Published on June 11, 2019 | Last Updated on May 13, 2020
An unused bedroom is turned into a much-needed his and hers home office chock full of personal touches and smart space solutions.
It seems that accidental renovations are a reoccurring phenomenon in our house. First, it was the girls’ bathroom remodel, which came about after we discovered a wobbly mirror and decided the whole space needed to be gutted. This time, it’s our home office, which was originally supposed to be a guest room.
His Side
When this makeover began, the plan was to have a daybed with a trundle on this wall for guests. Ultimately though, Jeff and I decided we needed a home office space more than a guest room. We also decided not to get too attached to the idea of a permanent his and hers home office in case we ever need to pivot and convert this space to a guest room.
I knew from the outset that I wanted this room to tell the story of the man I love. Jeff grew up with drug-addicted parents, was homeless for a time as a child, and has continually fought an uphill battle to overcome the hurdles in his life. He fought hard so he could lead a normal life and have a healthy marriage and family.
But the point is not that he struggled. The point is, he weathered the storm, worked hard, and created a life he loves despite the odds. I HAD to tell that story in this home office design, and I did that with this gorgeous Cole and Sons wallpaper.
The Design Details
Fatherhood is such a big part of who Jeff is, so I added this little clay bowl that Hannah made in elementary school to Jeff’s side of the office. It’s perfect for holding paper clips and making him smile while he’s working.
I partnered with Alva for a Roman shade in our loft, but when it came time to choose a window treatment for our his and hers home office, I decided to try the shade in here. I love it so much! The charming, slightly-wrinkled linen conjures the feeling of a ship’s sail…perfect for the sea of storm clouds it’s centered on.
Office Lighting
In the original design plan, I chose these Transitional Swing Arm Sconces from Shades of Light because they were going to act as bedside lamps for the guest room. These are perfect for that purpose because they have a pull chain (no getting up to flip a switch), they swivel for more focused light when you need it, and they offer diffused light because of the fabric shade. Despite the fact that we changed the function of the room to a his and hers home office, these sconces look amazing in this space and provide the best ambient lighting.
Meaningful Decor
For as long as I’ve known Jeff, his favorite quote has been “A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.” As I researched the quote, I found that Franklin D. Roosevelt is credited with saying “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” In the name of being accurate, I ordered a custom quote banner with those words. Turns out, the original quote my husband loves so much is an old English proverb. Roosevelt merely repeated it in his own way…it didn’t originate with him.
I was so bummed when I learned that, so I will be having a new banner made. But it’s still so beautiful, especially under the original, antique oil painting I found on a recent trip to Julian, CA. I couldn’t have found a more fitting piece of artwork for this space!
Needless to say, Jeff loves his side of our home office, and he is settling in nicely.
Her Side
This was originally where Jeff was supposed to have a desk, but I’m so happy to call this my space now! I can’t believe how beautiful it is and that I get to work here every day.
I knew I wanted vertical shiplap installed in this niche, and this product from Lowe’s made it so easy. This is the same shiplap I used this shiplap in our reading nook as well as Hannah’s bedroom.
I installed the floating shelves up as high as I did because I’m hanging a beautiful glass message board underneath.
Update on His and Hers Home Office
Here is my desk niche now with the glass message board installed and in use. I also swapped out the chair and restyled the shelves. I love it just as much today as I did when I built it. This space has really come in handy during this extended time at home.
Home Office Before
The long-term plans for this room include hardwood floors, a rug, and wood beams. I would call this makeover phase one of this room’s design plan.
Will this space be even better with those additions? Of course! But I don’t believe in waiting to use or enjoy a space until you can afford to do every single thing perfectly. A can of paint and some good decor go a long way in improving any room.
To make my point, here are some before photos of this space:
Our his and hers home office project is a design love letter to my husband; a very skillful sailor who navigates through adversity in the most inspiring way. I’m so thankful the Lord saw fit to give me a life partner who challenges me to be better and loves me so well it’s humbling. He is the hardest worker, most loving father, and he is so deserving of this space.
So tell me, do you have a home office? If not, do you wish you had one?
I’m finding it more difficult than I anticipated to make myself work in here rather than at the kitchen table. But when I do, I’m so much more productive. Hey, at least it’s a beautiful space at the top of our stairs!
Until the next project friends,
Source List:
Wallpaper – Cole and Son Nuvolette in Black and White
Sconces – Transitional Swing Arm Sconce from Shades of Light
Ceiling Fan – Hunter Hepburn Fan in Black
Desk – Campaign Desk from World Market
Chair – Wayfair
Linen Roman Shade – Oatmeal Linen Flat Roman Shade from Alva
Canvas Banner – Custom from Linen and Poppi
Oil Painting – antique
Wood and Rattan Bench – Target
White Desk Chair – Ballard Designs Dayna Chair
Marble Base Lamp – Home Goods find
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Hi! My husband was thinking we needed a butcher block for the desk part of the shelves, but I am wondering if that may be too heavy. I notice the desk part of this nook is more substantial than the shelving material. I saw your floating shelves tutorial, but am unsure how to make the desk. Did you make it from the same material as the shelves, just deeper and thicker? Hope this makes sense.
Hi there,
Yes, I made it the exact same way but without an underside. So it’s just a large piece of 3/4″ plywood on a frame of 1×2’s and then I attached the front edge piece to cover everything up and make it look nice and thick. It’s actually super easy!
Hi!!!! Love this space! His office (well both) are stunning! I was wondering how high the desk is off the ground and the measurements of the shelves (how high from the desk and each other and their depth)
Yours is phenomenal! Wondering if I can get a similar situation in a nook I have!
Hi there! I’ll have to measure for you. I know the desk height was based off of my husband’s desk, so probably 29″-31″ but the shelves are way too high and not deep enough. I’m actually going to resolve that by rebuilding them so they are deeper and can hold more stuff, but also I’m going to add a third shelf where the glass white board is because we never use that, and we need more storage. I’ll share those measurements when I do that post…hopefully soon!
What a touching story. When I started following you, I knew then that you have some sort of connection to the Philippines ( I was born there) by looking at some items in your home. I love how you decorate and use pieces that have a story and meaning to your life. It is such a joy to read your blog. Keep it up, sister!
Thank you so much Miriam! Yes, I have a strong connection with the Philippines. Two of the children in our international choir were from Cebu and we still keep in touch with them! I can’t wait to visit someday! Thank you for reading the blog!!
I love how every piece you detailed in the post is so thoughtful and meaningful to either you or your family.
It’s all very beautiful
Thank you so much! It’s very important to me that design has meaning and purpose.
Not only are you extremely talented with bringing to life a beautiful space, but your story behind this redo really touched my heart ❤️
Thank you Diane. It’s the story that makes a space in my opinion. I just love a collected interior that tells your story!
Gorgeous! I love all the special touches and the meaning behind each piece.
Thanks so much Amanda! You’ll have to come see it in person sometime. It really is a special space for me and Jeff!
Beautiful! I love how it all came together.
Thank you Kim! It’s a dream to work in here now!