home office progress and paint decisions

Progress in my home office has been slow but steady.  I finished painting the walls, and I absolutely love the way this soft shade of pink looks in here.  I went with Sherwin Williams Rachel Pink and had it reduced 75%.

pink walls - grey chairs

I also installed the new light fixture I picked up for the space at a local home decor shop, Lynden Leigh.  To say I’m in love would be a total understatement.  This fixture was a game changer in here!

ceiling fixture - office

I’ve ordered the curtain panels  and the rug, but they’ve yet to arrive.  So here’s where things stand as of now.

Current State of Progress

pink walls office

pink walls office progress

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect high back desk chair.  I’m happy to see my design plan starting to come to life.  Slow progress is better than no progress.

Paint Decisions

What’s next on my to-do list is to paint the sideboard.  I know once the rug arrives that it will help to break up all of the wood tones, but I still think the wood table against the dark wood sideboard feels really heavy.  It also makes it appear that the room is over stuffed even though there’s plenty of space in here for both pieces.  On top of that this piece is years old and has moved around with us since our Pittsburgh days.  A coat of paint will definitely give it new life as it’s a little worse for the wear.

The trouble is what color to paint?

office paint decisions

(grey gourd lamp)

White seems like the obvious, easy choice as it will really help this piece to sort of disappear into the wall.  While that is kind of the effect I’m going for, will white be too boring?

A muddy shade of green, either light or dark, seems like a nice play off of the fern leaf curtain fabric.  But would that be too matchy-matchy?

pink walls - sideboard color

And last but not least, a bright red seems like a fun idea that would bring out the red in the artwork.  But would it have the affect  of lightening the piece enough?  Will red be enough of a visual break against the wood table?

office sideboard decisions

What are your thoughts gang?  Which color should I choose?  Or do you think I should leave the sideboard as is?

sideboard color options

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  • I think you should wait until you get the rug and reevaluate then. I’m leaning toward the light green with what you have going so far. It wouldn’t compete with the fab desk and it wouldn’t match the drapes. It would be neutral enough to blend in too. Looks great!!!

  • Long time lurker, first time commenter. I also think you should wait until the rug and window treatments are in place. All of the colors you chose would look great. I am; however, partial to the light green and red. Love the look!

  • Red. The green with the green curtains is too much green for me. I agree the white would just disappear into the wall.

  • I say do not paint it — at least not yet….I would first put the room together and see how it looks from there.

    After the rug, etc… if the dark wood is still not “the look” for you ….Sample #4 is grey–yes?
    That would look nice…. carry the gray in the chairs over there. Then use red in your accessories to get your red “fix”.

    Huge fan,
    Lisa H.

  • I just love how fearless you are with your style. The drapes and rug surprised me at first, but I know they will look amazing!!! I second guess myself ALL the time, and I hate it. Do you? How do you feel when you make those bold design decisions? Is it just easy for you?

  • I know it’s not one of your options. With this being a first impression in your home. I’d suggest a copper sulphate blue lacquer. You seem to like a good pop of color.

  • It hasn’t always been easy, but I stopped worrying about “making mistakes” and started trusting my gut more. You win some, you lose some. But you don’t learn anything or get the results you really want without taking risks.

  • I would wait for sure. Once everything is together, a cool tone might be nice to enliven the pink and green colors. Of the choices above I like light green best. Also another neutral tone like a rich taupe may be an elegant choice.

  • I would wait to see it with the rug, but I must say I like how the sideboard pulls in with the beautiful light fixture. If it were me I probably would not paint. Adds an element of depth that catches my eye.

  • Love the progress! This office is going to be sweet. I’d say go for one of the greens on the credenza, I agree that red won’t be enough of a visual break from the desk. I’ve loved your blog for a long time; you got a fantastic sense style, lady! Once those curtains go up this room is going to look amazing.

  • I love pausing and coming back to a project with fresh eyes! It helps so much! Sometime I purposely take a break from CAD drawings at the office to answer emails just to get a mini-refresh before diving back into design. It’s so needed!

  • I’ve been a little afraid since your first mock up that red would bring out the orangy tones in the desk. 🙁
    And while I normally love white, I’m. Or feeling that, either. Maybe the lighter muddy green since that one won’t be as matchy with the curtains?

    Good luck!

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