This home office makeover transforms an outdated dining room into a bright, more functional workspace with shared desk space, useful storage, and a timeless look. The room had once been used as a formal sitting room and later as a dining room, but its layout was not working well as an everyday space.
Planning the Home Office Makeover
The house was built in 1960, and the room’s original purpose is believed to have been a formal sitting room. Before the renovation, the previous owners used it as a formal dining room, while the room now serving as the dining room was used as a music room. Reassigning the spaces made it possible to create a dedicated home office.
The project included adding two closets and closing off an open doorway with French doors. The additional storage helps keep larger items accessible without leaving them out in the workspace. The updated layout was also described as making the room technically count as a fifth bedroom, though bedroom classifications can depend on local requirements and a home’s specific features.
The before-and-after change shows how much a room’s function can improve when storage, lighting, and furniture are planned together. Before making similar changes, measure the room and consider how doors, walkways, and shared work areas will be used each day.
Furnishings for a Shared Workspace
A large unfinished work table sits at the center of the office. It was customized with stain and chosen to serve as a shared desk for two people, while also providing a flexible surface for projects. A substantial table can make a shared office more practical, but it is worth checking that there is enough clearance around it for chairs and movement.
Dining armchairs on wheels were used instead of conventional desk chairs. They offer a comfortable seating option for this setup and can be moved around the table as needed. For a workspace used for long stretches, consider chair comfort and support alongside appearance.
Storage That Keeps the Office Tidy
Two IKEA cabinets were refreshed using a laminate furniture-painting method in Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. Their deep blue finish adds contrast to the light walls while giving office supplies and other items a place to go. When painting laminate furniture, follow the coating system’s preparation and drying instructions so the finish is suited to the surface.
The new closets provide room for larger belongings and keep them easy to reach. Frosted window film was applied to the glass so the contents are less visible when the doors are closed. This is a practical option when you want the lightness of glass doors but prefer a more concealed look.
Lighting and Finishing Details
A linen-shade pendant light with clean, modern lines serves as the main decorative fixture. Wall sconces add light to a wall without windows and bring together classic and contemporary details. In a room without much natural light, combine general lighting with additional fixtures where the workspace needs it.
The room also features oversized artwork made from a shower curtain, a project reported to cost $60. Its scale makes it a focal point near the entrance. A traditionally styled rug adds warmth underfoot, while creamy white curtains soften walls painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.
Project Colors and Room Sources
- Wall and trim color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Cabinet color: Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Door color: Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
- Cabinets
- Oversized DIY artwork made from a shower curtain
- Work table
- Chairs
- Area rug
- Pendant light
- Wall sconces
- Curtains and curtain rods
- Closet doors
- French doors
The finished room provides a dedicated place to work instead of relying on the sofa, with a shared table, closed storage, and layered lighting. This home office makeover demonstrates how rethinking an underused room can create a more comfortable and organized workspace. For a similar project, start by deciding what the room needs to store, how many people will use it, and where task and ambient lighting will be most useful.
