groundbreaking, but it's functional.
I've got to agree with Blandwagon. Maybe I've just ODed on AT, but a lot of the posts are getting predictable or outright bland. I realize running blogs take a lot of time and resources, especially to keep new info coming in daily for us hungry house decorators. So good for you, AT. And it's cool that you commenters' critical opinions stay up. I'm just sad that mediocre work gets such kudos here.
Well...I thought this was well done but would have also like to have seen something bright and eye popping.
The full blog post mentions the radiator cover that was made...which wasn't mentioned here.
I agree, that in a space such as this the glass furniture is fantastic, as it keeps the small space open and light. At the same time though, the office doesn't seem "light", or one "exudes style". To me, it's very generic and neutral and the color scheme and mags on the wall just remind me of a doctor's office. I think the space demands more splashes of color on the walls, and a vase full of colorful flowers would look great in the corner on the little white bookcase.
Pardon my typo, it should be "or one that 'exudes style'".
Thoughtful change. Calming. Now needs a great big green plant and curtains with personality. Think about replacing the black chair (foreground) with an upholstered number.
What no colour?
It's not the most innovative design, but it looks inviting and functional. I'm not sure that I would want to see bold color in a small office. It could get a little jarring or distracting.
This person is lucky that their office space started with good bones. Not everyone gets high ceilings, natural light, and an elegant pendandt lamp!
I think it's great!! Nice and simple. I for some reason imagine black trim on those curtains - I think it would be cute and add extra visual interest to them!
looks like two "before" pictures.
the pendant lamp is nice.
Wouldn't you want to be facing the window in such a small space?
It's kind of meh. I would have loved to see a great piece of art... a hint of colour... a sophisticated but invitingly cozy rug under the desk. It seems a bit sterile all in all.
It is a little boring, but when you're working with fashion pieces, it makes sense - it wouldn't be too helpful if the clothing clashed with the artwork...
BUT it seems unfinished to me. There is no computer, no filing cabinets, no phone...
I would have at least flanked the radiator with some filing cabinets: It would have made a constant shelf in front of the window and provided the storage.
I might even have done essentially two desks - one where it is in front of the window, and either another behind it or next to it along the wall. The additional desk would be a great place for the electronic work: computer, phone, etc. The regular desk (aka, the one that is already there) would have been great for interacting with clients in an open workspace.
Wow. Haters, haters everywhere. Nice space. Clean lines and neutral color scheme are perfect for this small space.
It's off to a good start - but wouldn't the back desk be a bit too close to that window AC when it was being used? Also, I know many people like to face the desk to "greet" so a large mirror on the side wall might help bring more of the outdoor scene inside.
I think a colorful patterned rug (maybe wild floral) would really liven up the space.
I honestly don't know what the big deal is about this office. Why would I have my back to the window, instead of putting the desk (a longer, more practical one) on the left wall so I could gaze out at the streetscape? Also, when people come into the office they wouldn't be able to see my face because of the bright window back light. Some more color would be good – as it is I'd want to curl up and have a nap every afternoon – as the existing beige tones are soporific.
Simple and nice, I do like it but agree that desk positioning is not the best one. I also regret that the radiator been covered. I think it's great and painted in a bright colour would make a statement in itself!
It's fine. I don't find it to be particularly creative, but it's nice enough. I think most people with reasonable design sense could come up with this one, though, so not sure why it's on AT.
"Rising star"??? Is that like Lake Wobegon where "all the children are above average"? Why do you have to write this way?
I love radiator covers -wish I had some for my classroom -instant storage! I love that Jen positioned the desk facing out. I would do the same if our office weren't so small w/ such a gigantor desk/so much STUFF. Really good use of space.