STYLE ROOM – October 2014
by Jen DeRose

Home offices are easily overlooked when it comes to decorating, but why shouldn’t a workspace reflect the rest of your design style? (And who wouldn’t mind hunkering down to get some work done if it’s in a comfortable and creative space like this one featured in Julie Carlson’s Remodelista?) The barn- style workspace is a modern mix of weathered wood and minimalistic lighting, shabby-chic seating, and a clean-lined desk. An overall neutral color scheme is restful to the eyes (a must after staring at a screen for hours), but in my version, subtle pops of soft blue play into a classic Maine view of sea and sky. Sculptural pottery adds personality and aids with organization: I like Islesboro artist Hilary Kahrl’s organic cups as much for sipping tea as for corralling odds and ends such as paper clips and rubber bands. Stylish storage also is found in a nautical-inspired wood caddy from Salt Furniture Co. The design is based on a tackle box—a shipshape way to stash pencils and pens. Finally, should your house lack architectural detail, wood-patterned wallpaper, reclaimed antique flooring, and dramatic trusses can turn even the barest box into a been-there-for-years haven.