I love working with food, but one of my other passions is home decor, so I hope you’ll humour me with this post! I’ve caught the decor bug in recent years, and I just love every stage of putting a room together. The only problem is that I don’t have much time for home decor projects (I’ve completed 2 nurseries and an office in 5 years…lol), so I’ve been chipping away at this office at a snail’s pace. But I’m quite happy with how it’s come together. My goal was to create a serene and elegant home office with a lil’ bit of drama!
When we first moved into this house, we painted the office grey. We were going through a huge grey phase, but over time it started to wear on me, and I found the office was less than inspiring. I started to feel blah whenever I was in there (I also regret painting the basement grey…ugh!). One of my blog readers actually warned me about picking grey for an office, but I didn’t listen…you guys are always right! After going back and forth over what colour(s) I wanted to paint my office (I tested everything from spa green to super soft blush pink and, yes, even yellow!), I finally settled on a navy–charcoal blend and blush pink.
When I pictured my white office furniture popping off a dark, dramatic wall, I was sold. I didn’t want the whole room to be dark, so I kept the rest of the walls white for an airy feel. I’ve gone back and forth over whether I should do a bit of wallpaper on one wall (maybe the front wall where the windows are?), but I’ll most likely just leave it alone!
The only thing missing is the light fixture above my desk. The electrical needs to be put in and I need to pick out the light…any ideas?? Should I go with a chandelier…or a semi-flush or…?
First, I’ll kick things off with my TWO bosses…they are fairly new to their “directing” roles, but it’s like they’ve been doing it their whole lives…. ;)
And here’s how it looks during the month of December! Lately I’ve loved getting up extra early for some “me time” in the morning—I turn the Christmas lights on, sit at my desk with my coffee, and do some writing, reading, planning, etc.
By the way, just in case you missed my big holiday newsletter, you can find a round-up of my favourite festive vegan recipes here! If I don’t chat with you again before signing off for Christmas, I hope you have a fantastic holiday! Thank you for all of your amazing support, thoughtful comments, and for making and sharing so many of my recipes this year!
Office details:
Paint colour (dark wall) – Blue Note (Benjamin Moore)
Paint colour (white) – Distant Gray (Benjamin Moore)
French doors – Wrought Iron (Benjamin Moore)
Desk and two filing cabinets – Crate and Barrel
Blush rug – Pier 1 Imports
White shelf – Wayfair (discontinued)
Elsie desk chair – World Market
Floral storage boxes on shelf – HomeSense (Guess what’s inside? Toys!)
Two white faux leather chairs – Wayfair
Rose quartz slab (on desk) – Anthropologie
Basket – Zara Home
Grey mug – Crate and Barrel
Blush pillows – HomeSense
Dark floral pillow – The Bay
Large floral framed print – Minted
Prop shelf with dishes – Wayfair
Mirror – Zara Home
Mountain print – SisiandSeb on Etsy
Profile art – SaltandPrinter on Etsy
Desert scene art – SisiAndSeb on Etsy
Pink Blue Abstract Print – LittleValleyStudio on Etsy
Taurus print – SaltandPrinter on Etsy
Inhale Exhale print – ParadigmArt on Etsy
White vase on desk – HomeSense
Blush pouf/ottoman – Restoration Hardware
Pink vase – Anthropologie
Grey letter A – HomeSense
Pink “crystal” tealight holder – HomeSense
Well done! It looks absolutely beautiful.
Thanks Jan :)
Wow, I love this so much! My husband and I are redoing our office and I want to copy everything :)
That’s so fun you’re redoing your office too! I love coming up with designs :) Oh I just added all of the Etsy shop links in case you were interested in any of the prints! I forgot to put those in yesterday.
It looks gorgeous! Do you have a Christmas tree in your office? Or is it just connected to a living room?
Thank you! :) We have our main Christmas Tree in the office…weird right? When the kids were a bit smaller (aka couldn’t trust them around the tree!) we moved the tree into the office so we didn’t have to worry about them knocking it over or eating it, lol. And now that’s kind of our tradition (for now)…to have the tree in here and open presents in here on Christmas morning. But we’ll probably do the tree in the family room next year! We have a small tree in the family room but it’s just a little guy.
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing all of the information about the colors and where you purchased everything; I might have to go shopping!!
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Karen! I just updated the list with Etsy shop links in case you were curious about any of the prints
I love pink. I’m happiest and most inspired around pink. Your office is beautiful.
I find it very inspiring too! I think my mom said it’s supposed to be good for creativity :)
I adore this space – so light and airy. Personal but not sappy or cluttered. Extremely carefully edited. Mix of classic and modern. What a wonderful retreat for a mama. Bravo!
Aww, thanks Elizabeth!
Love it – it looks absolutely gorgeous, the wall colour is stunning!
Rebecca | www.peppermintdolly.com
Thank you so much :) I realized I didn’t show a great picture of the accent wall…oops!
Do you have a link/source name for that beautiful cloudy photo print beside the circle mirror? It’s gorgeous!
Yes I do, thanks Katie…I meant to put in these links! https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1476256369 I’ll try popping the rest of the Etsy ones into the list
Looooooooooooove!!! It looks so cozy right now with the tree!
I always say I want to keep the tree in here all year! haha. It’s so cozy in the mornings.
I was looking at these pics thinking “Damn, how did she manage to create the perfect office space for me, and exactly what my dream office would look like?” And then I saw the Taurus print – It all makes sense now! Us Taurus women know how to decorate xx
lol that’s too funny! I have read before that Taureans have a flair for the home…I was a late bloomer but it’s so fun.
Oh, it is lovely. So serene. Amazing job!
Thank you! :)
Love it all! The Etsy links in the email aren’t working, and I’d love to look up some of the artists.
Hey Francesca! I just tested the Etsy links and they’re working on my end. Do you mind clicking through to the blog post and trying it out again? :)
The room is absolutely beautiful! Your creative side really shows through. Great job!
Thanks Kim that’s so great to hear!
Oh how lovely! Your office feels serene and elegant but practical too. Well done!
Thanks Janice! So glad you enjoyed the post
I absolutely love the light and airy feeling of the white and pink! May I ask where you got the chunky knit blanket?:)
Hey Mel, I’m not sure where it’s from as it was a gift, but you might want to check out Etsy as there are a ton of great shops that make them! https://www.etsy.com/ca/search?q=chunky%20knit%20blanket%20vegan
Oh my gosh, I never thought to look for *vegan* chunky blankets! I hate wool but LOVE the look of these. So happy to see a bunch of options on Etsy!
So beautiful! Thanks for the links/descriptions of everything. More for my Christmas list!
Glad the post could inspire you a bit Nancy!
Lovely, lovely, lovely! Especially love the children!!!
They’re pretty darn cute at times…I think I’ll keep them ;)
Wow, I love all the colors and the feel of the space. Can you tell me where the floral artwork is from in the 1st picture? I didn’t see where you listed it, but sorry if I missed it. I love that you listed all the paint colors and where you got everything. I will be saving this for a future remodel of our space. Thanks so much!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the tour! Thanks. Happy to help as I know my list isn’t super easy to follow – the floral print is from Minted and I think it’s called the Gardens Art print :)
It’s absolutely beautiful — what I didn’t know I wanted! My home office is so small and I have so many props and tools in there than I don’t really have the space for all the beautiful touches you’ve added here! But I still want to make it nicer and more organized.
Thanks Michelle! Making it all work in smaller rooms is so challenging…I bet Pinterest has some fun ideas :)
This is so gorgeous–I actually got goosebumps looks at these photos!!
omg that’s so sweet!! Thanks Carolyn :)
Wow, Angela, this turned out so beautiful, I love it all. Now how to convince you to make a trip out to Lake Tahoe to design my office? I’ve been spinning my wheels for 5 years and I don’t have 2 little Directors “helping” me ;)
Love that you’re enjoying a few moments in there in the mornings, I would too!
haha I would LOVE to come out to Lake Tahoe!! Now imagine that career – traveling all over to do decor for others! Sounds pretty fun. One question – are you okay if it takes me 1 year to complete your office? lol
LOVE!!!! Every single thing you did in this room is perfect! You are so talented and creative and I love that you shared your office. It looks truly inspiring! Thanks also for the list of where you bought different items, that’s super helpful. I hope you will share more of your decorating style as you complete other projects in your home! And, of course, keep adding delicious recipes to your app and blog!
Wow, thank you so much Susie!! I appreciate your kind words so much.
Hi Angela!
Beautiful tour!! Where is the little green cactus figurine from?! I absolutely love it. Thanks for taking us on an office tour with you!
Emily
Hi Emily, Thank you so much! I believe it’s from HomeSense, but I’m not 100% sure!
That looks so lovely. I miss having a home to decorate sometimes. It really does look like a good spot to create and write. Well done!
-jessica
Wow, Angela! Your office is stunning! I love the combination of the blush pink touches and the dramatic charcoal and blue; it’s so elegant but fun and light at the same time. I wish I could have a space like that, it looks like it’d be really inspiring :) Thank you so much for showing us your creative space – I’d love to see more of projects like this from you, you really have a talent for design!
Thanks Sandra! I’m so glad you enjoyed it :)
Absolutely beautiful. I love the stunning chair and all of the little detail ?
Is your office child free most of the time? It looks so perfect… and seeing the dishes stacked beautifully on the shelves just outside the door makes me wonder if the kids just want to come and systematically take them down one by one and leave them in a (broken) mess on the floor! ?
It’s usually covered in toys…hah. Adriana has taken a liking to going in here for her “alone time” (away from little brother) and she usually has the floor covered in toys. The two boxes on the bottom of my shelf are filled with her toys so it helps to at least have a spot to put them away!
I love the color combination, pink, white and black, they just gorgeous colors! xo
www.cantiquejoice.com
Did you make that blanket yourself? My husband and I JUST painted our dining room yesterday and after obsessing over paint colours for months I landed on Blue Note also. We’re going to go with a dark blue, white, gold, dark wood scheme.
oh that colour scheme sounds so sophisticated! I hear you on obsessing over colours…I did for months. And I compared all the similar paints to Blue Note too. lol. it’s a fantastic colour!!
Such a light and airy room! With a deeply coloured wall to anchor you and a cozy chunky blanket for when the chill comes in…it’s just beautiful.
My kitchen is a pale pink and I’m happy to learn from the other commenters that it is a colour that enhances creativity! Must be why I love it so much :)
Our son painted his room the same colour as your navy blue accent wall…the whole room…I wish he had selected only an accent wall!
I love the idea of pink in a kitchen…seems to be working!! haha.
Stunning!!
Gorgeous Angela, wow! You’re an amazing decorator. I love all the blush pink. ❤️
thanks Kathleen!
I have to tell you what an amazingly beautiful space that is. I’ve been my own decorator for many years, and have been beyond flattered that people sometimes thought I used an interior designer. I only say that so you know I’ve got a little standing, if you will. The navy and pink are perfect, the details are really lovely. Congrats, and use it in good health! Now I need to find that Lentil Loaf I came here for! Someone I know wants the recipe.
Aww thank you Andrea! That means a lot (and now I’m so curious and want to see your gorgeous style!) ;) Hope you enjoy the lentil loaf
Beautiful office Angela! So warm and welcoming. Funny about the pink. In the early 90’s we painted our new home a color called apple blossom. Pink is in again, I guess!!!
You continue to inspire. All the best to you and your family in 2019.
Yes everything seems to cycle, doesn’t it? I can do soft blush pinks but nothing darker. We used to have dark pink carpet in our last house and it was the first thing to be ripped up. ;) Wishing you a wonderful holiday and 2019 too!
It is really beautiful. You certainly have a knack for decorating! I tend to shy away from pink as being too precious, but the amount of black/grey you’ve used really balances it well. You’re a brave soul to use white chairs with such young directors, but I see that they are faux leather (yeah for the vegans – and the cows!!) so I’m guessing they clean up really well.
I love the Anthropology quartz slab – but am wondering how it works as a coaster? I’ve almost bought the actual coasters several times, but they don’t seem to be too practical for that use as I would expect that they aren’t absorbent at all. But it sure is pretty!
You’ve really done a great job on this, and don’t you dare beat yourself up for how long it took! Sometimes, things just have to percolate for a while. At the end of the day, it is absolutely gorgeous and well worth the wait. I wonder, do you also do garden design? :)
Merry Christmas.
Kathy
Hi Kathy, Oh do I ever need help with garden design! Ours are SO utterly sad looking. haha. I have never been a big gardener to be honest. Thank you so much for your kind words about my office. :) About the quartz slab I don’t find it is absorbent so might not be what you are looking for. The photo with the mug aside, I tend to use my go-to Contego thermos the most so I don’t find there is any condensation on it. And it also keeps my coffee warm for a long time. whohoo! Merry belated Christmas!
Hi Angela,
I’m planning some changes at my office, too, thanks for this really good article, I’ve got now some really good ideas to go ahead and make my place a bit more cozy :)
Happy holidays!
xo
Jana
Thanks Jana! Have fun decorating :)
Beautiful space, Angela! You’ve done such an amazing job with it. I loved the bit about how been spending your mornings in December too. Creating some extra “me time” bright and early is such simple pleasure of mine.
Ps… Another fellow Taurus?! Everything is making sense now. ;) Hope you’re enjoying the holidays with your family. Xo
that’s so funny you’re a Taurus too! We both seem to have an appreciation for the simple pleasures in life (with a little luxury here and there!!) ;)
I’m so glad to see this lovely workspace. I feel that some rooms, like the office, become an afterthought in design – even though those rooms are places where we need to be our most focused/creative/efficient. Nice work!
You are so right! Thank you so much for the kind words!
#Goals. I’ve lived in my condo for nearly 2 years and have not painted a single wall. I think you just gave me my inspiration! Love the dark blue and light pink together. Thanks for including the Etsy links for those prints, I was already getting curious when I saw them!
Thanks Ashley! I appreciate your kind words. Have fun decorating!!
I resigned my corporate work two years ago and I have been staying at home to work. Unlike your home, mine is a complete mess. I love how you designed your office. I like the color combinations. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thank you Jennifer! All the best in 2019 :)
Gorgeous job!
Where is the pink throw blanket from?
Hey Gwen, I’m not sure where it’s from as it was a gift, but you might want to check out Etsy as there are a ton of great shops that make them!! https://www.etsy.com/ca/search?q=chunky%20knit%20blanket%20vegan =) Hope this helps
Hi Angela! Your office is my absolute dream – you have decorated it so elegantly. I love all of the ideas that you have brought together so nicely!
I was wondering if you had the name of the white shelf that you purchased at Wayfair – I absolutely love it.
Thanks so much!
Aww thanks Clare! You’re so sweet. Unfortunately the shelf has been discontinued on Wayfair but I just looked up my invoice and the brand is “Tema” and it’s called the “Step 68″ Accent Shelves Bookcase” Hope this helps!
Absolutely love your style. Please keep sharing! (because I’m stealing your ideas for my home)
Thanks April! :)
Your office is truly a beautiful space! What an inspiring and functional room you’ve created. I love the simplicity and elegance. You did such a great job! Absolutely stunning!
Aww thank you so much Amanda! I really appreciate your kind words :)
Your office is beautiful – it is now my main source of inspiration for decorating my own office at home! I was wondering if you have a link to the white desk from Crate and Barrel?
Thanks!
Thanks Ashley! :)
I believe it’s this one (Spotlight): https://www.crateandbarrel.com/spotlight-ebony-58-desk/s256385 Hope this helps!
Hello! I just wanted to pop in and say that I think what you do is incredible! I have followed you (checked in on your website) since before I even went vegan! I think you along with a few others really helped to shine a light on the truth for me. That I could eat what I want and didn’t have to eat what I had always been told I needed to survive. I am and have been vegan going on three years now!! I really appreciate you taking the time to spread the message and do so in such a beautiful and intriguing manner! Thanks a billion! Sammi
Hey Sammi, Aww thank you so much for this lovely note! :) I’m feeling the love over here and so grateful that I can be a positive influence and part of your own journey. Thanks for following along for all this time!
Hi Angela,
I am a building designer and keen decorator and returned healthy foodie and can I say you work space is inspirational, just one downside I am in South Australia so I don’t know how to get this morning Buckwheat porridge with kefir to you to try. Absolute cracker. Thanks for your site for tips to get started. Now I’m on fire.
Rado
Fleurieu Peninsula
This is slightly similar to the white shelves she has.
https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/brayden-studio-corinna-geometric-bookcase-byst7974.html?piid=24428406
Check out the honeycomb capiz light fixture from Serena & Lily. Go big or go home!
Thanks, I’ll look it up! :)
I’ll send you my address and expect you on Friday to decorate my house! ;o) Kidding, of course. Your home is beautiful and I’m jelly about your lack of clutter.
heh I’ll be there! Don’t be fooled by the lack of clutter…we have our fair share in other rooms, that’s for sure!