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Emily A. Clark

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My Home Office Makeover: Finally Finished

February 27, 2012

As promised, I cleaned up my work space enough to take pictures of our newly completed home office:

home office library
You may remember, we converted what was suppose to be the dining room, into the office.
home office farmhouse table
Our biggest addition to the space were the bookcases that we had built by a local carpenter (email me if you need a referral; he did a great job!).  The wall behind the desk was huge, and I wanted something that would make a big impact since it’s one of the first things you see coming through the front door.
I replaced the original chandelier with this oversized lantern that I picked up at my Habitat Restore.  I blogged about the makeover process here.
home office lantern lighting

To make the shelving pop, we painted the back of the bookcases a dark gray by Sherwin Williams called “Urbane Bronze.”

home office bookshelves

accessorizing home office

Since I know we all love a good “before and after,” here’s a look back at how the room started:

dining room before

This is how I worked for months, shopping for furniture and thinking about how to make my vision of floor to ceiling bookcases come to life.  I found the farmhouse table on Craigslist, the metal chairs at a Pottery Barn outlet, and my linen desk chair came from TJMaxx.

home office during makeover

built-in bookcases

The real challenge came when it was time to fill the bookshelves. I didn’t have nearly as many books as I thought, but wanted it to be colorful and have a real “library” feel. Several friends and family members gave me extra books, and I lucked out at a recent Habitat Restore book sale where I bought them by the box-full for next to nothing.

dining room turned into home office

For  more color, I moved the Ikat rug from our foyer that I blogged about here (from RugsUSA):
home office study

home office with built-in bookcases

What I like most about the space is that it should easily transition back to a dining room with the addition of some chairs, if we ever need the space.  For now, though, I plan on doing a lot more blogging than hosting dinner parties. . .  Hope you enjoyed :)

home office with bookshelves

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Filed Under: before and after, home office, our home

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mr. Goodwill Hunting says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    Emily!!!!

    It looks sooo good.

    Turning those dining rooms into home offices are the best things since double breasted suit!!!

    Cant wait to catch up.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting

    Reply
  2. Fiona says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    It’s lovely! But Urbane Bronze looks like a gray shade? Puzzling name choice!

    Reply
  3. court. says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    Emily. This is insanely gorgeous! Great job styling the bookcases, that’s always my weakness.

    Bravo!

    Reply
  4. Simply LKJ says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    What a gorgeous room! Love the addition of the bookcases. I have always loved a dining room with a wall of books for some reason. I guess the thought of sharing a good meal and being able to pull a good book right off the shelf appeals to me. I remember when we had our library shelves built. I thought we had tons of books, but once I got to filling the shelves I realized we didn’t really have as many as originally thought!

    Reply
  5. Marta says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Looks so much bigger with the shelf!!!
    I think it’s stunning, Emily. Well done!

    Reply
  6. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    ooh it is beautiful! i am drooling over the table/desk and love the rug, too!

    Reply
  7. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    ooh it is beautiful! i am drooling over the table/desk and love the rug, too!

    Reply
  8. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    ooh it is beautiful! i am drooling over the table/desk and love the rug, too!

    Reply
  9. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    ooh it is beautiful! i am drooling over the table/desk and love the rug, too!

    Reply
  10. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    ooh it is beautiful! i am drooling over the table/desk and love the rug, too!

    Reply
  11. modern jane says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Everything is gorgeous. The rug, the dark backs of the bookcase, the metal chairs with the rustic table. Love it all! Perfectly done!

    Reply
  12. Jillian Nicole says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    Absolutely amazing! I love the lantern that you went with and the books look amazing against that darker background–fantastic job!:)

    Reply
  13. Tiffany says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    This looks magazine worthy! I still can’t get over the light transformation and I love the bookcases. Your books look so colorful against the gray. Love the whole thing!

    Reply
  14. BTLover2 says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    What an amazing transformation! I adore everything especially the built-in bookcase wall. Incredible! You never disappoint me — such a talent!!

    Reply
  15. Dana [email protected] Make Them Wonder says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    You knocked it out of the ballpark, Emily. Totally looks like it came straight out of a magazine!

    Reply
  16. leanne says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    This is stunning! I love it. You did such a great job pulling everything together! I love everything about the space! And if you needed to turn it back into a dining room someday, it definitely doesn’t look like it would be a hard transition at all! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  17. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Fabulous! Love the bookshelves!!

    Reply
  18. Snippi Tippi says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Fabulous Emily!- love where u put the over sized painting- looks great in the hall. Looking forward to more pics of your new house!!

    Reply
  19. Cara {An Urban Cottage} says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    It looks fabulous, Emily! All too often, offices are tucked in a dark, undesirable extra room. I love that you converted some prime real estate into your office!

    ~Cara
    http://www.anurbancottageblog.blogspot.com

    Reply
  20. Pacific NW Blogfan says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Looks awesome. Congrats.

    Reply
  21. Jules says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Emily, this is absolutely incredible. I feel so inspired to finish up the process on my own home office. TIME is my major issue. Also, making a run TODAY over to my Hab Restore – cross your fingers for me that I’ll luck out like you did! :)

    Reply
  22. PhotoMania says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Beautiful! Love it!

    Reply
  23. Michelle says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    It’s awesome! Love! And would love to know your carpenter’s name if you get a chance: thatmommyblog{at}gmail.com

    Reply
  24. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    what an amazing space. every detail is perfect. just beautiful.

    Reply
  25. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    what an amazing space. every detail is perfect. just beautiful.

    Reply
  26. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    what an amazing space. every detail is perfect. just beautiful.

    Reply
  27. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    what an amazing space. every detail is perfect. just beautiful.

    Reply
  28. Kara @ June & Bear says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    what an amazing space. every detail is perfect. just beautiful.

    Reply
  29. Tracy Walpole says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    Stunning!

    Reply
  30. Cathy Wall says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    Fabulous! I love that the room can move easily from being an office to a dining room. And the bookcases? gorgeous!
    Cathy

    Reply
  31. Julia {Pawleys Island Posh} says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:16 pm

    this looks AMAZING!!!

    Reply
  32. clairelovescraigslist says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    I love this room! It is amazing. I am dying to know- how do you manage your lamp cords and laptop power cord? Also, do you have a printer? And where do you cleverly disguise it?

    Reply
  33. Paula says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    Gorgeous! Great job!

    Reply
  34. Alisa D. says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    Gorgeous!!! So well done!

    Reply
  35. Luciane at HomeBunch.com says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    I’m always inspired by your designs. I know you’ll be very creative in this beautiful space, Emily.

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    Reply
  36. Simple Dwellings says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    Wow, Emily! This space is gorgeous and will grace the pages of magazines very soon! It’s too good not to show off everywhere. It came out gorgeous. I love the built ins and the extra detail of painting the back a dark color! Wow!

    Reply
  37. Business.Blueprints.Brides says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    I love it! So beautifully detailed with all the different textures and colors! Stunning really..

    Reply
  38. Naz says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    It all came together beautifully. I liked that you transformed it into a working office for yourself yet can still use it as a dining room. You totally nailed it!

    Reply
  39. Amanda says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    Its looks amazing!!! love the art work on the adjacent wall and how it ties in with the rug. Amazing job!

    Reply
  40. m e g a n says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    I love how it turned out! It looks just like what I envision for a space. So pretty! I think the bookcases with all the books are my favorite!

    Meg

    Reply
  41. AWalker says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    Beautiful, I love everything about it. I also was curious about the lamp cord.

    Reply
  42. Becca | Lowlife Couture says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    I love it so much! You did an amazing job! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  43. Morrone Interiors says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    Gorgeous Room!!!

    Reply
  44. Kim @ keller-creative says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    This looks gorgeous! I love the orange rug and all the fabulous books!

    Reply
  45. Kim @ Plumberry Pie says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    Beautiful!! I love all your choices!! I can’t believe you snatched up that farm table from Craig’s List, what a great find!

    Reply
  46. Janell @ Isabella and Max says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    insanely fabulous!! So much room to fill with everything you’ll need to work, and in such great style! Janell

    Reply
  47. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    It looks incredible!! I love it!!!

    Reply
  48. Laurie says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    Emily – Love this transformation. Great call on the wall of book cases. I used Urbane Bronze on all my doors and think it is the perfect mix of gray & brown. Please check out my blog I tagged you in a game of 11 questions.

    Reply
  49. Lori Ann says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    Beautiful! If you ever had any doubt about your design talent, this should put doubts to rest. Permanently.

    Reply
  50. Autum says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Amazing! It really does look like a magazine cover.
    I was just wondering, like an earlier commenter, where you plug the lamp in?

    Reply
  51. Erin says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    This looks fab! Love how you styled your beautiful bookcase. Gives me some ideas- we just installed shelving in my own home office over the weekend and I’ve been scratching my head a bit with all the new display space. Well done Emily!

    holtwoodhipster.blogspot.com

    Reply
  52. Dwell by Cheryl says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    Absolutely Divine! I may have to get that referral from you. The rug looks great in the space.

    Reply
  53. Miss Hannah B. says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Beautiful room, the bookcases “made it”! . Did you put electrical in the floor so you. CAn plug in the lamp or computer on the desk ? I always seem to notice stuff like that. Love , love, love the rug too!

    Reply
  54. Kate @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Just fabulous, Emily! I’m drooling over your bookcases, you styled them perfectly.

    Reply
  55. Tara {The Silver Lining} says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Gorgeous!!! Your style and design is always amazing! The bookshelves are stunning. I love the colors you used. Enjoy your space and looking forward to all of the blog posts to come!! :)

    Reply
  56. Beth of designPOST Interiors says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    It looks awesome! Thanks for being the swift kick in the butt I needed today! I have been stalling on so many projects and this motivated me to get on it!

    Reply
  57. Twosinks says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Emily,

    What a fabulous job! One question I always have when I see a floating desk like this, is how do you deal with the cord from your lamp? I see it follows down the leg of your table, but where does it plug in and how do you hide the cord? So few homes have floor plugs.

    Great job as always,

    Wendy

    Reply
  58. Phil and Darby Hawley says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    I love the baskets you added to the shelves for storage!

    Reply
  59. Liz {Sequins And Stripes} says

    February 27, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    Gorgeous! Those book shelves are so lovely, and your desk, the pottery barn chairs, the rug – everything is styled so well! But, I wouldn’t expect anything less. What a perfect place to work!

    Reply
  60. Jessie says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    Your home office looks fabulous! I love the way you styled the bookcases. Looking forward to see other finished rooms as well. :)

    Well done, Emily!

    P/S: Come by and enter my current giveaway for a chance to win an Amazon card, if you like!

    http://www.mixandchic.com/2012/02/giveaway-amazon-gift-card-by-unique.html

    Have a good day!

    Jessie

    Reply
  61. Joi says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    This is a gorgeous space, Emily!! : )

    Reply
  62. Hyphen Interiors says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    Yay, I’m so excited to get a glimpse of what you are doing in your new home! Looks awesome! I had those same shelves with the same color in the background at my old house in our office. Miss them already. We may recreate them in the new house we are under contract on (moved from Phx to Austin). Love the rug, chairs, light…and how the whole room converts to a dining room should you need it. Great job!

    Reply
  63. pam {simple details} says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    Totally fabulous, Emily!! Love that you made it work for your needs!

    Reply
  64. Leslie says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    Wow! What an amazing job. :)

    Reply
  65. 17 Perth says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    Emily–Seriously? Holy crap it looks amazing. Seriously stunning!

    Reply
  66. Andrea says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    this is goooorgeous! What an amazing transformation. I adore the combination of the more clean lines (bookshelves) with the rustic (farmhouse table) with the elegant (accessories). Beautiful.

    Reply
  67. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    It looks incredible, you did such an amazing job. You really had a great vision for this space!

    Reply
  68. amber wallace says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:38 pm

    It is GORGEOUS! I seriously love it. This could be in a magazine. It probably will be one day :) Speaking of, do you know when your magazine photo shoot comes out from your last house? Great work Emily!

    Reply
  69. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:51 pm

    You’ve done an incredible job!! Loved the posts leading up to the reveal, too. Have fun blogging in your gorgeous new space!

    Reply
  70. Robin @ Happily Home, After says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:57 pm

    Emily,

    Your dining room transformed into your office is so smart especially given your point about it being able to return to a dining room easily and beautifully with the built-in shelves.

    Also wanted to thank you for the tip you posted a few days back on modernizing bookshelves with “horizontal stacks” of books. My fuddy-duddy bookshelf now looks fresher and modern.

    Robin @ happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

    Reply
  71. lisaroyhandbags says

    February 27, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    Looks great! I’d die for a bookcase like that :)

    Reply
  72. Jennifer L. Griffin says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:01 pm

    Your after photo belongs right on the cover of a magazine! It’s truly beautiful and such a functional space. Here’s my million $$$ question…how did you hide the lamp and computer cords?

    Reply
  73. kimmie says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Congratulations – it looks AWESOME!! I would love to work in that room every day!!

    Functionality question: since there are no doors, how do you work with kiddos running around?

    Reply
  74. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    Absolutely stunning! I am so in love! What a wonderful transition from dining space to home office. And…you did it without breaking the bank! Fabulous!

    Reply
  75. My Crafty Home-Life says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    Just stunning. Don’t go into retirement!

    Reply
  76. Courtney says

    February 27, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    The change in that room is simply amazing! You now have me wanting a bookshelf wall, and I still can’t get over how great that lantern is! Congratulations on a job well done. :)

    Reply
  77. Amelia @ House Pretty says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    What an amazing transformation! The shelves are gorgeous and I love the light fixture too!

    Reply
  78. Heather J says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    Love it Emily! Looks so great!

    Reply
  79. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    You did a fabulous job. This is a great example of what you can do to make a small space both functional and good looking.

    Reply
  80. Erin says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    Wow! The office looks REALLY great! I love that you painted the back of the bookcases.

    http://leeanderin.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  81. Whitney says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    That looks great- the light is perfect in there!

    Not to be rude, but I do have one question– why is the art in the hallway hung so low? I would love to see the top of the canvas hit the middle of the transom over that door!

    Whitney @ http://www.whitneybrock.blogspot.com

    Reply
  82. [email protected] says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    Wow, what an amazing makeover this room has undergone. I think it’s perfection!

    Reply
  83. Designwali says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    stunning….

    Reply
  84. Kimberly Senn says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Gorgeous room! Unbelievable transformation. I absolutely adore the shelves…and everything else in the room. :)

    Reply
  85. Meghan says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Friggin beauutiful! I’ve been trying to convince my boyfriend to get some Tolix chairs to go with his farmhouse dining table…definitely using these images to convince him :)

    Reply
  86. HB says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    You are amazing Emily! Looks like it should be in a magazine.

    Reply
  87. Camille says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:09 pm

    Yes! A gorgeous, double duty office/dining room. It is absolutely perfect. She strikes again!
    Camille

    Reply
  88. Courtney Eads says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Looks gorgeous! I bet you feel even MORE creative now, working in such a wonderful place!

    Reply
  89. Nancy says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    This is so beautiful. I absolutely love it. The styling of the bookcases is so spot-on!
    I would so enjoy working from that desk, and looking out the window.

    http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/02/my-hallway-is-officially-zhushed.html

    Reply
  90. mellyb says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Stunning!!

    Reply
  91. Dirt Merchant says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    Jaw dropping! Love it all. Totally a magazine cover!

    Reply
  92. [email protected]:podge says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    I just realized I commented under my husband’s profile {aka Dirt Merchant!} too funny. Drat, that is a problem when there are more people in the house who blog!!!

    Sorry :)

    Reply
  93. mrsroberts says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    Oh my gosh! Look SO GOOD! I love the bookshelves – absolutely LOVE them.

    How are you plugging in your desk lamp and computer?

    Reply
  94. jillian :: cornflake dreams. says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    STUNNING! the built in book cases are just gorgeous! xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams

    Reply
  95. lonemor says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    The office looks great. Love the table lamp – where did you get that?

    Reply
  96. Nat says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    Stunning!! It turned out so well, what a fun space to work in :)

    Reply
  97. The Pink Pagoda says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    Your office is absolutely LOVELY. How talented you are to be able to shop Craigslist etc. and have your office look so high-end and magazine worthy! And how luxurious to have that space!

    Reply
  98. Mary says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Goodness! Such a gorgeous transformation!! Nice work!

    Reply
  99. Michele says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Emily – it looks amazing! Love the floor to ceiling bookcases!

    Reply
  100. { Abby K } says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Looks GORGEOUS!!! Love it!

    Reply
  101. Kris @ Driven by Decor says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    What an amazing transformation! We have done the same thing in our house (convert dining room to study) and are living in the transformation stage right now as we figure out what we want to do with the room. Thanks for some great inspiration!

    Reply
  102. Holly Irwin Fine Art says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    This looks fantastic!!! I’m so inspired to do something with my office now!!

    Reply
  103. Stephanie says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    where is that lamp plugged in? do you have plugs in the floor? i covet those.

    Reply
  104. M says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    Love it! The lantern looks amazing!!

    Reply
  105. jamie @ [kreyv] says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    Absolutely love it!!

    Reply
  106. MelloMom says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    Emily – Your office looks amazing! I think you are so brave getting rid of the formal dining room. I have been wanting to get rid of this unused room for years. Just can’t seem to make the plunge. You have inspired me!

    Missi at havoc-to-heaven.com

    Reply
  107. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    What a fantastic place to work. Love the floating desk and the lamp as well. All so pretty, Emily. Great photography as well.

    Reply
  108. H.G. The Countess says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    Really lovely! Much more useful than a formal dining room for a young family

    Reply
  109. Carla says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    I dream of an office like this one day, it looks amazing well done!

    Reply
  110. Kristy @ I Design Love says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    Looks amazing! The built ins are stunning :)

    http://www.idesignlove.com

    Reply
  111. Pudel-design says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    AMAZING!
    That is the first word that popped on my mind when I saw these pix!
    Looking great!
    Thank you for sharing;)
    Lovely greetings…

    http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  112. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the colors and patterns… it’s a very different look than your other home office, but every bit as lovely.
    Hope you’re enjoying. :)
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  113. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the colors and patterns… it’s a very different look than your other home office, but every bit as lovely.
    Hope you’re enjoying. :)
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  114. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the colors and patterns… it’s a very different look than your other home office, but every bit as lovely.
    Hope you’re enjoying. :)
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  115. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the colors and patterns… it’s a very different look than your other home office, but every bit as lovely.
    Hope you’re enjoying. :)
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  116. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:30 pm

    Gorgeous! Love the colors and patterns… it’s a very different look than your other home office, but every bit as lovely.
    Hope you’re enjoying. :)
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  117. {Hi Sugarplum!} says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    It is gorgeous….seriously, straight out of a magazine! I love every bit of it! the orange of the rug is gorgeous, and I love the oversized art on the hallway door and how it ties in with the rug. And I love that you hung it low! I just love it all! I hope that space is a spot for peace and creativity for you!!

    Reply
  118. heyhomeslice says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    Ah! I was so excited when I saw the title of this post. The office looks awesome. I love it! I think the shelves add the most impact, and I love the way that the bottom two rows are divided from the rest as more “workable” shelves. Really beautiful job!

    Jenna

    Reply
  119. Karen says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    What a makeover, I love your big table desk, the incredible bookcases (all that storage)and the salvaged light. Impressive!

    Add me to the list of people wondering about your cords. I had to install floor outlets to “float” my sofa, because even though you see furniture arranged in the center of a room, all the outlets are in the walls!

    Reply
  120. Meredith says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:42 pm

    I did not think I could love your new office more than your old office.

    I was wrong.

    Reply
  121. Kirsten Krason says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:11 am

    It looks amazing!!!! I love that rug in there.

    Reply
  122. Holly Austin says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:15 am

    The office looks amazing, I love it!

    Reply
  123. Jen @ RamblingRenovators says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:19 am

    That looks so great Emily! I love the look of the harvest table against the more refined furnishings.

    Reply
  124. Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says

    February 28, 2012 at 12:22 am

    Holy goodness, that looks amazing!! Seriously, like from a magazine. Well done!

    Reply
  125. Kathysue says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:20 am

    Emily it looks so sharp!! Love love the bookcases, those are going to come in handy for storage in the near future. Very handsome room, great job! Kathysue

    Reply
  126. Carrie @ Hazardous Design says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:55 am

    Absolutely beautiful! It is magazine worthy!

    Reply
  127. Cam517 says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:18 am

    this is why we love you :) it’s perfect

    Reply
  128. Andrea says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:25 am

    Bravo Emily! It’s beautiful. The bookcases really make the room and I’m in love with your desk/table.

    Reply
  129. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:41 am

    Beautiful. Love the rug in there. How did you plug in the lamp that’s on the desk? I’d love to do something similar in my sewing room but I can’t figure out how to hide the cord. :o)

    Reply
  130. Kim says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:42 am

    Love this library feel! While I can totally appreciate all the “blonde” books used in design today … I love that these are real and add color. And so much easier than trying to cover every book we own!! It is gorgeous … my office is in the basement. I need to get a move on!!

    Reply
  131. Jill says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:43 am

    Emily –

    It’s GORGEOUS! Did you see I just painted the backs of my bookshelves in my great room Urbane Bronze??? Love it!
    xo~Jill

    Reply
  132. Sam @ The Junk House says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:08 am

    It turned out gorgeous! I’m seriously in love!

    Reply
  133. [email protected] says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:08 am

    Brilliant. Just brilliant. Bravo

    Reply
  134. melissa * 320 Sycamore says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:11 am

    Love that rug, the bookshelves turned out beautifully. Brava!!

    Reply
  135. Holly says

    February 28, 2012 at 3:21 am

    WOWZA girl!! I sort of forgot about the built-ins that were getting made, but then when I saw that first photograph, WOW! You must be thrilled – enjoy that space. It’s really beautiful!

    Reply
  136. Megan {Honey We're Home} says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:24 am

    Gorgeous Emily! And so true about the space- our dining room is in the exact same spot in our house and I’ve been working on decorating it, but truth is, we barely use it! I’m just making it look pretty because it’s right by the front door and for the (very) occasional times we use it!

    I love how your office turned out!

    Reply
  137. Tina says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:38 am

    This looks absolutely AMAZING!!! I was thrilled to read that your work space area also works as a dining area when needed. I have done the exact same thing in my home. Our house is quite small and I decided to use the dining area as a work space that easily can be transformed when we have friends coming over. So much more usefull- before it was a total waste of space.

    Reply
  138. Fran says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:52 am

    Emily, once again you never cease to amaze!! It looks fantastic!! Great job!

    Reply
  139. ~ rooms FOR rent ~ says

    February 28, 2012 at 11:59 am

    It looks so GOOD! fantastic job!! I have been dying to see the final outcome.. and it looks great! you must LOVE the new space, and being finished ;) Love it! ~Bre

    Reply
  140. Emi says

    February 28, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Love, love, love… absolutely stunning. The bookshelves are amazing. I’m in the midst of doing my library/den/office space as well. Unfortunately, I have to wait for my husband to build the shelves. I hope it turns out as beautiful as yours. Curious to see what you did with your window… drapery? Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  141. [email protected] says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    Girl!!!!! I am in LOVE!!! Great job:)

    Reply
  142. silly6 says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    How do you turn on the desk lamp? Is there a plug in the floor? I’m having that problem in my living room. I don’t want to trip over a long unsightly cord that goes from the middle of the room to the wall. Thanks for the hint. :)

    Reply
  143. Terra Roper says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Wow, Emily – you are beyond talented. Looks like a completely different house/room. You are great at envisioning a room’s potential and I sure hope to be able to utilize your ideas and advice when we get a new house someday. (Or, at least a rental that will let us paint the walls!) I just love the bookshelf and the grey paired with the orange/rust in the rug is stunning! BEAUTIFUL!

    Reply
  144. Terra Roper says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Wow, Emily – you are beyond talented. Looks like a completely different house/room. You are great at envisioning a room’s potential and I sure hope to be able to utilize your ideas and advice when we get a new house someday. (Or, at least a rental that will let us paint the walls!) I just love the bookshelf and the grey paired with the orange/rust in the rug is stunning! BEAUTIFUL!

    Reply
  145. Heidi says

    February 28, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    OK. I am bookmarking your blog! There is a very clear reason that you are a designer – what a gorgeous vision, so well executed, and I love your sourcing!!

    Glad I came across your site. :)

    Reply
  146. Annie @ House on Rene says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:38 pm

    LOVE it! It can work as a dining room or an office. I am in love with the bookcases. They are perfection!

    This house is coming along beautifully!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

    Reply
  147. Katherine @ Grass Stains says

    February 28, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    Emily, it is AMAZING! I love it! I can only imagine how much you must look forward to going in there to work. Such a pleasant work space. :)

    Reply
  148. A Delightful Design says

    February 28, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    135 comments! oh my goodness!

    Emily, this room is so amazing. I can guarantee this will be published! You’re so talented and with such an effortless touch. ;-)
    xo,
    Abby

    Reply
  149. renee stephens says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    Emily,
    this turned out beautifully!
    Your photo gave me the visual I needed to convince my husband that this is what I need as well!
    Thanks for that. =)
    I posted about your transformation today. Hope you’ll take a look.

    http://casastephensinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/02/thanks-emily-clark.html

    [email protected] CasaStephensInteriors.blogspot.com

    Reply
  150. Elizabeth says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    Smashing! What are beautiful space to work in. Imagine an intimate dinner party, surrounded by your books and collections, illuminated by candles… can I come ;-)
    XOXO
    Elizabeth at covetdujour.blogspot.com

    Reply
  151. Crissy @ House of Marlowe says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    This looks spectacular. One of the best transformations I’ve seen!

    Reply
  152. Maury Kilgo says

    February 28, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    Holy cow… it’s absolutely stunning! I can’t believe the transformation. It looks like a magazine. Great job!

    Reply
  153. {darlene} @ fieldstonehill says

    February 28, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    emily! It really looks AMAZING!!! I love every inch! So glad you have it finished… I just know it will be a great backdrop for inspiration!!!
    love your bookshelf styling, the shelf back paint color, and the pop of orange on the floors. Not to mention all of the natural light!!
    I feel a ditto coming on………..

    Reply
  154. Kris says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:31 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  155. Kris says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:32 am

    Best of luck with your new space.

    Kris @ reddoordesigncompany.com

    Reply
  156. InteriorGroupie says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:17 am

    Wow! What an after – the office is gorgeous Emily! Well done on filling up the shelves and styling them – they look great.

    Reply
  157. Emily says

    February 29, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    I love your new space!! I think being in the middle of all the action is actually great….wonderful job Emily!!

    Reply
  158. The Room Stylist says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    This looks amazing! You’ve inspired me to do built-in bookcases in my home.

    Reply
  159. The Room Stylist says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    This looks amazing! You’ve inspired me to do built-in bookcases in my home. Love it

    Reply
  160. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    February 29, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    gorgeous, Emily! You have such a knack for putting things together. I love the built-ins, great job on everything!

    Reply
  161. Sarah @Savvy Young Something says

    February 29, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Omgosh this room is so beautiful. And the before and after is amazing. You added so much depth and architectural detail with those bookshelves. Love it!

    Reply
  162. Shelley says

    February 29, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  163. Shelley says

    February 29, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    Hi Emily,
    I’ve been enjoying your blog. I think everyone can relate to your post today about real life. Where did you get that awesome orange rug?
    Thanks,
    Shelley

    Reply
  164. Chic Coles says

    February 29, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    This is absolutely amazing!!! Than you for sharing, I love love love the bookshelves and the table!

    Reply
  165. Drew {Coral Cafe} says

    March 1, 2012 at 6:51 am

    Your office is absolutely incredible! Love the oversized lantern! Great place to get work done! I don’t think I’d want to leave!

    Reply
  166. [email protected] Design for Living says

    March 1, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Just gorgeous Emily! I love the colors, bookcase styling…everything! Congrats on finishing the room!

    Reply
  167. busanalayali says

    March 3, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    I like your story, ok, i’ll bookmark this site and return here in next few days.
    busana muslim

    Reply
  168. Charlene says

    March 8, 2012 at 4:55 am

    Would it be possible to get a plan or dimensions for the book shelves? I’d love to have something similar in our home library/school room.

    Reply
  169. Shaunna says

    March 10, 2012 at 3:45 am

    Well, it’s fabulous. REALLY fabulous. I’ve gotta get to working in mine…love having the space, but it’s upstairs and I find I don’t spend much time in there. Seeing your space inspires me to get myself in there!
    :-)
    shaunna

    Reply
  170. LindsB says

    March 13, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    I’m totally late to the game here, but OMG I am in LOVE!! What a beautiful space you get to work in everyday- its so functional and beautiful!!

    Reply
  171. stive martin says

    April 26, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Its really great and lovely office decoration and interior. i feel glad to see it.

    ======================
    Black Card | Red card Trainee

    Reply
  172. Blake says

    May 2, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    Your home office is wonderful, Emily. The personalize touch of the room will definitely help you feel motivated when working. Plus, the added bookcase is a good one; you can choose a book to read after your work is done. Nice!

    Blake Mitchell

    Reply
  173. Viviene Tan says

    July 26, 2012 at 2:21 am

    Wow! This was unique and luxurious home office space. I am so impressed and amazed with your post; wishing someday I had this also. I adore and I love your home office space. Thanks for sharing and keep on posting.

    Reply
  174. Sandra { www.simpleispretty.com } says

    July 30, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Emily! Such a lovely space! I got to your site from Censational Girl’s Pinterest page. Just wanted to say I especially love your rug in the space. It seems to warm up the room, but everything still feels fresh and bright. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Sandra from http://www.simpleispretty.com

    Reply
  175. Sudhaa Gade says

    August 2, 2012 at 12:30 am

    The room looks amazing. What is your solution for laptop/printer/router/wire clutter that might run across the hall.

    Reply
  176. { j e a n i e } says

    August 28, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    I have been looking at this gorgeous room everyday for a week. It is seriously making me want to throw out every item in my formal living room and replicate it. Trying to calm myself down. :)

    Reply
  177. Theresa @junk2jewels-diy.blogspot.com says

    October 21, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    Gorgeous!! And now I’m inspired to use my dining area for my office too! I wasn’t sure at first, but I love yours and it so easy to change back if you do need it for later! Wonderful job!!

    Reply
  178. tiinadecor.com says

    October 26, 2012 at 4:42 pm

    Just stumbled across this, and WOW! It’ looks absolutely beautiful

    Reply
  179. countmein says

    January 2, 2013 at 1:22 am

    Please let me know who your carpenter was, we are building in Charlotte and would love the recommendation!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  180. nomzam says

    March 13, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  181. modular office furniture says

    April 19, 2013 at 11:25 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  182. Kari Clarke says

    July 16, 2013 at 12:36 am

    Love love love this office and the fact that what I thought was an ultra expensive linen chair. is actually from TJMaxx!!! The item I am lusting over is the oversized art on the opposite wall. Where do you find pieces that are unique like that? I am struggling with my walls.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      July 16, 2013 at 11:28 am

      Kari–The art was just a really lucky Craigslist find!

      Reply
  183. Office Furniture Deals says

    August 22, 2013 at 6:49 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  184. malik aayan says

    September 17, 2013 at 5:09 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  185. Kajsa says

    September 17, 2013 at 7:57 am

    Hi Emily, I love what you have done, but I just have to ask how you handle power cords with a desk that’s in the middle of the room.
    I see you have a light there, and I’m sure you’re laptop needs to be on “life support” sometimes. Any tips for dealing with that elegantly?
    I would love a similar setup but until now the power cord issue has always held me back.

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      September 17, 2013 at 12:06 pm

      Until I decide if I want a floor outlet, I don’t :) See this post:

      http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2012/02/real-life-vs-styled-life.html

      Reply
  186. Dstinyseatings says

    October 8, 2013 at 7:46 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  187. maracap says

    October 17, 2013 at 4:29 am

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    Reply
  188. Katie Burr says

    November 4, 2013 at 7:38 am

    Hey Emily! I absolutely LOVE this room! I’m getting ready to redo my dining room and yours is definitely a huge inspiration. I was just wondering what color white was used for the bookcase and what the light grey color is on the walls?

    Reply
    • Emily A. Clark says

      November 4, 2013 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Katie–I believe the white is Alabaster (SW?) and here’s the rest of the house paint info:

      http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2013/04/creating-flow-and-our-paint-colors.html

      Reply
    • Katie Burr says

      November 4, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  189. kim says

    July 16, 2014 at 12:12 am

    very nice job. i like it a lot. I love books and bookcases.

    Reply
  190. Emily I says

    March 3, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    Hi Emily! I LOVE this whole room- truly gorgeous. Just wondering if you know what color that pink on the wall is? Thinking of redoing my living room in this shade.

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    (Also) Emily

    Reply
  191. Sarah says

    June 8, 2017 at 12:25 am

    I just love the way the room came out. Especially the bookcases. I actually have tons of books between my husband and my collections. I’d love the name of the carpenter. I live in Bergen county New Jersey and ridiculously didn’t check where you are. So , if you could recommend the carpenter it would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      June 8, 2017 at 7:37 am

      I’m in Charlotte :)

      Reply
  192. Lisa says

    November 14, 2018 at 12:16 am

    Hi Emily! Do you have a post detailing the shelves? I want to do something like this and would love the plans or even a general description and dimensions. Thank you!!!

    Reply

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