Decorating Julie’s Office
The phone rang, and as I answered on the 3rd or 4th ring, my excited colleague, who is also one of my favorites at the clinic, excitedly, gasped, “You have to do me a favor. I do you favors all the time.” I would say yes to anything Julie needed, and she knew it; however, she decided to add the extra layer of how she helps me with IT questions, event staffing, employee gathering, etc. I laughed and said I would be happy to help, what’s up?
Julie is the Director of the company’s Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic. Her job is to keep the 7-day-a-week facility fully staffed, organized and trouble shoot any employee challenges or daily hiccups. Her knack for keeping employee morale high is impressive but her job can be bigger than one person on most days. Julie was calling because upper management had asked her to give her personal office space a lift and create a place she would be proud to call her own. The current space where her desk was located was a “catch-all” room of empty boxes, File drawers and a few broken umbrellas and outdated orthopedic boots in the corner. Unsure as to what prompted this directive but anxious to follow orders, Julie called me take the reins.
“They told me if I was nervous to pick some things out, to call you, Julie explained, “since you don’t have any problem spending money.” I laughed out loud, nodded, and thought, “that’s true”.
Here’s a photo of Julie’s office when she called. The desk is attached to the wall so we will have to work around that as we select furniture and décor.
First stop was TJMAXX. We’re looking for a credenza/console, guest chairs, accessories, lamps and wall décor. The goal is to find that initial piece that will inspire the space.
Here’s the console we found. I love the lighter wood. It gives the space a feminine touch. The lamps were a homerun. They tie in the existing carpet and wall color yet add a more personal, cozy touch to the space. The circle mirror will go between the lamps and check out those amazing Rhino bookends! Too cute, and gives the space personality. The matching grey fabric boxes will be perfect for office storage and the console is roomy enough to house Julie’s printer below. We will bring in a couple of Julie’s personal photos for these modern glass 5 x 7 frames. Green moss balls and a faux fiddle leaf will come in handy once we ready for finishing touches.
I returned two Bassett side chairs from TJMaxx, once I found this more modern and unique pair at Ballard Design Outlet in Roswell, GA. The soft grey trim ties in nicely with the console. I’m thinking a couple of throw pillows will add some color to the chairs. Also, still looking for a lamp to replace the one you see here on the side table, and not sure if the flute player sculpture will stay or get returned once all is said and done.
LOVED this print found at Ballard Design Outlet. Actually preferred a larger version, but the glass was scratched and the blue was a touch too turquoise. I could look at this print all day. I hope Julie feels the same.
The print looks nice between the two lamps but I’m thinking I prefer the scale of the round mirror best. I found these books at the Thrift store to display between our rhinos.
This peel and stick wallpaper found at TJMaxx was the homerun that made Julie’s face light up. It’s a fun but busy pattern, so thinking we pick one wall to accent. Will definitely give her office that “wow” factor, I’m looking for.
This life-like fiddle leaf fig is perfect beside the console and balances the room nicely. I went with a low maintenance, live plant beside the seating are and chose a fun blue color for the planter. I love adding natural moss to potted plants. It adds such a professional touch.
The dry erase board from the Container Store reminds us this is an office, and the large clock that hangs adjacently, is easy to see from any angle. Two feather throw pillows tie in the beautiful blue from across the room and welcome Julie’s guest so sit and get comfortable.
The Thymes diffuser was a splurge purchase that I insisted Julie would enjoy. Julie now agrees and adds, “Everyone who visits her office comments and is curious to know the fragrance source.”
The office is complete, and I couldn’t be happier with the space. Perhaps the biggest indicator of success is Julie saying she can’t wait to get to work in the morning!
Here’s a video of the room:
