Old English Library
We have all seen them, a lot of people live in them, it is the new construction home. White walls, standard carpet, very little details, for some it is a nightmare to know what to do, for others it's an opportunity to get creative. These homeowners use their side room as an office space but it lacks any character and warmth. They want a space to have old world charm and be a source for inspiration.
The Old English Library is a classic choice for an office space, dark wood tones, rich fabrics and a majestic desk gives a room a sense of grandeur. First to go is the standard green carpet which was actually in good shape and reused in another area of the home. New hardwood floors in a dark stain with a hand scraped finish lays the groundwork for this transformation. Using the dark color, wide plank floors instantly gives the space a sense of warmth and age.
High paneled walls stained an English Chestnut color is accented with a substantial baseboard, small portrait molding on the panels and dental molding on the top. A light, cream color paint on the top of the walls gives a subtle break between the panels and the new coffered ceiling.
The fabric, in crimson and gold, gives the room a sense of weight and grandeur. The valence was simply created by gathering fabric on the ends and middle of a piece of wood and using a staple gun to hold the gathers in place. Fabric panels on either end complete this dramatic look. The area rug, also in crimson and gold, ties in with the window treatment, giving the room added texture and making the room feel warm.
The desk stands as a functional work of art in the room. The file cabinet is cleverly designed to look like a credenza. In this space a metal file cabinet would not do.
Clocks, globes and porcelain bookends are the finishing touches to this dramatic transformation.
