Black & White Office Makeover

Over the weekend the hubs and I assisted Brooke and Brad in decorating her office at work.  We are very pleased with the results.

Here are a few before photos so you can get an idea of what we had to work with.

It's your typical office with neutral colored walls and harsh overhead fluorescent lights.

Brooke chose a black and white theme for her office.  This enabled her to display her love for nostalgia.

The first thing we did was hang single panel curtains on each side of the focal wall located behind her desk.  We used one curtain rod and split it to use one half for each side of the wall.  Similar to what we did in the hub's office.

This is a great example of how you do not need a window to hang curtains.  As you can see from the next photo, the drape of the fabric softens the look and frames the centerpiece.  The curtains also help ground the art work.

Next up was Audrey Hepburn.  Brooke LOVES Lucy from I Love Lucy (her bridal shower was the I Love Lucy theme), Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, etc.  What better way to surround yourself with things you love considering how much time you spend at work each day.

I love how great minds come together to create something beautiful.   We all felt that something was needed to frame Audrey.  Brad suggested a picture frame molding as an accent in the corners.  So off we go to Hobby Lobby (and a few other stores) to pick up some finishing items.

We all decided the metal brackets were the better choice.  Without a doubt, this was the best choice we could have made.  The hubs suggested we lay the brackets directly on the corners of the canvas.  We loved the look.  I thought it gave it a lacy, sexy look.  They thought I was crazy when I said that.

The next option was Brad's recommendation.  We decided to go with this option as it filled the space and framed the canvas.  Let me warn you should you decide to go with this option....iron work has imperfections.  :)  It is not perfectly straight so line it up the best you can to frame your art work.

What a difference a few items can make to the feel of a room, right?  Just to remind you of where we started here is the before pic of this wall...

and the after.  Now which office would you prefer to work in?  :)  Easy decision for me.

"Carpe Diem" seize the day or my interpretation is seize the opportunity to make your space special to you.

The poster on the right is Frank Sinatra's mugshot.  Here is the story of why he was arrested.

"In 1938, a 23-year-old Frank Sinatra was arrested in Bergen County, NJ. on charges of seduction and adultery.  According to the FBI reports, "On the second and ninth days of November 1938 at the Borough of Lodi" and "under the promise of marriage" Sinatra "did then and there have sexual intercourse with the said complainant, who was then and there a single female of good repute."  This, the charge stated, was "contrary and in violation of the revised statue of 1937."  The charges were later dismissed when it was determined that the woman involved was married."

Brooke is ordering three Lucy canvases to go over her computer.  The canvases are colorful and will add a "pop of color" to the black and white office.  She is also going to add a plant on the corner of her desk.

This is a photo of Oak Alley Plantation framed over the two chairs in front of her desk.  Oak Alley Plantation is a favorite place of Brooke and Brad's.

I want to give a "shout out" to the hubs and Brad for being such good sports and being patient with us in the decorating process.

I hope this inspires you with ideas you can apply to your home or office decor.  You don't have to "break the bank" to bring your space alive with the things you love.  All you need to do is surround yourself with the things that make your heart sing.

I'd love to hear your stories of how you chose to decorate your office/space.

Take care and have a wonderful day!

xoxoxo

Debbie