From Home Office to Library

Transforming an underused room into an intentional, personality-driven space can add new life to your home. For one of our recent projects, which is what we will be featuring on this week's blog and socials, we tackled a home office remodel, turning a formal-living room-turned-catch-all-space into a serene library tailored to our client's retirement lifestyle. Read on to see how we approached the transformation.

The Challenges of a Multipurpose Space

When we began, this room was being used for a little bit of everything: reading, puzzles, TV watching, stereo storage, and even occasional dog grooming. The overlapping functions made the room feel cluttered and unfocused. Adding to the challenge were leftover sconces from the previous owners, poor lighting for reading, and a television that blocked natural light and the view. Our client’s goal was to create a quiet, purposeful space for her love of puzzles and reading.

Bringing Intention Home

This home office remodel started with documenting the room’s current layout and usage patterns. We worked with our client to simplify the room’s function and reimagine it as a library. The first step was identifying other spaces in the home for activities like television watching and dog grooming, freeing up the room for its new purpose.

Next, we designed a space plan that emphasized comfort and functionality. Key elements included a designated area for a puzzle table and cozy reading chairs with ottomans, perfect for putting her feet up with a book. We added a built-in unit that created a true library feel, providing storage for her extensive book collection and space to showcase her quilting creations.

A Room with Personality

To ensure the room reflected our client’s personality, we incorporated a cherished carved chair from her grandfather’s home—a piece with sentimental value and a rich history. The built-in was customized with both open shelving and closed storage to maintain a clean and organized aesthetic.

Lighting and Ambiance

Good lighting is essential for reading and working on puzzles. We replaced the outdated sconces with modern fixtures that complemented the built-in and provided adequate task lighting. By relocating the television, we allowed natural light to flow into the space, brightening the room and enhancing its serene atmosphere.

This home office remodel helped envision a peaceful library tailored to our client’s passions. While it isn'f finished, mood boards we have put together will inform the vision for the project as it progresses. It’s the perfect example of how rethinking an underused space can bring joy and functionality to your home. Whether you’re retiring or just reimagining your living spaces, a focused design can make all the difference.