Bill Linnane: I want to turn my 22-year-old daughter’s bedroom into a home office – but she still thinks it’s her room

When preparing a house for sale, optimizing interior spaces for broad appeal is crucial for attracting potential buyers. A notable example of this strategy is the conversion of a nursery into a guest room, a transformation successfully implemented by designer Emily Henderson in her former Los Angeles home, which subsequently sold above its asking price. The nursery, originally designed for her baby girl, was an airy and comfortable space featuring a distinct forest-themed wallpaper across two walls. One wall showcased a vintage wicker day bed, while the other held an all-white crib. To transition the room into a guest bedroom, Henderson retained the bold wallpaper as a prominent backdrop, integrating more neutral furniture and decor elements. The new guest bed was dressed with fresh, light linens and paired with an understated walnut headboard, flanked by two small white nightstands. Previously, "baby" specific items such as a changing table, a pink pouf, and a wall-mounted unicorn head were removed and replaced with practical additions suitable for a guest room. These new elements included an extra chair for seating, a desk lamp for illumination and function, and a storage side table, enhancing the room's utility and general appeal. This strategic design change demonstrates how minor adjustments to a room's purpose and decor can significantly enhance a home's marketability. By opting for versatile and neutral furnishings, Henderson created a space that could appeal to a wider range of prospective buyers, moving beyond the specific needs of a nursery to a more universally welcoming guest bedroom. This approach highlights the importance of staging a home to showcase its adaptability and potential to different lifestyles, ultimately facilitating a quicker and more profitable sale. The transformation maintained the room’s inherent charm, primarily through the preserved wallpaper, while updating its functionality to meet the demands of a broader audience. #InteriorDesign #HomeStaging #EmilyHenderson #RoomTransformation #GuestRoom #NurseryConversion #HomeDecor #RealEstate

Christie Tonnessen, founder of Tonnessen Studio, was determined to create a dream nursery for her daughter, Parker, despite living in a rental home. Drawing on her expertise in interior design and marketing for design brands, she developed a plan that focused on impactful, portable elements and cost-efficient details. Tonnessen opted for a curated color palette inspired by a sage green floral fabric from Chelsea Textiles, applying it to ceiling trim, baseboards, and closet doors to infuse character into the previously plain guest room. A key feature of the nursery is a custom-designed daybed, which Tonnessen envisioned as a cozy nook for nursing and comfortable overnight stays. With landlord approval for minor construction, she created a daybed that appears built-in but is actually a twin bed frame and paneled section designed to slide out, simplifying bed-making. The daybed area is further enhanced by custom curtains and a matching Roman shade from Everhem, framing the space and giving it a distinct, cocooning feel. To personalize the nursery, Tonnessen incorporated meaningful touches. Despite assumptions that she would have a boy, she leaned into an animal theme for universally appealing decor. A wicker elephant side table evokes memories of her honeymoon in Thailand, while framed photographs of baby zebras capture her safari experiences. Her husband, Bobby, contributed by finding wall turtles at a flea market, including a baby turtle in the set. Family heirlooms also feature prominently, such as a dresser from Tonnessen's maternal grandmother and an antique French mirror. Navigating the room's layout presented challenges due to its three windows, two doors (including one to a Jack-and-Jill bathroom), and two sets of closet doors, limiting available wall space. Tonnessen strategically placed the crib along the most open wall, while the daybed created a dedicated corner for feeding and reading. The window seat was revitalized with new wall lights and cushion upholstery, becoming a favorite spot for Bobby. The design ensures ample floor space for Parker as she grows and becomes more mobile, with pillows available for comfort against the daybed or window seat. Flexibility and resourcefulness were central to Tonnessen's design philosophy, given the rental constraint. She chose drapery for pattern instead of fabric-wrapped walls, as curtains can be re-hemmed for future homes with different ceiling heights. Similarly, a generously proportioned custom wool rug from Bellbridge was selected with future adaptability in mind, allowing for it to be cut down and re-bound if moved to a smaller space. These thoughtful decisions underscore a practical yet stylish approach to designing a temporary home, reflecting the demands of new parenthood. #NurseryDesign #RentalFriendlyDecor #KidsRooms #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #PersonalizedDecor #DIYDesign #FamilySpaces #CreativeSolutions

The author, a reporter, details her experience and strategies for setting up an efficient home office within her Brooklyn bedroom, in anticipation of at least six more months of remote work. With the company's full remote transition in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, the author recognized the need for a long-term solution to maintain a work-life balance. The initial setup involved moving into the largest bedroom in her shared apartment, paying $950 a month for 150 square feet. The room previously contained a queen-sized bed, which was replaced with the author's full-sized bed to optimize space. This adjustment allowed the bed to be placed against the longer wall, creating enough room for a small walkway. The workspace was established using an existing entryway table, despite its lack of legroom, as a cost-effective solution. A central aspect of the author's strategy was to physically separate her work life from her personal life. This was achieved by creating a partition between the sleeping area and the office space. A cloth tapestry was used for this purpose, with two small holes cut into its top corners to allow it to be hooked onto the ceiling. This innovative solution effectively divided the room into two distinct sections without consuming additional floor space, providing a visual and psychological boundary between work and relaxation. When the tapestry is in place, the office area is out of sight from the personal side of the room, which includes the bed, a desktop computer, a wardrobe, and areas for hobbies. This separation helps reinforce the distinction between work and leisure. The personal space also features a significant number of plants, with six on the windowsill and one hanging from the ceiling. This inclusion of greenery was inspired by advice from a therapist, who highlighted the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature. One plant is specifically kept at the desk during work hours. Further emphasizing the importance of personal well-being, a dedicated corner of the room is reserved for hobbies. This area houses an electric drum set, a ukulele, and film developing materials. The author uses drumming during breaks to de-stress from work. This comprehensive approach to organizing the bedroom for remote work has proven to be more effective than previous arrangements, successfully integrating both professional and personal needs within a single, limited space. #RemoteWork #HomeOffice #BedroomOffice #WorkLifeBalance #Productivity #MentalHealth #SmallSpaceLiving #BrooklynApartment #InteriorDesign

Designer Leanne Ford assisted her brother, Steve Ford, and his wife, Andrea, in creating a nursery for their first child, Jack, within their 7,000-square-foot warehouse home in downtown Pittsburgh. Steve Ford had initially converted the industrial space into his residence in 2019, which later accommodated Andrea. The arrival of a baby necessitated a strategic redesign to incorporate a functional and comfortable nursery without relocating. Leanne Ford, known for her work on 'Restored by the Fords' and her design aesthetic, took on the task of transforming a former dining room/dance floor area into a 300-square-foot nursery. The chosen location for the nursery was previously an open area adjacent to an old garage door. Steve Ford undertook the construction, building a new room with double doors and a curved wall. Leanne Ford was then responsible for decorating this windowless space. Her design approach integrated elements from her Crate & Kids line, which had recently been released, featuring whitewashed woods and black accents. This style complemented the existing industrial character of the warehouse home, ensuring the nursery felt like a natural extension rather than a separate, incongruous addition. Steve and Andrea appreciated that the design seamlessly blended with their established home aesthetic. The absence of natural light in the nursery, while initially a potential challenge, proved to be advantageous for a newborn's sleep schedule. To prevent the space from feeling enclosed or dark, Leanne implemented several design strategies. She installed extra-long linen curtains from Etsy on slinky wires in front of the old garage door, which helped to soften the industrial backdrop. Layering rugs on the concrete floors added warmth and texture, making the room more inviting. Despite the 12-foot ceilings, the combination of carefully selected furniture, playful artwork, and varied textures on the walls, floor, and lighting contributed to a cozy and warm atmosphere for the entire family. Leanne Ford challenged conventional nursery layout rules by not pushing all furniture against the walls. Instead, she positioned Jack’s Canyon Spindle Crib closer to the center of the room and brought the bouclé rocker inward. This arrangement fostered a sense of flow and provided easy access for parents from multiple directions. The casual decor extended to leaning artwork on the dresser, a temporary solution until Jack becomes more mobile, and incorporating repurposed drop-cloth art from The Salt Air Farmhouse, which added a whimsical touch to the space. A significant and playful element in the nursery's design is an enormous vintage disco ball, prominently displayed over the center of the room. This choice reflects a shared affection for disco balls between Leanne and Steve, with Leanne having previously designed a disco ball holiday ornament for her Crate & Barrel collection. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the disco ball serves a functional purpose by reflecting light from the five sputnik-like flush-mount lights, illuminating the space. Steve Ford personally installed all the fixtures, utilizing his Hart Power and Hand Tools, demonstrating his hands-on involvement in the project. The article concludes by listing several products used in the nursery design, including a Homespun Kids Wicker Hamper, Canyon Spindle Crib, Joy Table Lamp, and a Faded Organic Geometric Baby Crib Quilt, all from Leanne Ford's collections. Overall, the project exemplifies a successful integration of a child's space within an unconventional industrial home, maintaining both functionality and a consistent aesthetic through thoughtful design choices and personal touches. #NurseryDesign #WarehouseConversion #IndustrialInterior #LeanneFord #KidsRooms #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SpacePlanning #UniqueDecor

Repurposing a teenager's former bedroom into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home office involves several key steps, starting with thorough decluttering. Design and organization experts emphasize the importance of sorting through all of the teen's belongings by category, such as clothes, books, and memorabilia. Items no longer needed should be discarded or donated, while cherished possessions can be stored in clear, weathertight bins or vacuum-sealed bags to protect them from damage and save space. The goal is to transform the room from a 'teenager's space' into a more neutral and elevated environment suitable for work. This transition often includes removing personal decor like posters or stickers and replacing them with mature, timeless pieces like abstract art or a stylish clock. Juvenile furniture should be swapped for items with clean lines and neutral tones, and a fresh coat of paint can significantly alter the room's atmosphere. Effective storage solutions are crucial for maintaining an organized home office. Movable storage drawers are recommended for easy access to important documents, and these can be paired with drawer organizers to keep smaller items tidy. It is also advised to regularly purge unnecessary office supplies, such as dried-out pens or old documents, and donate usable items to schools or charities. If the room needs to serve a dual purpose, such as a home office and an occasional guest bedroom, creating distinct zones is essential. This can be achieved through strategic placement of furniture like bookshelves or the use of area rugs to visually separate the workspace from the sleeping area. A tidy desk is paramount to ensure the work zone does not infringe upon the tranquility required for rest. Ergonomics and color choices play significant roles in fostering a productive and comfortable home office environment. Investing in a high-quality, ergonomic chair and ensuring the desk is set at the correct height are vital for physical comfort and efficiency. When it comes to color schemes, soft blues, greens, and grays are suggested as they offer a calming yet stimulating effect, promoting focus and creativity. Overly bright or dark colors should be avoided as they can be distracting or lead to fatigue. Integrating natural elements, such as live plants, can further enhance mood and productivity. Lighting is another critical aspect that is often overlooked. Positioning the desk near a window to maximize natural light is ideal, but adequate task lighting must also be provided for evening work or cloudy days. For smaller bedrooms, maximizing space is key, which may involve selecting a compact desk, an ergonomic chair, and using movable storage solutions like rolling racks that can be easily tucked away when not in use. Ultimately, incorporating personal style into the design ensures the space is enjoyable and inviting for both work and occasional visits. #HomeOffice #BedroomConversion #DeclutteringTips #HomeOrganization #InteriorDesign #Ergonomics #ColorPsychology #LightingDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions

Working from home has become increasingly common, and creating a designated workspace is crucial for productivity, even if that space is limited. This article highlights an innovative and practical solution for establishing a distinct home office, particularly for those with small living areas. The core idea, shared by designer Justina Blakeney, involves transforming an upholstered room divider into a functional pinboard and decorative element for a home office setup. The article explains that a dedicated home office, regardless of its size, can significantly boost productivity by minimizing distractions often found in shared living spaces like bedrooms or kitchen tables. A literal divide can effectively create this designated area. Blakeney's suggestion of repurposing an upholstered screen is presented as a 'genius idea' because it serves a dual purpose: it adds a vibrant pop of color and pattern to the workspace and simultaneously functions as an inspiration board. This dual functionality is particularly appealing for creative individuals or anyone who benefits from visual aids in their work. Blakeney's personal choice for this DIY project features a leafy, 'Jungalow-approved' print from The Inside’s collection, which is a collaboration with Iris Apfel’s Old World Weavers design house. This collaboration offers a variety of patterns, allowing individuals to choose a print that suits their aesthetic preferences. The upholstered screen can then be used to pin up mood boards, to-do lists, or other work-related materials, making the workspace both organized and visually stimulating. Furthermore, the article points out the versatility of an upholstered room divider. If one already possesses such an item, it can be temporarily relocated to a makeshift office. This not only delineates a clear workspace but also offers flexibility. Once the need for a dedicated home office diminishes, the room divider can be returned to its original purpose, whether that's breaking up a studio apartment layout or acting as a decorative headboard. This adaptability makes the solution cost-effective and sustainable, as it leverages existing furniture rather than requiring new purchases. In essence, the article advocates for a creative and flexible approach to home office design, particularly for small spaces. By transforming a decorative item like an upholstered screen into a multi-functional pinboard and room divider, individuals can create a visually appealing and productive work environment without undertaking extensive renovations or purchasing specialized office furniture. This DIY approach offers a simple yet effective way to define a workspace, add personal style, and support daily tasks. #HomeOffice #DIYProject #SmallSpaceSolutions #InteriorDesign #ProductivityHacks #JustinaBlakeney #RoomDivider #HomeDecor #WorkFromHome

The article details the transformation of an upstairs playroom in a SouthPark Tudor home into a modern and functional teen lounge. Designer Melissa Lee, principal designer at New South Home in Matthews, was commissioned by clients who sought to update the space for their daughters, aged 10 and 13. The goal was to create a mature lounge area suitable for schoolwork, entertainment, and sleepovers, moving away from a traditional playroom aesthetic. The initial phase of the renovation involved lightening the existing heavy architectural details of the room, such as the trim and beams, through painting. To align with the daughters' preference for a darker wall color while maintaining a feminine touch, Lee incorporated mauve and pink accents. The design also utilized patterned upholstery and natural wood elements to establish a "coastal boho vibe." Before the transformation, the room was characterized by a mix of child-sized furniture and a chalkboard wall. Lee removed a chair rail to reduce the room's formality and installed wall-to-wall Stainmaster carpet for comfort and durability. Walls were painted in Sherwin Williams’ Tempe Star, and the trim was refreshed with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. The darker wall color was chosen to impart a more mature feel to the space, demonstrating how paint can significantly alter a room's atmosphere economically. Woven shades were added to manage the late afternoon sun, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Considering the context of remote learning at the time, individual workstations were provided for each daughter. Reading sconces were installed above a built-in bench, and a large round table from Wayfair was placed in the center for additional workspace. Desks sourced from Target were upgraded with new knobs to create a more expensive appearance. An upholstered bulletin board was included for notes and lists, ingeniously concealing the wires from the sconces. A key feature of the redesigned space is a custom-built reading loft, designed to accommodate a double mattress on the upper level and a sofa beneath. A swing from Serena & Lily was added to introduce a whimsical element. The loft is adorned with an assortment of pillows from Wayfair, adding color and texture. An ombre wood beaded chandelier from Lumens serves as a central design element, chosen for its boho-chic aesthetic and its ability to make a statement in the high-ceilinged room. This lighting fixture was particularly well-received by the daughters, highlighting its importance in the overall design. #TeenRoomDesign #RoomTransformation #InteriorDesign #SouthParkHome #CoastalBoho #MelissaLee #NewSouthHome #HomeRenovation #WorkstationDesign

This article explores the evolving concept of the home office, emphasizing personal comfort and utility over rigid, idealized setups. The author recounts his personal journey in remote work, beginning in South Korea where his 'home office' was his bed, equipped with just a laptop. This experience highlights the practicality of minimalist setups, demonstrating that significant work can be accomplished with basic tools and flexible environments. Despite initial aspirations for a sophisticated office with multiple monitors and high-end equipment, the author discovered that these elaborate setups were not essential for productivity and comfort. The article critiques the common pressure to conform to prescriptive home office designs often promoted in popular media, such as those suggesting specific layouts or expensive equipment. Instead, it advocates for a personalized approach where the home office is defined by what makes the individual comfortable and productive. This could range from a simple laptop and standing desk to specialized audio/video gear. A key recommendation, however, is investing in a good office chair, recognizing its crucial role in long-term comfort and health for those who spend extended periods seated. Furthermore, the author acknowledges that a dedicated home office is a luxury not afforded to everyone. Many remote workers, particularly those starting out or in less privileged circumstances, often rely on whatever resources are available, much like the author's initial setup with a basic computer. This perspective underscores the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in remote work environments. Now, after 14 years, the author maintains a spartan home office but frequently shifts his workspace to other areas, including his back patio, to enjoy nature. This flexibility, facilitated by a laptop, allows for a more varied and enjoyable work experience. The article concludes by inviting readers to share their own home office setups, fostering a community discussion around diverse and effective remote work solutions. The overarching message is that the most effective home office is one that is tailored to individual needs and preferences, enabling comfort and productivity in a way that suits one's lifestyle. #HomeOffice #RemoteWork #Productivity #WorkLifeBalance #Ergonomics #DigitalNomad #FlexibleWorkspace #OfficeDesign #PersonalizedWorkspace