Stylish Home Office

Design on a Dime : Episode DOD-1210 -- More Projects »
Jennifer and Paul moved into their first home six months ago and have since redecorated to make it feel like home, except for the guest house.
Photo

Before: The empty space lacked dimension and comfort.
Photo

After: Rich tones and furnishings add cozy style.
The Dilemma
The guest house has become catchall for storage boxes, computer and gaming components and odd furnishings. Everything is pushed out to the perimeter of the space, making it seem cavernous and uninviting. They'd like it to be a chic and comfortable retreat where they can hang out and overnight guests will feel at home. The Design on a Dime team signs on to transform the space for less than $1,000.
The Solution
The team designs the space with a warm gray and brown color palette and furnishings that will create a cozy sitting area and workspace. They'll revamp the room's existing bookcases, add a sofa, cocktail table and occasional chair, and redo the tile floor and hearth. Here's how they bring it all together.
PHOTO
Design coordinator Dave Sheinkopf selects a grayish-taupe latex-epoxy paint that will adhere well to the salmon-colored glazed tile at the entry and around the fireplace.

Interior designer Kristan Cunningham revamps the existing bookcases by attaching molding to the front edges for a custom look. She then gives them each a coat of chocolatey-taupe color.

PHOTO

Design coordinator Spencer Anderson gets to work on a transitional-style cocktail table. He starts by creating a rectangular cube out of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and uses 4 x 6-inch pieces of pine for the top, which he's stained a rich espresso color. He assembles the pine pieces by drilling holes in the sides and inserting metal rods to hold the timbers together. That is then attached to the top of the cube.
PHOTO
Dave revamps a thrift-store table by transforming it into a modern TV stand. The base of the stand includes cubbies to house the gaming components for Paul's favorite pastime.
PHOTO

Kristan gives the unsightly air conditioner unit a makeover using a decorative metal screen insert in a wooden frame. She hangs the framed screen over the unit, securing it with industrial-strength hook-and-loop fastener at the top edge. A fresh coat of creamy-colored paint finishes the project.
PHOTO
All the colors used in the space come together with two pieces of wall art that are placed on each side of the fireplace.
PHOTO

A chic sunburst mirror gets a coat of silver-colored paint and takes its place as the room's focal point.
PHOTO
A sleeper sofa in neutral taupe is centered in the space in front of the fireplace. The sofa is backed by Paul's desk, and a neutral area rug anchors the area.
PHOTO

A comfy occasional chair is placed in one corner, offering a spot to relax and read. Rich silk window treatments add texture and a touch of luxury to the space.
PHOTO
New desk lamps and matching floor lamps are added to provide intimate lighting. A salvaged pendant lamp gets a coat of modern silver-colored paint and is hung above the seating area.
The Cost

Paint - $72
Behr - Home Depot
Chair - $65

  • Tullsta - Ikea

Sleeper sofa - $175
  • Goodwill

Coffee table - $125
TV stand - $70
Bookcase makeover - $30
Air-conditioner cover - $15
Window treatments - $200
  • blinds, Iris, 90054036, $5.99 each - Ikea
  • taffeta panels, $39.99 - Linens 'N Things

Hanging light redo - $35
  • overhead light, $10.98 - Goodwill

Table and floor lamps - $80
  • Corona, 830040001077, $34.63 - Linens 'N Things

Art and pillows - $66
Mirror - $25
Area rug - $33
  • Metro Linen, 8609300234, $29.99 - Bed Bath & Beyond

Total - $991

Resources
decorative project materials
Goodwill Industries
Website: www.shopgoodwill.com
Also in this Episode
Design on a Dime : Episode DOD-1210
•Stylish Home Office