From Dark and Dated to Fresh and Inspiring
The Transformation of a Home Office

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we thrive on creating spaces that not only meet our clients’ needs but also exceed their wildest expectations. Our recent office renovation project exemplifies this commitment to our clients’ dreams. Today, we’re sharing a detailed look at how we transformed a dark, dated office into a fresh, inspiring workspace that perfectly balances functionality and style.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

Our client came to us with a vision for their dark and dated office space. They wanted our Knoxville interior design team to reimagine the wood-paneled walls and coffered ceiling in a way that made working from home less dreadful. After meticulous planning, we decided that the dark wood was simply not in line with their personal style, and we recommended painting the entire room a light neutral shade.

The client was hesitant to jump on board but ultimately trusted our team’s judgment. While they didn’t particularly like the dark wood walls, they had an attachment to them. In another century, someone would have paid a lot of money for trim like that! However, for the transitional home we’ve designed for them, it was crucial for the clients to let go. Boy, are they glad they did!

Blending Tradition with Modernity

The client wished for a contemporary feel that aligned with the rest of their home. To achieve this, we blended the existing traditional millwork with contemporary artwork and furnishings, resulting in a transitional space that seamlessly flows with the home’s decor. Furthermore, the client requested a touch of masculinity in the office. To fulfill this, we selected materials like leather, iron, and wood, which, despite their robust nature, maintained an overall light and airy ambiance.

The client wanted a large desk paired with a comfortable chair for working, so we chose a wood desk with iron legs to serve as the room’s centerpiece. To complement this, we selected an ergonomic chair, ensuring both style and comfort. Additionally, the client desired a cozy nook for reading and relaxation. We designed a corner featuring a plush leather chair, complemented by a sleek floor lamp and a convenient side table, creating the perfect spot for lounging.

Execution and Transformation

The renovation process involved painting the millwork a fresh coat of light neutral paint, which significantly brightened the room, making it feel much larger and more open. We also installed a new, modern chandelier to add some drama. We kept the existing hardwood floors but added a large rug to make the space feel cozy and grounded.

We then selected contemporary furnishings, including the wood and iron desk and the leather lounge chair, which brought the traditional office design into the present century. Adding personal touches, such as contemporary artwork and carefully chosen decor elements, added character and warmth to the space.

The transformation was remarkable. The once dark and dated office became a fresh, inspiring place to work. The client was thrilled with the outcome, particularly appreciating the new light and airy feel. They now look forward to work-from-home days, enjoying a functional yet beautiful office space that supports productivity and comfort.

A Demonstration of Design Excellence

This project demonstrates the power of thoughtful design and the impact of even simple changes, like a new paint color, in transforming a space. At Rowan Hall Interiors, we are proud to create environments that not only meet functional needs but also enhance the well-being and satisfaction of our clients.

If you’re considering an office renovation or any other interior project, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started on your transformation journey!

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A Symphony of Style
Transforming a Dark Basement into a Contemporary Haven

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we believe every space has the potential to become a reflection of its inhabitants’ personalities and preferences. In our latest project, we embarked on a journey to breathe new life into a dated and dim basement, creating a contemporary oasis that seamlessly merges transitional elegance with bold modernity.

The Vision

BEFORE

BEFORE

The problem was clear: the basement no longer harmonized with the rest of the beautifully remodeled home. Dark and outdated, this space needed a fresh start to become a family-centric area for relaxation and entertainment. The Rowan Hall team previously worked with these clients for years, remodeling almost every inch of their upstairs while leaving the basement neglected. Now, it was time for a change.

Our clients typically favor a contemporary look, yet their home leans traditional. In the rest of the home, we created a delicate, transitional balance. A total remodel of the basement gave us the opportunity to let the clients’ contemporary taste shine. 

We love that these clients don’t shy away from bold color, but it was important to give them a neutral base so their favorite hues could shine. We opted for blue accents that give this space a classic and fun feel.

A New Foundation

Before we could bring in the fun furnishings and dreamy accents, we needed to address the foundation of the room. Carpet and dark walls were not exactly creating an inviting environment, and there was a dividing wall with a stone archway separating the basement. We decided to open up the space by removing the wall, which led to a structural dilemma and the need for a wood beam spanning the middle of our new open space.

Wood beams installed for structural support and architectural design

Navigating structural challenges creatively, we turned a necessity into a design highlight. Four massive beams, stained to match the new engineered hardwood flooring, became not just supports but an architectural focal point, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the room.

We painted the walls a light gray, installed new flooring, and our blank canvas was ready for the Rowan Hall magic!

Kitchen Overhaul

This basement hangout had a pretty dated eyesore that was probably amazing in some other decade. A fireplace + kitchen combo wouldn’t have been our first pick, but we wanted to work with the unique layout to create a more functional space for this bonus room.

BEFORE

Working with the existing structure, we transformed the space by adding more cabinets to give a more balanced appearance. We opted for a light, warm gray color to brighten the space, and replaced the countertops with a beautiful light quartz. We introduced a metallic glass tile backsplash to dress up the space, and ran the tile in a vertical straight stack to give the contemporary feel our clients love. 

As for the fireplace, we chose to embrace it. The heavy stone needed to go, and we replaced it with a neutral tile surround. The finished look is sleek and modern, the perfect focal point for a cool basement hangout. 

AFTER

AFTER

Thoughtful Planning

To break up the long, open space and provide flow, we designed back-to-back seating areas, giving the family multiple areas to gather for movies and game nights. Both areas have cozy seating and upholstered ottomans, perfect for lounging. We broke up the space vertically by adding a set of beautiful lamps between the back-to-back sofas. This is one of those genius techniques that our clients love when working with our experienced designers. The room still feels open and airy, but visually, there is a clear separation.

One of the seating areas is anchored by the fireplace, and we opted for an L-shaped sofa to provide plenty of comfy seating. An important piece of the puzzle for this particular client was artwork. She really wanted something that spoke to her, so we searched high and low for the perfect options. In the end, she fell in love with this abstract figurine painting in shades of blue and gray, which perfectly ties in with the other blue hues we included. 

The other seating area is anchored by a bold statement wall. We couldn’t resist a little grasscloth wallpaper, especially when our clients aren’t afraid to take some risks! This one in particular has a raised gold detail in a geometric pattern. The TV sits beautifully on this wall, and we also installed a floating cabinet to hide cords and consoles and other not-so-beautiful things. We truly think of it all!

Personalized Expertise

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we take pride in earning our clients’ trust through personalized expertise. Every decision is curated to suit their needs, ensuring a collaborative and enjoyable design journey. Personal touches, like the client’s cherished artwork, are seamlessly integrated into the design narrative.

The stark contrast between the before and after is a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design. The once dark and uninspiring space now radiates openness, contemporary elegance, and a neutral palette punctuated with playful pops of color that can easily evolve with the family’s changing tastes.

In every project, our Knoxville interior designers’ commitment is to go beyond aesthetics, creating spaces that tell a unique story and enhance the lives of those who inhabit them. This basement remodel is not just a room; it’s a symphony of style, where the elements of contemporary and transitional design dance together in perfect harmony.

We would love to get to know you and create a beautifully unique space for you and your family! Whether your living room needs an upgrade or you’re itching for a total remodel, our team can make your dreams come true. Give us a call today!

For more photos of this project, click here.

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