His and Hers Home Office

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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